The Top 10 Reasons to Follow the Script in Meetings

Originally Submitted on 11/22/2000.

A growing number of organizations are now world-wide, with chapters proliferating and membership increasing. From 12-step organizations to major religious denominations, from business networking groups to public speaking organizations, we may have one that we attend regularly near our homes, but we know that we can find its equivalent almost wherever we may travel. Most such gatherings have a structure, or script that is followed... more or less... according to the will of the local leaders. Some leaders believe that they need not follow such a script, and try to develop their own. It is true that there are appropriate times and places for flexibility and creativity. However, there are some good reasons why it is often helpful to follow the script set up by the 'mother-ship' or home organization. Here are some of them:

1. There are good reasons why the script is as it is.

Usually these procedures have been developed over time, based on what has been found to work and what has not worked. It is usually those groups that do follow the script that are most successful in achieving their goals.

2. Why reinvent the wheel?

Although you may have lots of good ideas that differ from the script, if people are coming to this organization, they are probably coming for the experience of the organization, which may include its routine. Why not make use of the experiences of those who have gone before?

3. Scripts have often been developed to tap into motivational keys.

Certain words and phrases go deeply into our psyches and help us toward the goals that were our reasons for joining the group in the first place. The phrase you choose to skip may be one of those phrases.

4. The procedures can reinforce commitment to common goals.

Following the same format and using the same words week after week may seem trite. However, it reminds participants of the fact that they are all in that particular group to achieve whatever are the goals of that organization. They are all in it together.

5. Repetition is behind all learning.

For most people, the good stuff sinks in only if we hear it repeated over and over again. Assuming that, if folks have heard it said once you do not need to say it again, assumes a level of recall that is rare indeed.

6. Enables visitors from elsewhere to feel comfortable.

Being part of a world-wide organization means that one can find chapters throughout the world, and that each will be based on the procedures of the central organization. The language may vary, but one will still know what is happening and why.

7. Frequent repetition may feel like a ritual, but for good reason - rituals tap into feelings.

There is meaning and symbolism in ritual. Behind it, what is said and done may go deeply into our feelings, enabling us to be more focused on the goals that we share with the organization, even when we are not participating in its activities.

8. Leaders don't have to be wondering what to do next, what to say.

Local leaders are often new to leadership, and for them to try to lead a group to success by 'making it up as they go along' can be a heavy burden. The experience of experts lifts that burden.

9. Rules and procedures as to what works save any one person from being the enforcer.

People being who they are, business can be disrupted by 'side-talking,' late-comers, and erratic attendance. By sticking to 'the procedures' no one person is put in the position of having to decide what is, or is not, acceptable.

10. When the original script is followed, the meeting moves smoothly.

Participants know what is expected of them, the purposes of the meeting are achieved, and it starts and finishes on time. There is a level of professionalism that attracts visitors and makes them want to return as members.

---

About the Submitter

This content may be forwarded in full, with copyright, contact, and creation information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit context. For other uses, permission in writing from CoachVille is required. Questions: email topten@coachville.com

Please use your browser controls to close this page & return to the selection page, or click to return to Top 10 home page.