Final answer:
Setting a clear agenda, encouraging active participation, appointing a facilitator, and using time management techniques can prevent unproductive tangents in a meeting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Setting a clear agenda and sticking to it, encouraging active participation from all attendees, appointing a facilitator to guide the discussion, and using time management techniques such as setting time limits for each agenda item can all serve to keep a meeting on track and prevent unproductive tangents.