Warm-up Questions:

Have you ever attended a business meeting? If so, what was it like?

Please share the worst business meeting you ever attended - why was it so bad?

What are some ways that you can prepare for a business meeting?

What are some common etiquette practices in your culture when it comes to professional settings?

Vocabulary:

Decorum - (n) behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety.

Protocol - (n) the rules of etiquette that govern the behavior of people in official or ceremonial situations.

Punctuality - (n) the quality of being on time.

Courteous - (adj) polite, respectful, and considerate in manner.

Agenda - (n) a list of items to be discussed at a meeting.

Interruption - (n) an act of interrupting someone or something, typically when speaking or at work.

Monopolize - (v) to have or take control of something, especially to the exclusion of others.

Article:

10 Business Meeting Decorum Guidelines

Business meetings are important for making decisions, discussing ideas, and building relationships. However, they can also be stressful and intimidating, especially for those who are new to the business world. To ensure that a meeting is productive and respectful, here are ten guidelines for proper decorum:

1. Be punctual: Arrive on time to the meeting to avoid delaying the start of the discussion.

2. Dress appropriately: Dress professionally for the occasion to show that you take the meeting seriously.

3. Follow the agenda: Stick to the items on the agenda and avoid discussing unrelated topics.

4. Listen attentively: Pay attention to the speaker and actively listen to what is being said.

5. Avoid interruptions: Avoid interrupting the speaker or other participants unless it is necessary to clarify a point.

6. Speak respectfully: Speak in a courteous and professional manner, and avoid using inappropriate language.

7. Be concise: Keep your comments brief and to the point to avoid monopolizing the discussion.

8. Avoid distractions: Avoid checking your phone, texting, or engaging in other distracting activities during the meeting.

9. Participate constructively: Participate in the discussion in a constructive manner, providing input and feedback that adds value.

10. Follow up: After the meeting, follow up with the necessary actions and communicate with other participants to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Discussion Questions:

What are some ways to prepare for a business meeting?

Why is punctuality important in a business meeting?

What are some strategies for being an active listener during a meeting?

How can you ensure that you are participating constructively in a meeting?

What are some ways to respectfully disagree with others during a meeting?