Meeting vs. Rundown: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on January 23, 2024
Meeting is a gathering of people for discussion or decision-making. Rundown is a brief summary or overview, often of events or information.
Key Differences
A meeting is a formal or informal gathering of individuals, typically with a set agenda or purpose, such as discussion, decision-making, or information sharing. A rundown, in contrast, is a quick summary or review of key points, often provided to give an overview or update on a specific topic or event.
Meetings are interactive sessions where participants engage in dialogue, share ideas, or collaborate on projects. They can occur in various formats, including in-person, virtual, or hybrid. Rundowns, however, are typically one-way communications, where one person provides a concise summary or update to others, often to bring them up to speed or recapitulate key details.
A meeting involves multiple stakeholders and can vary in length, while a rundown is usually brief and to the point, focusing on delivering essential information quickly. Meetings often involve discussions, negotiations, or brainstorming, whereas rundowns are more about information dissemination.
Meetings are essential for collaborative decision-making, brainstorming, and team-building, often involving interactive elements such as Q&A sessions, presentations, or workshops. Rundowns serve the purpose of informing or updating, being more expository in nature, and are commonly used in contexts like news reporting, project updates, or event briefings.
A meeting requires the active participation of its attendees and can have diverse outcomes, such as decisions made, tasks assigned, or consensus reached. A rundown, on the other hand, is typically a one-sided affair, aiming to inform or bring clarity in a concise manner without the expectation of interactive dialogue or immediate outcomes.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Interactive gathering
Brief summary or overview
Purpose
Discussion, decision-making, collaboration
Information dissemination, updating
Format
In-person, virtual, hybrid
Usually verbal or written summary
Length
Can vary, often longer
Brief and concise
Outcome
Decisions, consensus, task assignments
Clarity, information update
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Meeting and Rundown Definitions
Meeting
A gathering for business, social, or other purposes.
She attended a meeting with potential investors.
Rundown
A concise review or update.
The daily rundown of news was very informative.
Meeting
A situation where two or more people come together.
The meeting of old friends was a joyful occasion.
Rundown
An explanation or report of the main points of something.
The manager provided a rundown of the project's progress.
Meeting
A planned event where participants discuss or decide on matters.
The board meeting focused on the company's financial strategy.
Rundown
A brief summary or overview.
He gave a quick rundown of the day's events.
Meeting
An encounter or appointment between people.
Their chance meeting at the conference led to a great collaboration.
Rundown
A summarizing report or briefing.
The coach gave a rundown of the team's strategy before the game.
Meeting
A formal or informal assembly of people for a specific purpose.
The team scheduled a meeting to discuss the new project.
Rundown
A quick outline or summary of key details.
She asked for a rundown of the meeting she missed.
Meeting
The act or process or an instance of coming together; an encounter.
Rundown
A point-by-point summary.
Meeting
An assembly or gathering of people, as for a business, social, or religious purpose.
Rundown
(Baseball) A play in which a runner is trapped between bases and is pursued by fielders attempting to make the tag.
FAQs
What does rundown mean?
A brief summary or overview of key points.
Is a rundown always short?
Yes, it's typically brief and concise.
How long is a typical meeting?
Length varies, can be short or extended.
Can meetings be virtual?
Yes, they can be in-person, virtual, or hybrid.
What's the purpose of a rundown?
To provide a quick summary or update.
Is a rundown similar to a report?
Yes, but shorter and more concise.
What is a meeting?
A gathering of individuals for discussion or decision-making.
Are meetings only for business purposes?
No, they can be for various purposes, including social.
What outcomes can a meeting have?
Decisions, ideas, task assignments.
Can meetings be unplanned?
Yes, like impromptu or chance meetings.
Are meetings formal?
They can be formal or informal.
Do meetings require active participation?
Yes, they involve interaction and dialogue.
Who gives a rundown?
Usually one person summarizing information.
Can a rundown include opinions?
It's typically factual, but may include brief analysis.
Do rundowns require preparation?
Some preparation for accuracy and brevity.
Can anyone give a rundown?
Yes, anyone familiar with the topic.
What's essential for a productive meeting?
Clear agenda, participation, and purpose.
Do meetings always have a set agenda?
Often, but not always.
How detailed is a rundown?
It covers key points, not detailed.
Is a rundown just a list of facts?
Primarily, but it can include essential context.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
