Here are 11 steps to successfully manage and control your next meeting:

1) Sit in the power position

The head of the table or the side facing the door are the most desirable locations.

2) Arrive early

Get familiar with the room, arrange it the way you want it, and become comfortable with it.

3) Be organized

Have a written agenda, start on time, announce when the meeting will end, and keep things moving.

4) Decide how you’re going to start

How you introduce the agenda will hold or lose people’s interest. Set the tone you need.

5) Be a conductor

Allow people to give input, but also move on when there is agreement. Keep people on the point.

6) Set up a path for future communication

Invite people to send follow-up notes if new ideas occur to them after the meeting.

7) Don’t be distracted by creature comforts

Don’t spend time serving food or trying to make people feel socially comfortable. If food or beverages are served, delegate responsibility to someone else for making sure it arrives and is appropriately replenished.

8) Speak in a quiet voice

People will have to pay attention. A voice can be strong and quiet.

9) Don’t allow interruptions

Cut people off or ask them to hold it for a moment, when you or someone else is making a point.

10) Maintain eye contact

Participants will be sure of your interest.

11) Garner support

Call short meetings and avoid unnecessary ones. Out of respect for other people’s time, whenever possible, arrange the agenda so those who do not need to attend the entire meeting can appear on the agenda first.