The papers went out two hours before the meeting. Nobody's read them. The treasurer is explaining the budget while everyone scrolls their phone. And then there's Dave. Dave hasn't read anything, has very strong opinions, and is not afraid to share them at length. Two and a half hours later, no decisions have been made.

A great meeting is almost entirely built before anyone even sits down. In the first episode of the Smarter Meetings series, Kate H and Kate M cover the four-section agenda that puts important things where they belong, why general business needs to be deleted from your vocabulary, how reports should be structured so they're actually useful, and what every committee member needs to do before they walk in the room. Free agenda and report templates in the show notes.

Show notes and free downloads at thecommitteeroom.com.au