9 Time Saving Tips for Meetings

1. The participants should be aware of the subject matter of the meeting. Instead of just announcing that a meeting is to be held, it would be a good idea to inform the participants as to what why the meeting is being called and what are the matters that are going to be discussed in the meeting.

2. Try to get the members seated in time, if one or two members are going to be late and everyone else has to wait for them, that is going to upset the pace of the meeting.

3. Try to provide all the members with the necessary papers and equipment for the discussion. Instead of passing round one paper for everyone to see, try and make copies, the extra cost is worth the time.

4. Interruptions should be avoided as much as possible, but the members must feel free to air their views once a person has finished speaking.

5. Care must be taken to avoid eating around the bush and digressions. The presiding person must not hesitate to point out if a person is digressing too much. The members too must be cautioned to stick to the point as much s possible.

6. The members of course must display the high degree and patience expected from professionals.

7. A person must give a summary at the end of the meeting, so that the members leave with the knowledge that something was accomplished and it was not just a meaningless discussion.

8. Cell phones of course must be switched of and external calls on land phones mast be deferred.

9. Refreshments if required must be laid on the table prior to the beginning of the discussion and not served in between. If it is a very long discussion and hot beverages like tea and coffee need to be served, take a break it saves more time.

By Chris Hanna