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Silent Meetings: Combine Shared Reading with Written Input

Summary

Learn to run a silent meeting with focused shared reading, written contributions, accessible participation options, and documented decisions afterward.

Published

Collect Decision Information through Reading and Writing

Silent meeting formats provide time to read shared material or write input before verbal discussion. They create another way to contribute from the same context.

Silence alone does not ensure inclusive participation. Consider document length, accessible formats, question routes, and individual needs.

Put the Question and Context in the Document

Include the purpose, context, options, and required decision. Provide a place for comments and questions while reading.

Atlassian’s page-led format begins with silent reading. (Atlassian: Page-led meetings) Agree a suitable reading period after sharing the material.

Allocate Time to Discuss Written Contributions

After individual writing, bring together contributions relevant to the question. Review written concerns as well as frequent speakers’ comments.

Offer suitable formats and alternative contribution routes for people who find screen reading difficult. Do not require everyone to read at the same pace.

Add Decisions and Reasons to the Document

Append the decision, reason, unresolved issues, and next owners. A list of comments alone does not show the outcome.

For public sessions, publish approved explanations on the event site. Set separate access boundaries for internal comments and personal records.

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Frequently asked questions

Q: Does everyone remain silent throughout?

A: Not necessarily. Many formats combine reading or writing with subsequent discussion.

Q: Can the document be long?

A: Focus the main document and allow reading time, with detail available separately.

Q: Can this work online?

A: Yes with accessible shared material, a contribution space, and appropriate access.

Q: What if writing is difficult for someone?

A: Offer oral or advance-input options and adapt to individual needs.

Sources

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