A meeting is the coming together of three or more people who share common aims and objectives, and who using verbal and written communication contribute to the objectives being achieved.

The Purpose of Meetings

Meetings are an important organisational tool as they can be used to:

• Pool and develop ideas
• Plan
• Solve problems
• Make decisions
• Create and develop understanding
• Encourage enthusiasm and initiative
• Provide a sense of direction
• Create a common purpose

While meetings may differ in size, content and approach, effective meetings all have the following three elements in common:

1. A distinctive purpose or aim
2. Use of effective communication
3. A controlled situation