Become a Great Meeting Organizer & Facilitator with Microsoft 365

Meetings are a necessary part of work; but too often, they’re inefficient, unproductive, or simply unnecessary. In this practical and engaging course, you’ll learn how to plan and run meetings that actually get things done. You’ll also explore how to use Microsoft 365 tools like Teams, Outlook, OneNote, Loop, and Planner to streamline communication, enhance collaboration, and follow up effectively. Whether you’re running quick check-ins, cross-functional meetings, or collaborative working sessions, this course will show you how to make every meeting count. 

Section 1: When to Have a Meeting vs. Alternatives 

How to Decide If a Meeting Is Necessary 

Alternatives to Meetings (Email, Chat, Video, OneNote, Planner, Loop) 

Understanding When Meetings Waste Time vs. Add Value 

Section 2: Preparing for a Productive Meeting 

Setting Clear Objectives 

Creating Structured Agendas with Teams, Outlook, and OneNote 

Inviting the Right People 

Scheduling Meetings Efficiently (Outlook & Teams) 

Section 3: Setting Up & Managing a Microsoft Teams Meeting 

Scheduling via Outlook vs. Microsoft Teams 

Assigning Co-Organizers & Presenters 

Setting Meeting Permissions 

Using Breakout Rooms 

Running Polls & Forms in Meetings 

Using Microsoft Whiteboard for Collaboration 

Screen Sharing & PowerPoint Live in Teams 

Using Meeting Recording & Transcriptions 

Section 4: Running Effective & Engaging Meetings 

Conducting Efficient Meetings 

Meeting Facilitation Skills 

Engaging Participants & Encouraging Accountability 

Preventing Distractions 

Meetings in a Hybrid Environment 

Section 5: Capturing & Sharing Meeting Notes & Decisions 

Best Practices for Meeting Notes & Minutes 

Using OneNote and Loop for Meeting Notes 

Automating Meeting Transcripts & Summaries 

Assigning Action Items During Meetings 

Section 6: Following Up & Driving Accountability 

Tracking Action Items and Responsibilities 

Sending Post-Meeting Summaries & Follow-Ups 

Keeping Track of Decisions, Next Steps, and Deadlines 

Using Planner & To Do for Task Management