How can I make work meetings more efficient?

You will have to find the right techniques for your type of meeting, but there are some useful generic techniques that you can try.  Watch the time: keep the meeting as short as possible; time-box each discussion; and make sure each person gets to speak.  Be purposeful: set a clear agenda beforehand; only ask important stakeholders to join; and define takeaways and action items at the end.  Prepare beforehand: before the meeting, share materials for people to read or comment on, as appropriate, in order to save meeting time for important discussions.  If the meeting is simply not useful, you should eliminate it.