How do you handle silence in meetings? 🤐🤫

A few weeks ago, a mentee asked me how to handle an excruciating silence in meetings. It’s not the first time someone asked me this. In fact, I’ve heard this question a few times from a few mentees and co-workers in the last 2 years. I wonder if the virtual interactions have amplified this.

So here are a few things I’ve tried that you might want to experiment on and see if it works for you too:

1️⃣ Do nothing 🛑.

Wait for 10 to 15 seconds and see if someone will speak up. Chances are, someone else might be feeling awkward about it too and would speak up to get out of it.

2️⃣ Share what you are feeling or thinking 🗣️.

Then ask the group what it means to them. Say, “I am unsure about the silence and I don’t know what to do with it. What does it mean for the group?” You might be surprised by the insight that you get by sharing this vulnerability.

3️⃣ Perhaps the group need a bit more time ⌚️ to think.

So consider saying “Let’s take a minute to think this through and then go in turns to share our thoughts.”

4️⃣ It’s possible that you have already exhausted the topic and the group is ready to move on 🔜.

Try summarising the main points and ask the group. “Are we ready to move on to the next topic?” And if they are not, they will tell you and the question would generate more input.

What resonates most with you?

Give it a try next time you notice silence during your meetings!