In working with one of the advisory type groups that I facilitate, there are frequent occasions when invited speakers are given a finite amount of time to present whatever information needs to be shared with our folks.

This often poses a challenge because: (1) experts love to talk at length about things that they know; (2) listeners have limited attention spans even when they’re interested in what said experts have to say; and (3) there’s only so much time in a day.

When you have an expert(s) presenting, multiple questions and discussion, and your own agenda, it can be challenging to make it all work and remain comfortable for everyone. Consider the following.