You might be aware that meetings are an essential part of the working world. If you are an employee employed in an organization, you will probably be well versed in the use of the words 'notice' and 'agenda'. As an employee of an organization, you may have attended meetings, so the terms notice, and agenda are not new to you!
If one were to look up the dictionary meaning of both words, we would find that the words 'Notice' and 'Agenda' seem like rather simple and relatable terms. Quite to the contrary, the meanings of both words are indeed different. Since both the words notice and agenda are very often used in company board meetings, general meetings, ad hoc meetings, and even posted on bulletin boards. Both notices and agendas are considered part of business communication.
Let's try and understand the difference in the meaning of both words.
While the word notice refers to a 'short but concise type of communication about an upcoming meeting'. On the other hand, 'an agenda refers to a schedule or a list of activities that are prepared just before a corporate meeting is to be held'.
You might have guessed by now that both words are often grossly misunderstood. It is also true they are often mistakenly used in place as well, even at work. It is now obvious that both words have completely different meanings. They are also used in different contexts at the workplace.
Continue reading the rest of the article to understand why. You might not be working at a desk job, which involves having to attend a meeting, or send out a notice informing others about one. Still, the added knowledge can avoid a lot of confusion and also allow you to impress your friends!
Knowledge of the real meaning and difference between 'notice' and 'agenda' will not only make you appear to have business acumen, but it will also make you seem wise and knowledgeable.
Notice vs. Agenda
What are the obvious differences between these seemingly similar words? While, as mentioned before, both words are often used interchangeably and in place of each other, they have very different meanings. One obvious difference is that while a notice is somewhat shorter, an agenda is much longer. Let's consider the difference in terms of definition. When we try to define the term notice, it can be best described as a short statement used to announce a meeting. It also informs members about when and where the meeting will be held. On the other hand, an agenda can be best described as a list of things to be done at a meeting.
Yet another hint as to the differences between both words is that a notice is sometimes also called a 'statement' of a meeting. On the other hand, an agenda is a collection of things to be done at a meeting. Still, notices and agendas are considered part of effective business communication. To explain further, what are the differences between these terms?
The answer is simple. While a notice is considered a short communication regarding the date, time, and venue of a meeting, an agenda contains a list of items that attending members will discuss in a future meeting. Hence, from the above, it is very clearly understood that the words 'Notice' and 'Agenda' are indeed completely different. So again, a notice can be defined as an announcement regarding the date, time, and venue of a business meeting.
On the other hand, an agenda can be defined as a list of things to be done, a proposed schedule, or an objective framework for topics that will be discussed during a meeting. Hence, both words Notice and Agenda are considered part of essential everyday business writing skills. They are also frequently used in meetings (board meetings, general or department meetings, etc.)
What is Notice?
As mentioned above, notices are usually given to members who will be attending an upcoming meeting. Notices also usually indicate the time, date, and venue of the meeting that is planned. Notice is the official writing that effectively makes announcements about upcoming meetings. These announcements communicate to a pre-planned list of attendees that they have to attend a meeting. Hence, Apart from announcing a meeting that is scheduled as mentioned above, notice also contains important details on time, venue, and of course, the actual date of the meeting.
Remember also that a notice is sent a few days before the meeting is held. This is usually a week before so that attending members will be prepared ahead of time. A notice can be either oral or written. Notices are usually sent to meeting attendees before a meeting is convened. Apart from being used to announce meetings, a notice might be stuck on a bulletin/notification board (of a school) to announce changes in school timings and any other important information.
What is Agenda?
An Agenda can be best described as a formal list or an itinerary containing topics that will be discussed during a meeting. The word agenda comes from the Latin word 'Agendum'. A company secretary almost often prepares an agenda. He/she will be reporting to the chairman of the meeting. An agenda may be in digital format or printed format. An agenda, therefore, is sometimes also called an objective, list, schedule, proposal, or even a framework. It is understood why setting an agenda before a meeting is often considered mandatory.
