What does an agenda typically outline?

An agenda typically serves as a structured outline of items to address during a meeting. It is a vital tool for keeping discussions focused and organized, ensuring that all necessary topics are covered within the available time. By outlining specific items or topics, the agenda helps participants prepare for the discussion, facilitates efficient time management, and promotes a more productive meeting environment.

Having an agenda allows attendees to know what to expect and ensures that all relevant issues are addressed systematically. Without this outline, meetings may lack direction and could veer off-topic, leading to an inefficient use of time and resources.

In contrast, other choices do not capture the primary purpose of an agenda. For instance, a record of past meetings would not guide current discussions, while a list of attendees simply identifies who is present rather than outlining the discussion topics. A summary of decisions made reflects outcomes rather than future agenda items. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the agenda's role in outlining topics for discussion during a meeting.