The following five tips for holding an effective meeting can help you engage the group, get ideas flowing and keep things positive.

1. Cancel the meeting, seriously. Ask yourself: Can the information I intend to present be disseminated using one-way communications, such as a memo or email? If so, cancel the meeting. If you actually want input and interactivity, then schedule a meeting.

2. Set a positive tone. Starting off on the right foot: pay attention to the meeting time (do not schedule a meeting just before lunch or quitting time), invite only those people that truly need to be there, and start the meeting with introductions. Asking everyone to add personal facts, such as favorite hobby or cartoon character, provides an opportunity for laughs and gets everyone interacting.

3. Plot a course. Once you have everyone engaged, the quickest way to lose them is to slow down. Prepare a complete agenda, including objectives and time allotments. Display it in the meeting, crossing off items as they are completed so everyone can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

4. Stop and feed the animals. Most people have a pretty brief attention span, usually around 45 to 60 minutes. Schedule breaks every 45 minutes. Also, rather than providing food at the beginning of a meeting, provide food on the breaks, when a boost is needed. Provide a variety of snacks, healthful and more indulgent, to satisfy every taste.

5. Divide and conquer. One great way to ensure engagement is to divide the meeting into groups; in a small group, it is easier for everyone to be active. Break a meeting of 20 people into four tables. Ask each table to ponder certain issues, then to present their thoughts to the larger group for discussion.

Be positive, let everyone get to know each other, let them rest, let them eat and keep them engaged and you will have the most effective meeting of your career.