Conducting successful meetings is a vital skill in today's business environment. Successful meetings provide an essential forum for planning, debate, information, briefing and decision-making. However, too many meetings are poorly prepared and managed, leading to the loss of valuable time and failure in satisfying their objectives.

This conducting successful meetings training course is designed to give participants guidelines on the necessary preparation and structure of meetings to ensure successful outcomes. It is also designed to enable participants to learn and practice the effective skills of chairing and participating in shorter and more productive meetings.

Course Objectives

Learn how to prepare for a meeting so that participants are clear about their role and what is to be achieved.
Acquire a range of interpersonal skills to keep control of the meeting and disarm disruptive participants.
Ensure that each agenda item is introduced and dealt with effectively.
Structure discussions to build group consensus and gain a clear decision on each specific agenda item.
Identify what can go wrong in meetings and know what action to take to ensure participants keep focused on the task.
Encourage appropriate participation and eliminate time wasting.

Course Designed For

All professional staff required to run and/or participate in meetings. This workshop will be especially useful for those who want to ensure full participation and commitment from everyone present whilst reducing the length of the meeting.

Maximum Number of Delegates

Eight

In-House Delivery Option Available

Yes

Roles and Responsibilities

How to become an effective meeting leader
Which type of meeting suits your needs?
Your key responsibilities as a participant

Clarity in Meeting Preparation

Creating meeting objectives that are clear and specific
Setting an agenda
Structuring the agenda - where to place the least and most important items
How to lobby for support
Collecting appropriate data from interested parties
Briefing minute takers and guest speakers

Lead an Effective Meeting

Personal qualities of meeting leaders
Creating an atmosphere where all participants will be able to contribute
Keep focused on the agenda and prevent the introduction of irrelevant issues
Controlling time wasting and disruptive influences
Forging an environment for open discussion
Formulating agreement from a variety of views
Guidelines for running short meetings

Communicate with Authority

Learning the fundamentals of non-verbal communication

Deal with Disruptive Influences

Ensuring all participants have a say
How to make interventions that will curtail irrelevant discussions
Employing techniques to keep control

Action Points and Endings

Tips for making clear decisions
The two prime times for summarising key points
Gaining commitment through the delegation of action points
How to prevent the meeting from drifting on
Learning to end with a focus on the future

Personal Development

Creating a personal action plan to enhance your future development

£395 + VAT per Delegate

Discounts are available if 2 or more delegates from the same organisation attend the same course.

Please read 'How much does each course cost' on our FAQ's page for details.

A well researched and presented course, providing me with the skills I need to chair more successful meetings.

Office Co-ordinator - UK Publisher

Well structured and delivered course. I now feel I have the skill and confidence needed to run our monthly meetings and make the outcomes more beneficial for all of the attendees.

Project Manager - Solicitors Office

I have wasted so much time in meetings over the years without ever believing that there are ways to improve the process. Don't believe it. Go on this course and be amazed at the improvements that can be made.

Audit Manager - National Firm of Accountants