While we may not notice if a meeting room is silent upon entry, we are likely to notice if there is music playing.  Music helps create an ambiance, an atmosphere for whatever happens next.  The feeling will be different if the music is classical vs. jazz, or live vs. recorded.

Music can be planned as a deliberate shift to help mark time for different activities.  For example, in World Cafe perhaps the facilitator turns music on when people are between groups, and when the music stops participants find chairs for their next discussion group.  Music can also help enhance a particular activity, as when soft instrumental music plays in the background during a group visualization exercise to help participants relax, or celebratory music is played to introduce a key speaker or a product launch.  Some groups sing together as part of an opening or closing ritual.

There are also times for using non-musical sounds.  For example, a bell or buzzer to signal time periods or to draw the group’s attention back together at the end of a break or small group break-outs.

And even the tone of the leader’s voice and how they express themselves might be thought of as part of the audio track for an event.

Cautions & Caveats

Beware choosing something that isn’t the right fit.  Also avoid getting hung up by technology:  test any systems well ahead of time.