Come to the meetings with questions in mind. Make note of problems or questions and offer them for discussion. Study the agenda in advance.

Listen thoughtfully and critically to others. Try hard to get the other person’s point of view. Don’t accept ideas which seem unsound, but remember, on almost every question there are several points of view.

Speak your mind freely. The meeting is yours – a chance for you to say what think. SAY IT!

Don’t monopolize the discussion. Don’t speak for more than a minute or so at a time. Make your point in a few words, then give someone else a chance. Don’t make a speech. Speak so everyone can hear.

Don’t let the discussion get away from you. It is rude and distracting.

Take part in friendly disagreement. When you are on the other side of the fence, say so and tell why. But do it in a friendly way. Avoid win-lose contest.

Strike while the idea is hot. If you wait until ‘later’ you may forget your point, or it may no longer be relevant to discussion.

Be action-minded! Try to relate discussion to action.

Above all, try to develop in yourself that rarest of all communicative arts – that art of listening.

After the meeting. Ask yourself “WHAT DID I CONTRIBUTE?” Resolve to do more next time.