> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://lorros.gitbook.io/lorros-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://lorros.gitbook.io/lorros-guide/meetings-1/what-is-an-asynchronous-meeting.md).

# What is an Asynchronous Meeting?

When we think of meetings we think of people sitting around a table (web conference, etc.) at the same time. The Chair controls who can speak and only one person can speak at a time. This would be a Synchronous Meeting.

#### So what is an Asynchronous Meeting?

![](https://2370602576-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LH9z7deyPp9sPuRw9wZ%2F-LHArzoxfvl84ViJbETy%2F-LHAsN6r9ivBXLotbP09%2FFotolia_37101359_S.jpg?alt=media\&token=2adb3e15-aec4-4bfe-b961-952a8b6f2e16)

If synchronous means that everyone needs to be together at the same time and only one person can speak at a time, then asynchronous must mean the they don’t all need to be together at the same time, and anyone can speak whenever they want.

> “Asynchronous communications can be sent at any time without regard to whether or not the receiver is ready. For example, an email is asynchronous.
>
> Synchronous communication is a term for time-dependent communications such as a telephone call whereby parties to communication need to be available at the same time.” 
>
> “What is Asynchronous Communication?”, John Spacey, Simplicable, December 28, 2016\
> <https://simplicable.com/new/asynchronous-communication>

As John Spacey points out email is asynchronous, so it makes sense that an asynchronous meeting could be an email meeting.

But email is a discussion, not a meeting.

And that’s where LORROS comes in. LORROS is built around the principles of Robert’s Rules of Order so that the meeting has a conventional structure. The discussion is transmitted by email and contained in a standard meeting format within LORROS.

LORROS Meetings are designed to span multiple days so everyone doesn’t have to be together at the same time, in other words … asynchronous.

LORROS Meetings can also be used in conjunction with *(and improve)* ‘live’ synchronous meetings by starting a day *(or more)* before the live meeting and extending a day after.