Tip

Before starting a large discussion or making a major decision, build-in one to two minutes of intentional silence. This gives quieter contributors time to form their thoughts and prevents fast talkers from dominating the conversation.

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Description

In many meetings, the people who speak first end up shaping the entire discussion. That’s not necessarily because their ideas are better, but because they think (or talk) faster. Quieter voices often need a moment to process information before contributing, and without a structured pause, their insights can get lost under the momentum of early speakers.

Introducing a simple one-minute pause before a discussion or decision levels the playing field. It allows everyone to gather their thoughts, jot down ideas, or clarify their stance. This reduces groupthink, and strengthens psychological safety. It leads to more thoughtful, higher-quality discussions and decisions.

A short countdown timer or silent reflection slide is all you need to give participants space to prepare without pressure.

Try adding a verbal cue like: “Let’s take 60 seconds to reflect individually before we discuss.” You’ll notice richer contributions, more balanced participation, and fewer decisions driven by whoever speaks first or loudest.