In a recent LinkedIn post, Vanessa Van Edwards explores the common phenomenon of brilliant ideas being held back in meetings, offering psychological insights and actionable strategies to overcome this challenge. Van Edwards, a behavioral science expert, highlights that the reasons for silence are often more complex than simple fear.
She points out that many professionals remain quiet not out of apprehension of judgment, but due to a sense of futility. According to Van Edwards, employees may have experienced their contributions being overlooked in the past, leading to a belief that speaking up will not lead to any meaningful change.
“Many employees stay silent because they believe nothing will change even if they do speak up. They’ve spoken before. Been ignored before. Learned the lesson.”
Van Edwards argues that this resignation, born from past experiences, is a significant barrier. However, she introduces a counterintuitive scientific finding: the act of speaking up early can significantly impact future participation. As Van Edwards explains, making an initial contribution within the first few minutes of a meeting can create a positive feedback loop for the brain.
The Science of Early Contribution
Vanessa Van Edwards elaborates on the neurological impact of early participation. She notes that an initial contribution, even a small one, can provide the brain with evidence that speaking in that environment is safe. This, in turn, helps to break the cycle of anxiety that often prevents people from speaking.
“The longer you wait to contribute, the harder it gets. Making an early contribution — within the first few minutes — can dramatically increase your likelihood of speaking again. Your brain gets evidence that ‘speaking up is safe here’ and the anxiety cycle breaks.”
This insight suggests that the initial hurdle is often the most significant. Van Edwards emphasizes that the content of the first contribution is less important than the act of contributing itself.
The Power of a Small First Step
Van Edwards provides practical advice for professionals looking to increase their participation in meetings. She suggests that individuals do not need to formulate perfect sentences or present fully developed solutions to break their silence.
“You don’t need the perfect words. You don’t need to solve the whole problem in one sentence. You just need to break the silence.”
Her recommended strategy is simple: in the first five minutes of any meeting, make one small contribution. This could be as basic as agreeing with a point made by someone else or asking for clarification.
- “I agree with that point”
- “Could you say more about that?”
By making such a minor interjection early on, Van Edwards posits that individuals can begin to rewire their brains to feel more comfortable speaking for the remainder of the meeting. This small action can set a precedent for future interactions, making it easier to share ideas and insights over time.
Addressing the Root Cause: Futility vs. Fear
In concluding her post, Vanessa Van Edwards prompts readers to reflect on their personal barriers to speaking up in meetings. She poses a direct question to encourage self-assessment:
“What holds you back most in meetings — the fear of judgment, or the belief it won’t matter?”
This framing encourages individuals to distinguish between the fear of external judgment and the internal belief that their contributions will be inconsequential. Understanding which factor is more dominant can help in applying the right strategies to overcome meeting silence. Van Edwards’s analysis, grounded in behavioral science, offers a clear path for professionals to become more vocal and impactful in their workplace discussions.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Vanessa Van Edwards on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 19, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →