Ever left a meeting feeling like nothing was accomplished, despite running overtime? You're not alone. In this episode of Public Health Curated, we're transforming meeting frustration into facilitation success with practical tools and techniques specifically designed for public health professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Effective preparation is key to meeting success
- Energy management can transform meeting dynamics
- Strategic facilitation techniques keep meetings focused and productive
- Small changes in meeting structure can lead to significant improvements in outcomes
Episode Highlights
1. Meeting Preparation Framework
Think of it like preparing for a community health fair - success starts with thorough planning:
- Tech Check: Test everything 10 minutes before
- Room Setup: Create an environment that supports participation
- Time Buffer Planning: Add 5-minute buffers for every 30 minutes scheduled
2. Energy Management Tools
Transform meeting energy from draining to energizing:
- Energy Check: Quick 1-10 level assessment
- Movement Breaks: Strategic stand-and-share moments
- Quick Fixes: Rescue tools for when energy dips
3. Practical Facilitation Techniques
The MoSCoW Method for Prioritization:
- Must have
- Should have
- Could have
- Won't have right now
The Parking Lot Method:
- Visible space for off-topic but important ideas
- End-of-meeting review
- Clear owner assignment for follow-up
Success Strategies
-
Pre-Meeting Excellence
- Send clear agendas with time allocations
- Distribute necessary materials in advance
- Set clear meeting objectives
-
During-Meeting Management
- Start with energy check
- Use time bounds for each section
- Maintain parking lot for off-topic items
-
Post-Meeting Follow-Through
- Document clear action items
- Assign owners to tasks
- Schedule follow-ups as needed
Real-World Application
Here's how to apply these tools in a 60-minute community health worker training program meeting:
- Pre-meeting: Send out topic suggestions form
- First 5 minutes: Quick energy check and meeting goals
- Middle: Use MoSCoW prioritization for topics
- End: Clear action items and owners
Your Action Steps
- Choose ONE technique to try in your next meeting
- Download the Joy-Filled Meeting Facilitation Quick-Guide
- Practice the energy check in your next team gathering
- Share your experiences with #JoyfulMeetings
Join the Conversation
How do you keep your public health meetings engaging and productive? Share your favorite facilitation techniques in the comments below, and don't forget to download our Joy-Filled Meeting Facilitation Quick-Guide!
About the Host: Veronica Sek-Shubert, MPH, is the founder of Public Health Curated and a DrPH candidate at Tulane University. With over 15 years of experience in non-for-profit and public health spaces, she's dedicated to helping professionals rediscover their spark while creating meaningful system change.