I've been going to WW for 5 weeks now. I'm doing well and generally, I don't find the meetings that meaningful. However, I do get little nuggets of new ideas/knowledge every now and then.
The thing I hate about the meetings, so far at least, is that people are constantly talking while the leader is talking---they are having their own side-conversatios all over the room and I find it very rude and distracting. Also, there are a couple of women who speak-up and tell these ridiculous stories, or get totally off-track and talk about a specific food item for a really long time. Today, it was at least 5 minutes talking about the mini-blizzards (which are 10-11 pp by the way).
Should I say something to the leader about it? Or should I just try to attend a new meeting? I really like the day/time of the meeting, but I wonder if she is not that great of a leader that she can't keep the audience listening/not talking about stupid-off-topic things. She's been with WW 14 years, but I guess that doesn't make her 'good'.
I'd speak to the leader in private about it. If that doesn't work, I'm outspoken enough to put my hand up and when called upon ask them to shut up so I could hear the leader.
It takes more than being a successful WW to 'lead' a meeting. Not everyone has a strong personality to control a group meeting. Here are some suggestions: Take the leader aside to suggest that she invite the gabbers (one by one) to the front to speak to the group. Most people don't like to get up in front of the group - they prefer to gab from their own safety zone. Its the old teachers' trick - "Johnny, do you have something to share with the class? Come on up here to tell us about it". Then when they take a breath, she can ask the group if the topic needs any more discussion. It won't take long before unspoken peer pressure will cut their disruptions down.
I'm actually not that into my meeting, either. I'm doing a WW at work meeting and the people all know each other (whereas I've only been there six months, and I work for a huge university healthcare system with a bunch of different departments, of which I am the only one from mine). I noticed they also have side conversations and I feel awkward saying anything to the leader.
I've tried going to a few different meetings when I have to miss one because of my work schedule- and one that I went to was even worse, the guy who lead it was meek and just not a public speaker. So I don't know. Like you, there are certain things that make it worth going, especially in the beginning- but I don't think I'll stay for the meetings for the long run unless I can find one that's better. I feel like I"ve heard this a lot and it's a pretty common thing. I know you like the date/time of yours, but maybe you can try a few different ones for variety. I think you can go to an unlimited number in a week, right? Maybe you can go to your usual one and try a different one to see if it's worth going to? I definitely think the meetings are pretty hit or miss and I sympathize with your annoyance!
I appreciate everyone's advice, sympathy and suggestions! The funniest part of the whole thing is that my leader IS a teacher!!! She isn't meek by any means, but it seems like everyone knows each other, or at least there are little groups of people all over the meeting, and I'm new (only gone 5 times), so I don't know anyone. I just find it really rude all the side conversations! I don't know why she doesn't speak up, but I also feel rather uncomfortable confronting her about it, as I don't want her to take it personal, like I am attacking her or something.
When I have something to say (as I have commented in meetings), I always raise my hand! I guess I just don't understand why others don't follow that same courtesy! I think I'll try another meeting this week to see what I think, and if that doesn't work, I'll just talk to her after class one day. I don't like confrontation, so I guess that is why I'm leery to say anything.
I always appreciate everyone's insight---I really love 3FC forum!
I would definitely try a different leader/meeting. They just vary so much. Most are OK, some are great and a few not so great. Look for the great or at least the OK.
Sometimes, it is more difficult for teachers to present in front of their colleagues and that may have something to do with the leader letting the side conversations go on. But if you are paying for the program, but don't feel that you're getting what you're paying for out of the current meeting you are in, you should definitely check out another meeting just to see what else is out there.
As a teacher myself, I still get stage fright if I have to be in front of a group of my peers. Put me in front of 30 teenagers and I'm fine, but having to be with other adults can freak me out at times.
Our meeting has a group of about 6 women who are all teachers and friends, and they never shut up through the whole meeting.
I may have to pass them a note and ask them to shut up. Or just poke one of them and say "shh, I'm trying to listen", or "could you please use your inside voice?"
I would have to drive 40 miles to make a different meeting, so that's not an option for me.
Actually after typing this and thinking about it, I'm going to ask them to please be quiet.
We have a decent leader, and the more they talk, the louder she gets, but they don't seem to get it.
Good points ladies! I appreciate Chele for mentioning the fact that I am paying for those meetings too---I have the monthly pass, so I tend not to think too much about the financial investment part of it! But you are right, I'll try a couple different meetings this week---I really don't want to change my weigh-in day/time, but having a better meeting would be worth it
I say try a different meeting. I'm not thrilled with my meetings either so I'm going to try Thursdays I think. Unfortunately, all the WW in Nashville are owned by the same franchise. So there are fewer options than when I was in Atlanta and I just don't like them as much as WW International.
I got pretty lucky with my meeting and leader. If anyone is chatting...I don't notice. But I usually sit right up front so I can pay attention. She's really good about staying on track with the conversation. She works any tangent into the topic at hand.
I would just ask her to say something. Tell her it's hard for you to really focus with all of the back chatter.
I am a teacher, and I find that other teachers can be the WORST for not paying attention. I find that at conventions, too. At WW, I sit near the front, so I can always hear the leader even if others are being chitty-chatty. Mind you, our leader is pretty good at cutting people off if they get to far off the topic...with a big, "Well, ANYWAY...let's get back on topic!" And she usually tells them to come and talk to her after the meeting if they have more questions, so they aren't completely cut off and ignored. Remember, even the annoying people are struggling with a lot of the same things we all are, and need support too.
A thing you can do, it involves going out on a limb...engage the annoying people in conversation before the meeting, then, when the meeting starts, you set the example by lowering your voice and saying..."sh sh sh...the meeting is starting." If you are the person they are talking to, they are more likely to stop when you do!
OK---seriously, why are there so many teachers in WW? My mom is a retired teacher and has been life-time (when she was at her goal weight of course), for on and off 25 years! Is WW a teacher-cult? LOL I say this totally in jest, but it seems like there are so many teachers in WW!
Anyway! You are right, I need to speak up and/or go to new meetings!
I don't know why she doesn't speak up, but I also feel rather uncomfortable confronting her about it, as I don't want her to take it personal, like I am attacking her or something.
Maybe after the meeting, take her aside and tell her you were really interested in what she had to share (compliment) but you are having a problem hearing her...maybe its the accoustics in the room (you are taking the 'blame' so it is not confrontational). Then ask her to repeat some of the evening's gems.
Next time, add a hand behind your ear to indicate you can't hear her and see what she might do.
I don't do the f2f meetings but I have an exercise date tomorrow with the local WW leader in my area and I will run this by her. I am sure she has had to deal with this as I know some of the local members and they can talk the leaves off the trees!!
sfree - I do think there is a strong teacher - eating - gabbing connection. My local gabbers are teachers too
Were you at my meeting today? We were talking about mini blizzards today. But I'd speak to the leader. It can't hurt. And you are a customer, and deserve to be able to hear!
I always sit in the front 1 or 2 rows, so I can hear. I go to a Mom & Me meeting so it's shorter (30 min) and there are always moms running interference with their kiddos. But my leader will stay behind and answer all questions.
Annoying Meeting-Goers
