When conducting a meeting, what is a crucial strategy aside from being prepared and clear?

Starting and ending on time is a crucial strategy when conducting a meeting because it demonstrates respect for the participants' time and encourages punctuality in future meetings. Adhering to a schedule helps maintain focus and ensures that all agenda items are covered efficiently. A structured timeline allows attendees to plan their contributions and engagement effectively, which can enhance productivity and facilitate smoother discussions.

In addition, starting and ending on time sets a professional tone, fostering an environment where participants feel their time is valued. This practice can also lead to increased attendance and participation in subsequent meetings, as individuals are more likely to commit to gatherings that respect their schedules.

In contrast, while allowing for discussion, using visual aids, and taking minutes are important aspects of a meeting, they do not have the same foundational impact on the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the meeting as managing the time effectively. Each of these practices contributes to the quality but does not address the critical element of time management that holds the meeting structure together.