Effective Meetings Course

Module 1: Convening a Meeting and Setting Ground Rules

• Identify the value of self-introductions and welcoming participants
• Understand the roles of leader, recorder, and timekeeper in meetings
• Establish meeting ground rules for participation and decorum
• Practice conducting mock meetings to simulate real workplace scenarios

Module 2: Defining the Purpose of a Meeting

• Define what constitutes a meeting and distinguish appropriate purposes
• Evaluate when a meeting is necessary vs. alternative methods (email, memos)
• Identify causes of ineffective meetings and how to avoid them
• Craft clear meeting objectives and desired outcomes

Module 3: Preparing for a Meeting

• Develop agendas with time blocks, topic leads, and outcomes
• Select and prepare meeting logistics, attendees, and materials
• Assign and define key roles including recorder and timekeeper
• Create templates and tools for productive meeting planning

Module 4: Facilitating a Meeting

• Manage group dynamics and encourage inclusive participation
• Use decision-making tools including consensus and voting techniques
• Apply strategies to handle common disruptions and difficult personalities
• Refine questioning, summarizing, and redirecting skills

Module 5: Following Through After a Meeting

• Document meeting decisions, action items, and next steps
• Establish accountability through clear assignments and deadlines
• Distribute concise, actionable meeting notes efficiently
• Conduct personal and team evaluations of meeting effectiveness

Module 6: Conducting Effective Virtual Meetings

• Adapt in-person strategies for virtual settings with confidence
• Plan for technology, engagement tools, and time zone logistics
• Encourage participation through structured check-ins and polls
• Troubleshoot challenges unique to remote environments