Discussions during meetings can be feast or famine. Either you can’t get a word in edgewise or no one speaks up. Next time your meeting falls silent, try these tactics:
- Let it be. Wait a moment before breaking the silence and offering a suggestion. The group may need time to reflect on an idea.
- Name it. Call out what’s happening, and ask the group about it, “It seems we’ve gone quiet. Does anyone want to talk about what’s going on?”
- Take a break. Sometimes a short break gives people the chance to refocus.
Adapted from Guide to Making Every Meeting Matter.
