Effective commuication in business meeting.

Essay by laiewUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, April 2006

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In order to provide communication strategies for conducting effective business meetings it is important to determine what is considered an effective or productive meeting? Meetings are generally organized because there is a need for a collaboration of thoughts and ideas that a serial string of e-mails could not accomplish. But in order for the meeting to be productive there must be certain rules of engagement to include leadership, organization, and a succinct expression of ideas. Meetings have developed a stigma over the years of being wasted time and unproductive, so it is important to learn communication techniques that will draw out positive results. Some of the techniques or tools to consider are planning, visual aids, acute listening, timely speaking, and solid conflict management skills.

Chaney and Lyden (1998) have reported the following regarding what makes a successful meeting:

Successful meetings happen by design rather than by happenstance; they should brief, focused, and productive.

Careful planning, with attention to specific guidelines, can change negative attitudes toward meetings to positive ones and can go a long way toward assuring the success of the meeting.

Meetings that are not too long or frequent are additional points that can go towards achieving a positive attitude of the process.

Chaney and Lyden (1998) also take pains to point out that US businesses spend more money on conducting meetings than any other country in the world, and estimate that the cost of a meeting with 8 managers costs an estimated $300 to $700 an hour. This could imply that this country is headed towards failure or at least a reduced role in the global economy if this wasted time remains unchecked. Simple habits such as advanced preparation and prompt attendance could save valuable time and money.

During the planning stage, adequate preparation, which takes some but...