Myriam HadnesFounder and CEO, workshops.work · Behavioural Economist | workshops.work | Host of the Unprofessionalism & workshops work Podcasts

How to get Everyone to Speak? #shorts

31 Jul 2022 · 1 min

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In this short video, the speaker addresses the challenge of encouraging full participation in meetings or workshops without making anyone feel forced or uncomfortable. They propose two practical strategies: first, having participants discuss topics in smaller groups and then inviting a representative from each group to summarize the discussion for the larger group; second, announcing a speaking order in advance (e.g., Tom, Julia, Sarah, Michael) so each person knows when they will be called upon and can prepare mentally. These approaches aim to give participants choice, ensure everyone’s voice is heard, and reduce the pressure of being put on the spot.

Chapters

How can we involve all the participants in a workshop or in a meeting? On the one hand, we do have the ambition that everyone gets to speak and has a voice in whatever the topic is. On the other hand, we also don't want to force anyone because this puts them in the spotlight and can be quite uncomfortable. So one option is to give them a choice. So if they first discuss in smaller groups and they come back, you can read out all the names of the group and invite one of them summarize the conversation for all. Or you can announce an order of speaking, so to say, okay, first I want to hear from Tom and then Julia and then Sarah and then Michael, and then everyone has the time to mentally prepare for whatever they're gonna say next. I hope this helps.