2. The most powerful thing you can do is to get into position, look confident and simply wait. Your silence will quieten the room in less than 20 seconds. There’s no need to look grumpy just be neutral. Then when the room is quiet begin. Under no circumstances start speaking while they are talking.

3. You can call the meeting to order by projecting your voice clearly saying “Good morning. Shall we begin?” You could also use the name of the most senior person in the room and ask them the direct question. Often they will bring the room to order.

4. You can ask the meeting chair to ask people to turn their phone or computer off. I have also asked people “Can you give me your undivided attention just for 5 minutes. I really need everyone’s input on this key point. Then if it’s not valuable or relevant feel free to get back on the phone”.

5. If people start private conversations stop talking, look at the person and wait for them to go quiet or ask them a question using their name. Try building in discussion time and lots of interaction for talkative audiences during the session and let them know it’s on the agenda up front.

6. Make sure your structure and content is compelling and relevant for the audience so they want to listen from start to finish.