There are many things that differ in an online vs an offline event, and as facilitators we need to put some thought into how we want to handle those differences. New situations require the creation of new norms. By approaching these differences intentionally, we can make online as rich or richer than an in person event.

Top Tips:

• Make people feel welcomed as they arrive by posting a “hello, [name]!” in chat or sending them a PM

• Catch newcomers up on what the group is doing by posting the context in chat. No more needing to pause the whole group to give instructions all over again!

• Understand the constraints of different platforms.

• Google example

• Compose your breakout messages ahead of time, so you can just copy/paste them in chat

• Don’t try complex activities in breakout rooms.

• For big events with breakout rooms:

• Keep the numbers of people in each room within a range, not specific (eg 3-4) because some people aren’t actually at their computers. Don’t try pair activities unless you’re sure everyone is really there.

• Ask people to drop off before breakout activities if they aren’t actually going to be present for those activities.

• Take a minute when the rooms form to make sure everyone has at least the minimum number of people in their rooms.