How to get group shots better?

[musicmaster]

I've had this problem for awhile, I just can't seem to get any decent group shots like during meetings or whatnot. I work for my school's paper, and I need some decent ideas for the future.

a few examples

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/1504/small2uu3.jpg

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6021/smallto7.jpg

[TheHoff]

People sitting in a group is never going to be that captivating, right?

What does it look like without the bounced flash? Can you get more creative with depth of field like one person in the foreground sharp and the listener in the frame but not the focus?

Also what about going wider? Is there a lens you can use that might get more of the group? I'd again tend to have some foreground focus and then show the group in the background, but that is me. You can also work on getting overview shots where you might be above the group and shooting down.

What are they discussing? Is there any sort of prop or example of what they're discussing in the room that might make the photos more contextual? You're really restrained by the subject here.

[breathless]

Go wide, get in tight, be observant, notice small details, anticipate expressions, incorporate foreground/middleground/background and design elements in the shots, analyze PJ images in major newspapers...

Ask yourself some questions before shooting an event:
What is my job as the photographer?
Who are the key figures at the event?
What is the purpose/topic of the event?
Where/when is the event?

Seriously contemplate the first question. Doing so will naturally lead you to set some goals and guide you in the direction of successful coverage of an event.

Hopefully, some PJs will chime in with better advice.