The Dos and Don’ts of Conducting In-Person Meetings

Hey there, fellow humans! Are you wondering how to conduct in-person meetings without any disruptions or awkwardness? Well, you’ve come to the right place because I’ve got you covered with the dos and don’ts of conducting in-person meetings!

The Dos

Do prepare an agenda beforehand ✅

To achieve a productive meeting, an agenda is essential. It will help set the tone for the meeting, guide the flow, and ensure that everyone stays on track. Plus, it allows everyone to come prepared and ready to discuss the topics at hand.

Do arrive on time ⏰

As they say, “time is money.” Show respect to your colleagues by showing up on time or even five minutes early. This ensures that you’re ready and settled before the meeting starts, and it shows that you value everyone’s time.

< Image Description>Two people shaking hands as a sign of being on time</Image Description>

Do encourage active participation 💡

Encourage everyone to speak their minds and offer ideas. This not only boosts morale but also opens the floor to a diverse set of inputs which can lead to more innovative solutions.

< Image Description>A group of people participating in a meeting with their hands raised as they try to contribute to the discussion</Image Description>

Do wrap up with an action plan 📝

After a fruitful meeting, wrapping it up with an actionable plan is a must. It ensures everyone is on the same page and clarifies tasks to be done. Plus, it’ll help remind you of the critical takeaways and keep you accountable.

< Image Description>A group of people surrounding a desk writing on notebooks and post-it notes for an action plan</Image Description>

The Don’ts

Don’t dominate the conversation 😠

It is crucial not to let one person dominate the conversation, as others may feel left out or unable to contribute. Encouraging active participation from everyone is one way to prevent this. Remember, everyone’s contributions are valuable!

< Image Description>A person dominating the conversation with everyone turned away from him, expressing annoyance</Image Description>

Don’t use jargon or technical terms excessively 🤓

Using jargon or technical terms excessively may alienate others. Suppose these words are necessary. In that case, it would be best to offer a brief explanation or provide reference material, so everyone is on the same page.

< Image Description>A person holding up a sign that reads “stop the jargon” while everyone around him looks confused</Image Description>

Don’t deviate from the agenda 🙅‍♀️

Remember the agenda? Use it to your advantage and stick to it! Deviating from it can result in unproductive discussions and time-wasting tangents. Plus, it shows a lack of preparation and disrespect to everyone’s time.

< Image Description>A person steering away from the road, symbolizing going off track from the agenda</Image Description>

Don’t forget to thank everyone 🙏

Lastly, forgetting to thank everyone and show appreciation is a big no-no. Saying thank you not only shows gratitude but also signals the end of the meeting. Plus, it’s always good manners to end a meeting with a positive note.

< Image Description>A group of people smiling as they say goodbye to each other, indicating a successful and productive meeting</Image Description>

Now, armed with these dos and don’ts, you are more than ready to handle any in-person meeting like a pro! Remember to always aim for a productive and enjoyable meeting.