Again, what are some advantages of preparing an agenda for a meeting? An agenda is said to provide an outline of the topics, actionable points, and goals that will be discussed during the meeting. Hence some meeting agendas are quite detailed; each topic may even be time blocked. In general, we can say that agendas help to give a basic overview of what should be covered by the team (comprising of meeting board members) at the meeting.
A few additional benefits of setting an agenda before a meeting? A pre-planned agenda helps to plan out a meeting, so the meeting occurs smoothly. A well-laid-out agenda is often considered critical to a meeting's success. Therefore, an agenda is frequently described as a meeting's route map.
The topics and ideas that are discussed in a meeting are often arranged sequentially in order of their importance. From this, it is understood why an agenda must always be prepared before a meeting. When an agenda is set before a meeting, everything said and done during a meeting goes according to plan.
What are the advantages of preparing an agenda?
One advantage of preparing an agenda is that a strict well, laid-out agenda, can help to avoid chaos or commotion that occurs in a meeting owing to a lack of planning. Hence, preparing an agenda will not only lead to better decisions but there will also be a higher degree of relevance to topics to be discussed at the meeting, and the resultant action plans/goals to be set will be laid out far more effectively.
Regarding how to write an agenda, they are normally written in a very crisp and clear manner. Agendas are often specific to all authorized meeting members. The presence of an agenda is just great because it helps to make better business-related decisions at a meeting, as mentioned earlier. However, when concluding a meeting, it is said some meetings are great, and others are bad or lackluster. Lackluster meetings drag on and never seem to get to the point.
In the case of such meetings, one wonders why they ever attended in the first place. Hence we can see why the secret of a good meeting is a strict agenda. Good agendas include topics for discussion, goals, and as well as meeting members' responsibilities. Agendas are also considered a great tool for time management. They help keep the meeting on-task and on-point as well.
Hence one can say that a well-laid-out agenda is crucial to a good meeting. As far as its many benefits concerning time management, effectively concluding the meeting, as well as streamlining of topics discussed during it, it is understood why agendas are often deemed indispensable.
The Difference Between Notice and Agenda in Points
- While a Notice is supposed to let readers know when the meeting is going to happen. It also informs about why and where the meeting will be held as well. On the other hand, an Agenda describes what will be discussed during the meeting.
- A notice asserts the fact of an event or gives information about an occasion, while an agenda is a collection of things that must be done in an event.
- For the load-up gatherings of organizations, a notice is given and shipped off to all qualified individuals showing the setting, date, spot, and season of the gathering, while an agenda has a rundown of subjects to be talked about in that meeting.
- A notice is an announcement or declaration about something that has already happened or has yet to occur. Notices also announce instantaneous happenings. On the other hand, an Agenda refers to an advisory that will be effected soon.
- The purpose of a Notice is to inform participants to prepare for the purposes and topics listed in the itinerary of the Agenda. A notice also expects readers to express their suggestions and opinions in the proposed meeting.
- A notice is usually posted on the internet or on a notice/bulletin board. Such notice will inform readers that a meeting is planned. A notice is usually posted at least three days before this. However, an Agenda is prepared instantly just before the meeting takes place.
Conclusion
We have understood from the above write-up that there is more to the words notice and agenda. First, we now know that both words are not the same as many tend to think. It is understood that many people misunderstand the meaning of both these words. Again both the words notice and agenda are used in very different contexts regarding the way a meeting is conducted, in terms of business meetings and other related events.
Yet, Notices and agendas are both considered to be an effective part of business communication.
The main purpose of a notice is to inform members about an upcoming meeting. A notice will also likely contain important details regarding its date, time, and venue. Notices also inform when a policy is due on a certain date or an account is due for renewal. On the other hand, what is an agenda? An agenda is simply considered a document that lists all the topics that will be discussed at the upcoming meeting. Hence an agenda is considered to be more or less like a schedule or an itinerary of sorts that enables a meeting to go smoothly. This schedule or list used in an agenda is usually prepared in sequential order. A well-laid-out agenda really does help avoid confusion at meetings. Hence, the secret of a good meeting is a good agenda. A well-prepared agenda leads to conducting a smooth meeting, with favorable outcomes and possibly even better decision-making for the department or the organization as a whole.
