Applications - Effective Meetings (1/21/10)

Just as classes are a type of meeting, my own social life in Roleplay Gaming is also expressed in types of meetings. Here are the best ways I can think of to use the lessons in that venue:

• Pre-Communicate - Since this hobby is based on creative storytelling and improv, if the group knows what to generally expect from the upcoming session then they can better prepare themselves for things when they start and perhaps have opening plays in mind.
• Pay Attention to Process - Like meetings, game sessions proceed along certain lines and often have limited time to take place in. Often this is 3 to 7 hours (depending on the group), but the process can be almost identical to meetings. Preliminary - Game Master (meeting leader) narrates a recap of the last session, introduces players to the immediate events, and reminds them of their current defined goal. Kickoff - This is the interaction portion where players will make story actions to reach goals, negotate for better chances of success, and then deal with any new issues or goals. Summary - The GM brings the current story segment to a close, narrates where everyone is and what they are about to do, and makes certain everyone is clear on what will be happening. Evaluation - RPGs use an abstract currency known as "XP" (Experience Points) in almost all cases, and are used by players to gain larger possible margins of success in certain actions for future stories. This currency is awarded by the GM, but by using meeting techniques we can also introduce time for the group to point out who they feel might be most deserving of additional XP.