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January 24, 2008
Etiquette of round tables
I am generally not one for keeping quiet. But just lately I have enjoyed taking a seat at this round table and just listening. I have had little energy to find my voice. Others have spoken for me, expressed my thoughts.
In my work I have to attend a lot of round table discussions. I was at another one last night with politicians and other 'known' people present. I am never afraid to speak my mind. In fact I often feel afterwards I have said too much and should have spent more time listening and less time talking. Yet often others at the table who follow me say "Anna made the point I wanted to already...and better than I could have done". So maybe I should not worry so much about being a big mouth.
Round tables usually take place under Chatham House rules. This means you can say what you like in the safe knowledge that no one will blab..."You'll never guess what so and so said...". Here at the bloggers round table some are named and known are others have pseudonyms preferring to remain anonymous. Though the world is listening it feels a safe place to speak. And a safe place to remain silent.
When the table falls silent at a round table discussion, there is usually a sense of unease in the room. The chair will often take charge, ask a question, try and call on someone to speak.
Here, silence does not necessarily mean that no one is there. Maybe you don't feel you have anything to say. Maybe you are not confident to speak up. Maybe you feel others are speaking for you. Maybe you are too tired. But maybe you are thinking something deep and wise but just waiting. Waiting for the moment when you have everyone's attention. The moment to speak and be heard.
Posted by Anna Dixon at January 24, 2008 07:40 AM