Narrative Writing
In meetings, people are usually asked to share quick ideas on the spot. It's tough for many because they need more info, data, and time to think through their thoughts and come up with solid inputs.
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When everyone in a meeting has all the information, they need beforehand, it sets the stage for awesome ideas.
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If you want your meetings to be productive, facilitating the decision-making process is key. This can be done by fostering a culture of writing narratives.
What are Narratives?
Narratives are detailed documents aimed at informing meeting participants or stakeholders about ideas or proposals. They cover crucial data and facts to ensure everyone involved understands and shares valuable input. The length of the document may vary, from 1 to 6 pages, depending on the complexity of ideas and amount of data.
How do Narratives Help?
Narratives play a vital role in enhancing meeting effectiveness. They are generally shared in advance or at the start of a meeting. Attendees are allocated 15-30 minutes for silent reading, with no need for verbal recitation. Here's why this practice is so beneficial:
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Comprehensive Information: By reading narratives beforehand, attendees are equipped with all the essential details, ensuring that they can contribute more thoughtfully.​
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Enhanced Preparedness: With ample time to absorb the content, participants are better prepared to share their insights, promoting more meaningful contributions.
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Boosted Productivity: Meetings guided by narratives tend to be more focused and lead to swifter decision-making, making them considerably more productive.
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Clarity of Thought: Crafting a narrative encourages the author to gain better clarity of their own ideas, improving the overall quality of contributions and discussions.
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By incorporating narratives into your meeting strategy, you pave the way for informed, engaged, and productive discussions.