There are proven ways to make any meeting — whether it’s about open enrollment or managing healthcare costs — more effective.

1. Arrive early

Arriving 10 minutes early for a presentation allows you to arrange the room to your liking.

The extra time also lets you check any equipment or displays you’ll need during the session — to make sure you’re not waylaid by technical glitches.

2. Put ‘em where you want ‘em

Seasoned speakers maximize the physical space of the room by arranging chairs theater-style. Why? It keeps the entire audience focused up front.

In meetings where attendees sit at tables, try to use circular tables instead of rectangular ones. Circular tables suggest greater equality among attendees and create a steadier flow of discussion.

Rectangular tables — that make people face each other head-on — can make attendees feel like they’re talking “at” their co-workers, instead of taking part in a discussion.

3. Make selective eye contact

If you’re uncomfortable making eye contact with everyone, pick one or two friendly faces in the audience and focus on those people.

4. Pass out materials before hand

Send out any materials attendees may need for the meeting a day or two before it starts, and tell them to read it before they arrive.

This ensures they’re focused on you at the meeting, not the paperwork in front of them.

Tags: benefits, healthcare costs, meeting, open enrollment