24/03/2011
The language of a meeting is "central" to communication within businesses, and having a well-structured agendas is key.
That's according to the BBC, which gave some top tips on how to run business meetings effectively, maximising their potential. One of the most crucial aspects of chairing a meeting well is to go in with a well-thought-through agenda.
This will maintain a professional and business-like atmosphere, giving everyone an indication of the topics to be discussed. These may include a range of things; such as any upcoming changes to the business, new recruits or asking for ideas on how to grow the business further.
If the chairperson is met with silence when the latter subject is raised, they could consider sparking a debate by suggesting the company free up some cash by using one of the sales finance options that are widely available - before investing the money back into a particular area of the firm, allowing it to grow further.
This could ignite an interesting discussion, and perhaps provide some inspiration for others. It's important everyone gets to voice their opinion, but in a constructive way. The BBC advised: "Inevitably, people will agree and disagree with one another during meetings."
"It's important to make your position in a debate clear, while being polite to people you disagree with." However if the discussions get a bit overheated, consider reining all attendees in by politely interrupting, and suggesting they get back to the other topics listed on the agenda.
An expert writing for About.com also provided some handy tips on how attendees can feel more comfortable in meetings. Their advice was for people to feel confident in introducing themselves, asking others about their day and getting to know fellow attendees prior to the meeting.
Deborah Bates