If you really wish to run an effective meeting then you will need to plan ahead!  Spend some time in compiling the agenda -  (Read the article on compiling an agenda and then try the following:  

Each subject for the agenda should contain 6 key elements and will be a ?mini-meeting? in itself.

1. Description of agenda item

2. Responsible person

3. Purpose

4. Desired outcome

5. Time

6. Participation needed
    

1. Description of agenda item - This should be a short but very precise title.
    

2. Responsible person - This will be the name of the person who raised the item ? the owner!. This person will introduce the item at the meeting, and be the focal point for it during the discussion.
    

3. Purpose - The purpose is a short sentence or phrase describing the reason for having this item.
    

4. Desired outcome - The desired outcome is a short sentence or phrase stating what you expect to have at the end of the item that you didn't have at the beginning.   Basically it should tell you what it is that you want to go away with from the meeting.
    

5. Timing - Estimate the time, in minutes that you expect your total agenda item to take.
    

6. Participation needed - State what you expect of the "audience". This defines what the owner expects from the audience group. It can be active or passive participation.

  Well - try it and monitor the results!