In the last issue of the Quest, I wrote about how to manage the “overtalkers” in live online sessions.
But there’s a flip side to that coin. ๐ช
“How do you get the ‘๐พ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐’ to speak up?”
You may know the feeling. To avoid painful awkward silence you give the floor to the chatty participants. Meanwhile, the rest of the group remains silent.
No matter what you do it seems impossible to get the quiet ones to chime in. ๐คท
If this sounds familiar, donโt worry. Iโve been there – many times.
I confess – I am one of those “quiet ones”.
I like to think first. Gather my thoughts. Hear what others have to say. Often by the time I’m ready to jump in, the conversation has moved on. ๐
Iโve learned through leading online sessions that it’s very easy to overlook the quiet ones.
โ ๏ธIn general online participants tend to join sessions in “passive observer mode”.
โ ๏ธWe don’t have the same kind of social interaction as we do in in-person sessions that naturally sparks engagement.
โ ๏ธAs the session leader, it’s harder to read social cues and body language to be able to gauge why people aren’t speaking up.
โ ๏ธ And the quiet ones may be hanging with the 42% that Zoom says join meetings with cameras off. so you literally may not see them.
There are more quiet ones than you might think.
According to a Slido study, 42% of people on video calls leave without saying whatโs on their mind.
Just think about that for a second.
That’s nearly half the group and millions of ideas that will forever remain buried — if we don’t create space for them to surface.
There are facilitation strategies that can help you.
Just like there is an art to interrupting “overtalkers”, there are simple strategies you can use to invite the “quiet ones” to speak up.
I am excited to share four simple strategies with you that I’ve seen work well:
1/ ๐ Pause
Give people a few moments to write down their thoughts. This can be especially helpful for introverts who need a bit more time to formulate their responses.
2/ ๐ Nudge
Directly engage the quieter ones. Try saying, โIf youโre hesitant about speaking up, this is a great session to share your thoughtsโwe value your input!โ
3/ ๐ Balance
Make a conscious effort to diversify contributors. If a regular jumps in, gently say, โThanks, XX, letโs hear from someone who hasnโt shared yet.โ
4/ ๐ Chat
Start by inviting contributions in the chat. Highlight a comment and invite that participant to elaborate, helping them ease into the conversation.
While thereโs no magic trick to ensure everyone speaks up, these strategies – pause, nudge, balance, and chat – can foster a more inclusive and engaging session where all voices are heard.
How about you? How do you get the “quiet ones” to speak up?
And if you are one of those “quiet ones” what makes you comfortable enough to join the discussion? Hit reply to this message and let me know.
This Week’s Facilitator Finds ๐ช
In this section, you’ll find curated events, resources, tips, and tools worth checking out.
1/ โ๏ธPeriodic Table of Questions & Connection. A LinkedIn post from fab facilitator (and Quest Reader!) Romy Alexandra with elements of powerful questions from Community author Peter Block’s work. I especially loved the “dissent” questions that are often at the root of resistance in groups.
2/ ๐The Art of Asking Smarter Questions. An HBR article with the different types of what I’d call “powerful questions” – investigative, speculative, productive, interpretive, subjective – written for leaders but applies equally to facilitators. (You can read up to 3 articles/mo for free)
3/ ๐งโ๐ณOperator Kitchen. A recently re-launched newsletter by Quest reader Linda Vinod with brilliant step-by-step breakdowns from people building creative businesses on the internet. I was thrilled to have my Live Session Magic course launch breakdown featured on the new site!
๐ Thanks for reading The Quest
I always love hearing your feedback and suggestions. Just hit reply to share your thoughts and ideas.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to The Quest ๐here.โ
If you enjoy The Quest, I’d appreciate it if you shared it with anyone you think might like it.
Creatively yours,
Whenever you are ready there are 2 more ways I can help you:
๐Custom coaching & team training. Book a free 15-minute zero-commitment call with me to see how I can support you and your team.
๐ Live Session Design Video Course. Live Session Magic gives you a proven system for designing consistently high-quality online sessions. Join the interest list here and be the first to get access.
๐5-week Live Online Course. The Breakthrough Facilitation course gives you tools, personalized feedback, and a proven framework for designing and leading high-engagement live sessions. Join the interest list and be the first to get the next cohort dates and discounts.
