1. Give each participant a lead role on an agenda item. No one should sit back and observe for a full meeting. You need to convert passive observers into active and awake contributors.

2. Avoid serving sleep-inducing meals before a meeting (creamy pastas, chocolate cheese cake). Replace them with light and healthy snacks. Alcoholic drinks should definitely be out.

3. Try "stand-up meetings" from time to time, with no tables, no chairs, and no sitting on the floor. Falling asleep will be risky. You will also be amazed at how much time will be saved.

4. Schedule short breaks frequently. There should be no more than 1.5 to 2 hours of continuous sitting. Remember: "The human mind will absorb only as much as the human seat will endure!"

5. Call on silent members to comment instead of waiting for them to raise their hands. "John, you have unique expertise in this area. Can you comment?". Day-dreaming will be made awkward.

6. Diversify your discussion activities to move participants away from static positions. Example: Break a large group into sub-groups with each handling a key task and then reporting back.

7. Prevent rambling and monotonous statements by asking members to communicate concisely. "Our time is tight. Is it reasonable to ask you to limit your comments to about two minutes each?"

8. Ask speakers to make their presentations interactive and avoid protracted lectures. Ensure that they include interesting examples and case studies to keep everyone awake and interested.

Eli is the author of the newly published "101 Boardroom Problems and How to Solve Them." He is also the author of several other books and publications on meetings, shared decision-making and minute taking (see Eli Mina's Books at www.elimina.com ). Eli can be reached at 604-730-0377 or via e-mail at eli@elimina.com.