MEETINGS are a crucial communication tool in the corporate world. But business etiquette at formal meetings such as management or board meetings, negotiations and the like, can be tricky.

What can you keep in mind? How can you score at your company meetings? Some pointers.

Time is money

Neil Payne, director of a cross-cultural communications consultancy advice firm, says, "If you want to call a meeting, make sure that it merits one. A subject is important enough to call a meeting. Be considerate of the participants's time. Ensure it is well prepared."

Making someone wait is the height of poor etiquette. "People walking in at leisure can never help begin or accomplish anything useful at a meeting," says Manas Saran, a Bangalore software design engineer.

Write it down

Keep a record of the proceedings. Distribute copies to acknowledged contributions and inform attendees and absentees of decisions taken.

"I appoint someone to take down minutes," says Balachandra Emani, of Mumbai software company, Capgemini. "When I am chairing, I strive to ensure that the meeting stays within a framework or agenda so that it is short and effective."

Time to act

It is important to depend on your capabilities and data at a meeting. A smile and some eye contact may work, but try not to overdo things.

"There are people smarter than you. And they will catch you if you stray from the point. Some preparation and good dressing always work in your favour," says Padma P, an industrial psychology researcher, in reaction to the myth that a smile and a handshake will do the job.