What is the purpose of a meeting agenda?

The purpose of a meeting agenda is to outline the topics to be discussed and keep the meeting organized and focused. An agenda serves as a roadmap for the meeting, detailing the specific items that need to be addressed and the sequence in which they will be discussed. By having a clear agenda, participants can prepare in advance for the topics at hand, ensuring that relevant information and insights are readily available. This structure helps prevent distractions and time-wasting during the meeting, allowing the group to stay on track and accomplish its objectives effectively.

In contrast, while recording minutes of the meeting is important, that task is not the primary purpose of the agenda. Assigning tasks is often a component of meetings, but an agenda's main role is to facilitate discussion rather than determine who is responsible for specific actions. Finally, establishing the date and time of the next meeting can certainly be part of an agenda, but it is a logistical detail rather than the core function of providing a framework for discussion. Thus, the correct choice highlights the essential role of the agenda in maintaining focus and organization during meetings.