You are on your first project and you have to organize and manage the project kick-off meeting. What do you do first? Do you create the agenda or the invitation list? How do you run a meeting? What preparation do you need? All of these are valid and real questions you, as the meeting manager, must address. There is no doubt about it. Meetings require skill and technique in order for the meeting to achieve its purpose. Disorganized and poorly managed meetings waste time and hurt your credibility as a meeting manager. Consistently leaving a poor impression with the attendees will haunt you if left unchecked.

This training course is designed to give you the basic tools you need to initiate and manage your meetings. You will learn planning and leading techniques that will give you the confidence to run a meeting that will engage your attendees and leave a positive and lasting impression. This is a hands-on workshop and your participation will help make it a valuable experience. Use this time to begin the process of developing your skills along with other participants who share the same desire to improve their meeting management skills.

Outline:

Module One: Getting Started

• Icebreaker
• Housekeeping Items
• The Parking Lot
• Workshop Objectives

Module Two: Planning and Preparing (I)

• Identifying the Participants
• Choosing the Time and Place
• Creating the Agenda

Module Three: Planning and Preparing (II)

• Gathering Materials
• Sending Invitations
• Making Logistical Arrangements

Module Four: Setting up the Meeting Space

• The Basic Essentials
• The Extra Touches
• Choosing a Physical Arrangement

Module Five: Electronic Options

• Overview of Choices Available
• Things to Consider
• Making a Final Decision

Module Six: Meeting Roles and Responsibilities

• The Chairperson
• The Minute Taker
• The Attendees
• Variations for Large and Small Meetings

Module Seven: Chairing a Meeting (I)

• Getting Off on the Right Foot
• The Role of the Agenda
• Using a Parking Lot

Module Eight: Chairing a Meeting (II)

• Keeping the Meeting on Track
• Dealing with Overtime
• Holding Participants Accountable

Module Nine: Dealing with Disruptions

• Running in and Out
• Cell Phone and Pagers Ringing
• Off on a Tangent
• Personality Conflict

Module Ten: Taking Minutes

• What are Minutes?
• What do I Record?
• A Take-Home Template

Module Eleven: Making the Most of Your Meeting

• The 50 Minute Meeting
• Using Games
• Giving Prizes
• Stuffed Magic

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Review of Parking Lot
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations

For more information about this course, kindly contact us at:

[email protected]