Title: Silence in Meetings: A Familiar Feeling
Full disclosure, I’m an associate and just came out of an hour meeting. Didn’t really understand anything, didn’t say anything besides, “Hello, Thank You, Bye”. Just sat there with my camera on in silence while the client and manager talked about all these things.
Anyone been in the same position? Feels so awkward there
One response
Yes, I have definitely been in that position before. It can be really awkward to sit in a meeting and not feel like you have anything meaningful to contribute. However, it’s important to remember that not every meeting will require your active participation.
Here are a few things to keep in mind in situations like this:
Listen attentively: Even if you feel like you’re not contributing, it’s important to actively listen to what is being discussed. You never know when something might come up that you might need to be aware of in the future.
Take notes: If you’re not speaking, use the time to take notes on what is being discussed. This can help you stay engaged and retain information even if you’re not actively participating in the conversation.
Ask questions: If there is something you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for clarification. It’s better to ask questions and make sure you understand what’s going on rather than sit in silence and remain confused.
Prepare for the next meeting: If you feel like you weren’t able to contribute much in this meeting, use it as a learning experience and prepare more for the next one. Make sure you understand the topics being discussed so you can actively participate and add value to the conversation.
Remember, not every meeting will require your active participation, and that’s okay. Just make sure you’re engaged, listening, and ready to contribute when the time comes.