Creating an Agenda

What is the Purpose of an Agenda?

An agenda is common in schools to keep track of due dates and events. In a meeting setting, an agenda guides the conversation to increase productivity and effectiveness within the designated time. The agenda is critical in keeping the meeting organized.

How do you Organize the Content?

Schwarz (2015) suggests the first agenda topic begins with new changes creating a focus on topics originally planned to follow afterward. If members take the time to discuss the newly added information, they are less likely to get sidetracked.  After the new changes, you can list the rest of the discussion points with relevant questions to be addressed. Lastly, assign members of the meeting to speak on behalf of selected topics to prepare themselves and create a flow of discussion.

For more information on meeting agenda templates visit: www.canva.com/templates/s/agenda/  or use the templates on Microsoft Word.

Summary

An agenda is a great tool for maintaining order during a meeting. It lays out the order of discussion topics with who will be responsible for speaking on them. The agenda can create a flow to a meeting but it is important to leave room for new changes.