Episode Details

Many office workers feel frustrated by meetings that seem pointless. A recent survey shows that the average UK worker spends 27 days a year in such meetings. But improving meetings is possible with the right strategies.

许多上班族对那些看似毫无意义的会议感到沮丧。一项最新调查显示，英国普通员工每年平均有27天都耗费在这样的会议中。不过，只要采用合适的策略，会议质量是可以改善的。

First, preparation is very important. Whether you are running the meeting or attending, preparing in advance makes the meeting more useful. Chairs should send out an agenda and maybe a starting question. Participants should read the materials and consider what they want to say. Knowing who is in the meeting also helps – chairs should give everyone, both extroverts and introverts, a chance to speak.

首先，准备工作非常重要。无论你是会议主持人还是参会者，提前准备都会让会议更有价值。主持人应提前发送议程，甚至可以提出一个开场问题。参会者也应提前阅读材料，并思考自己想要表达的内容。了解参会人员也很重要——主持人应确保每个人都有发言机会，无论是外向者还是内向者。

Online meetings offer helpful tools like name tags and hand-raising options, but hybrid meetings (some online, some in person) are less effective if not planned well. Including short breaks and even mindfulness moments can make meetings more productive.

线上会议提供了一些有用的工具，例如姓名标识和举手功能，但混合会议（部分在线、部分线下）如果规划不当，效果会较差。加入短暂休息时间，甚至冥想片刻，都可以让会议更高效。

Finally, following up with notes and thanking people matters. Good meetings need planning, energy, and a bit of kindness from everyone involved. Meetings are not going away, but with a few smart steps, they can be a lot better.

最后，会议后的总结记录以及对参与者表示感谢也很重要。好的会议需要规划、精力，以及所有参与者的一点善意。会议不会消失，但只要采取一些聪明的方法，它们可以变得更好。