Tips for Public Meetings

Provided by and posted with the permission of
Michael Johnson, Superintendent, Averill Park Central Schools

Tips for Public Meetings

1. Be an active listener when others are speaking.

2. Maintain eye contact with the speaker.

3. Ask a question if something is not clear.

4. Figure out the assumption(s) of the questioner - correct the assumption if necessary.

5. Reflect the question back.

6. Don't answer the negative person; answer the audience (be in control of the meeting).

7. Receive/accept anger, hostility (and stay clam).

8. Look honest, be honest.

9. Treat all with respect, even negative people.

10. Anticipate the key question and prepare succinct responses beforehand.