Summarize this article in one sentence.
Flesh out items already on the agenda to keep yourself from losing focus. Don't draft a prepared statement. Stick to a bulleted list of key points, short imperatives, and incomplete sentences. This will prevent you from sounding mechanical. Some examples include: Current state of hiring needs: Accounting now fully staffed. Still need new manager in Marketing and new administrative assistant in Advertising. Budget limit = $100,000 total for both openings. Benefits changes: Head office phasing out 401k. Instituting new 403b plan for new hires. Health, dental, vision insurance unchanged for now but still under review. Include where they're from and general personal information about them. Use this info as you introduce everyone to each other. You can also use this information to chat while you're waiting on additional attendees to join. Make a copy of this list for your note-taker. Instead of taking the time to write out everyone's name, the note-taker can simply check off each person's name as they arrive or log in. Don't wait until the last minute. Start reviewing the information the day after you finish your notes and/or presentation. Try committing the major points to memory so that you can discuss them without pausing to look at your paper or screen. Every second you save can be used for other presenters or for questions. Make sure all equipment is present and working properly. Look for strategically positioned speakers if you're using a large room in anticipation of many attendees. If anything is missing or malfunctioning, notify the relevant department as soon as possible. Log on to the conference call 10 minutes early, if possible. Some tools won't let you log on until the time scheduled. Others won't let anyone communicate until a leader with a special password logs in. Test the bridge one last time to make sure it's running smoothly. If you don't know how to use the equipment, learn a few days ahead of time. Get help from your company's IT department, if necessary. Not knowing how to operate the software or hardware can make you look unprofessional.
Draft your notes or talking points. Make a list of attendees. Review any information you'll be presenting. Survey the room a day or two before the call. Set up the call.