Course outline

Planning and preparation for outcomes

This module turns meetings from updates into decision forums.

• Define purpose, decisions and success criteria
• Build a decision-oriented agenda (owners, timings, inputs)
• Map participants and interests; plan roles and speaking order
• Set pre-reads and expectations for an efficient start

Chairing with authority and facilitation craft

This module establishes control while enabling contribution.

• Professional openings, housekeeping and ground rules
• Framing issues, managing scope and time-boxing
• Encouraging balanced participation; probing and summarising
• Keeping energy high; using the “parking lot” without losing focus

Managing dynamics, conflict and difficult behaviours

This module handles pressure, personalities and derailers.

• Read the room; de-escalation language and tone control
• Intervening with dominance, tangents and repetition
• Inclusive techniques for quieter voices and dissent
• Maintaining fairness and credibility under challenge

Decision capture and follow-through

This module ensures meetings translate into action.

• Summarising decisions and rationales clearly
• Action owners, deadlines and risk flags
• Writing concise minutes/decision notes people actually read
• Post-meeting cadence and stakeholder updates

Who should attend?

Managers, project leaders, communications and corporate affairs professionals, chiefs of staff and senior administrators who need to run effective meetings that produce decisions and accountability in public or private sector settings.

What you will learn

After this course you will be able to:

• Design agendas that focus discussion and drive outcomes
• Chair meetings with calm authority and professional presence
• Use practical facilitation techniques to keep discussions productive
• Manage conflict and difficult behaviours without derailing progress
• Capture decisions and actions clearly to sustain momentum
• Communicate concise post-meeting notes that align stakeholders