Steps for Planning and Holding Meetings with Results

Meetings! They take a lot of time out of our schedules. Unfortunately we have all attended a meeting that could have used a little help in the area of planning, organization and facilitation. This section will highlight helpful hints, tools, and forms that may allow you to conduct more productive meetings.

To meet or not to meet—that is the most important question. Think in terms of staff time, money for travel and food, and the most appropriate process to meet your objectives. Instead of a face-to-face meeting, consider e-mail, list serve, letter or memo, fax, conference call, teleconferencing or other alternative methods.

If you decide on some form of a meeting, in person or electronic, there are many factors to consider. Listed below are steps for you to review and use prior to your next meeting to make sure the members of your group or committee will feel it was a good use of time.

At the end of this section you will find a sample "Meeting Planning" form and "Meeting Agenda" form to help you get started when it is time to plan your meeting.

Managing Materials at Your Meeting: Tricks of the Trade!

Many times we go to a meeting where materials and supplies are in chaos or it takes time from the meeting to pass out supplies for different tasks. The links below list suggestions on how you can keep meeting supplies organized and accessible.

• Tips for packaging sets of materials for individual tables
• Easy ways to take supplies and equipment from one place to another
• Suggested items for a ready-to-go supply kit

• Self-Mastery Skills: What Does It Mean to Be a Facilitator?
• Presence and Presentation Skills
• Relating Skills:

• Logistic Skills
• Facilitation Strategies
• References