Just like any mode of entertainment, the first few minutes really set the tone.

Good ways to start a meeting are with an interesting quote or news article or an amusing anecdote about a former success that you and another team had; think of something that is relevant to what will be discussed in the meeting that you can use to lead into it.

Try engaging the group in an ‘ice-breaker’ activity where they can have fun, loosen up and familiarise themselves with each other. Get them to find out facts about each other and relate them to the group or express how they are feeling with a word or a drawing.   

Here is a list of personal qualities and attributes as well as some basic facilitation skills and techniques that help towards being an effective meeting host.

• Excellent communication skills

• First-class organisational ability

• Punctuality and time management

• Precise attention to detail

• Conflict management skills

• A talent for problem-solving 

• Group management techniques

• Flexibility and adaptability

• Decisiveness

Be personable, approachable and charismatic; often this is best achieved by just being yourself. If you are well-liked by the group, they will be a much more co-operative audience as well as a more productive team.

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