Book excerpt: The author explains why it's essential to begin the preparations by deciding what the meeting is intended to accomplish. That, in turn, determines what kind of meeting you should conduct: informational, advisory, or problem-solving. The author breaks down the essential tasks involved and even suggests the right type of person to handle each one. She describes various types of troublesome meeting attendees-from accusers and apathetics to fence-sitters and know-it-alls-and offers advice on how to deal tactfully but firmly with them all. The author also tackles working effectively with the media, a subject that terrifies most planners. True stories of public meetings, both good and bad, add humor to her no-nonsense narrative. Follow her step-by-step checklist and leave nothing to chance."