How to write a meeting agenda
The short answer
Start with the goal: what the meeting must produce. List topics as questions with an owner, a time and whether it's to decide, discuss or inform. Put decisions first, attach pre-reads, leave time to wrap up, and send it at least a day before.
Step by step
- 1
Write the goal
"By the end we will have..." If you can't, you may not need the meeting.
- 2
List topics as questions
"Which launch date do we choose?" is clearer than "Launch".
- 3
Add owners and times
Each topic has a lead and a time box.
- 4
Mark the type
Decide, discuss or inform, so people know what's expected.
- 5
Order by importance
Decisions first, while people are fresh.
- 6
Send it early
At least a day before, with pre-reads.
Common mistakes
- A list of topic names with no goal.
- Too many topics for the time.
- Sending it as the meeting starts.
Our free agenda generator builds a timed agenda, and Acta writes the notes from the meeting itself.
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What should a meeting agenda include?
The goal, topics with owners and times, pre-reads and the decisions needed.
How far ahead should you send an agenda?
At least a day, so people can prepare or decide not to attend.