Where does it start, what happens in the middle and how does it conclude? Throw in a little tension and some pacing and you’ve got a story that people will go to the theatre to see, buy a book, or binge-watch all weekend long.
Your meetings can be like that too — they can have a strong start that lets people know why they need to be there, and they can keep things quick and to the point without going off on tangents in every direction so no one knows what is happening and they can end one of two ways — a beautifully wrapped, perfectly packaged gift or a dynamic cliffhanger that leaves them pounding the door to get to the next one (I’m looking at you weekly status update meetings).
I’ve already spoken to how every one of your meetings needs to have ambition, so if you’re already doing those things, you’re halfway there.
How to Start
First off, don’t start with — “Everyone go around and introduces yourself” — no one wants to do that, no one wants to hear about Fred’s hobbies. Instead, kick everyone as soon as it’s time to start — “Everyone tells us what you’re here to contribute and what you want to get out of this meeting” — now they are on the spot, perhaps a little tense because “Oh no I have to do stuff now and can’t hide” that’s great, that’s the idea. You’re not here for people to listen, you’re here to get…
