Most would prefer to be given the choice. Make sure a newcomer will not be expected to respond to a question to which she may not know the answer. Genuine communication can sometimes be inhibited by visual and discussion aids, especially when there are many parts to keep track of or instructions to remember. Also, if a meeting format involves lots of reading aloud, be wary. This leaves less time for sharing experiences.
Some Leaders feel more at ease with a highly structured meeting plan.
They may be tempted to maintain tight control over the discussion to avoid the unexpected. But a meeting where every second is planned may not allow newcomers to raise their concerns. Be sure to allow some open time for questions at every meeting. Make an Informed Choice You can make an informed choice about meeting formats by learning, observing, and experimenting. Visit other Groups and observe how they lead their discussions.