What does it mean to "yield the floor" during a meeting?

To "yield the floor" during a meeting refers to the act of giving up the privilege of speaking for the time being, allowing others the opportunity to speak instead. This is a common practice in formal meetings where participants take turns contributing to discussions. Yielding the floor does not mean that the current speaker has finished their comments permanently; rather, they are temporarily stepping back from speaking to permit another individual to express their thoughts or questions.

In the context of effective communication during meetings, this practice is essential as it encourages collaboration and ensures that various viewpoints can be heard. It also demonstrates respect for the contributions of other attendees, fostering a more inclusive environment for dialogue. While the speaker may return to contribute later, the act of yielding emphasizes the importance of shared communication in a group setting.