Meeting Tips
Main menu			Questions	Toolkit	Mtg Tips
	Select the right communication style. styles Many meetings are ineffective simply because participants use a mixture of communication styles. Build trust by selecting the communication style best suited for any given agenda topic in your meeting. Conversation People engaged in conversation are simply sharing something that they know ... in exchange for information from others. The primary purpose of this communication style is simply to get to know people and build relationships. Advocacy/Debate In advocacy/debate communication, the object is to persuade others to adopt a specific point of view. When a team needs to reach agreement, this style is often used. Typically, advocacy/debate discussions emphasize analysis, a review of alternatives, and decision-making. Productive discussion leads to conclusions and courses of action. Unfortunately, this type of communication can also lead to polarization. Collaboration/Brainstorming Collaboration/Brainstorming is the process of shared creation by two or more individuals. The goal is to create something that no one individual could create by themselves. The key to this communication style is acceptance of “all” ideas. Devil’s Advocate – See Thinklet Good thoughts and ideas are often made better by critical examination. The role of a devil's advocate is to encourage such assessment. Consider assigning a Devil’s Advocate to the meeting who tests the validity of the group’s thinking by challenging (not criticizing) ideas. Dialogue – Set Thinklet Dialogue maybe the most effective of all communication styles because it promotes trust. Dialogue does not seek agreement, but seeks understanding. Facts, opinions, and even biases are explored as a means for discovering truth. Creative Conflict Remember, conflict is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, when handled well, conflict can help us to be creative problem-solvers. Use this communication style to benefit from differences and when competition pushes individuals to do their best. Groupthink The most insidious destroyer of meetings is groupthink. Groupthink is a communication style that is exhibited by meeting participants who try to minimize conflict. Groupthink is about reaching consensus without critically testing, analyzing and appraising alternative courses of action.