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Jarlath Duffy - Change from Within

A Meeting Checklist for Managers/Leaders/Facilitators - ctd

As the meeting runs

For each item on the agenda summarize previous discussions or decisions about the agenda item to bring everyone up to date.
Watch for dominance of speaking time and ask those who are quiet for ideas and thoughts. Ask: " I'd like to ask those who have not yet spoken to contribute."
Summarise points and clarify discussion. If an agreement is being sought, grab elements as they emerge in discussion and trial test them. It helps to write down the topic or issue under discussion so everyone can see and refer to it.
Catch any items that have not been resolved, or come up in a discussion and ask the group what to do with them.
Note digressions and remind members to stay on task. Write related digressions up on the board and ask the group to delay consideration of this until later - then after the current issue is finished, ask the group what to do with it.
Make sure you have eye contact with the people you speak to.
Listen for and watch body language to catch any unexpressed issues or feelings.
Guide members who speak much to be briefer, use time as a boundary.
Watch for restlessness and take breaks when you sense the need for one.
Be sure any tasks generated are assigned to specific individuals or groups.