I think our meetings would benefit from a little more structure.
I am not talking about imposing roberts rules of order, just scheduling some topics for discussion before the main presenation (if there is one.} The way it is now, we usually each just fiddle around on our own laptops, maybe we talk with our neighbors or break into little groups. This can be especially daunting for new people who don't know anyone.
If we had a period before the presentation with a set agenda, then people who want to do a short show and tell or pose a question for the group can "have the floor" for a little bit. Also new people would have an idea what to expect.
I am thinking that we would call the meeting to order, introduce ourselves for the benefit of any new folks, discuss each topic on the agenda for no more than 2 to 10 minutes each and then get to the main presentation.
Sample agenda
- 10:00 am Call to order and Introductions
- 10:05 Short discussion topics
- X shows of his new gadget
- Y asks what mail client everyone is using
- Z gauges whether there is interest in doing a presentation on some topic
- X shows of his new gadget
- 10:30 Main presentation
We could propose discussion topics for the agenda on this board.
What does everyone think?
