Here are the highlights of this video for your convenience:
Strategy #1 Analyze post trends
While you are reading posts from others, try to think about some general themes that show up throughout this discussion. Start new threads with these “themes”.
Strategy #2 Narrow down discussion
Your discussions should have a very narrow goal. Strive for depth and not breadth… when you see that your participants are straying away from the main purpose of the threat, guide their discussion to its original narrow focus.
If there is a controversial point, try ending your comments with a question. This suggests a variety of perspectives on this issue as opposed to the “my way or the highway” approach. If you want to guide someone to another idea, or correct someone’s trail of thought, you can start your sentence by saying” Have you considered? “What do you think about…?”
Strategy # 3: Support minority perspectives
Pick up on some ideas that have been sidelined by the main stream ideas and then gently bring them back for others’ consideration. Think- what might be the merits of these points? Are they founded on valid information? How could they be beneficial for others?
Strategy #4: Model Behavior
Everything about you (including your message) should reflect what you preach. Your message posts and message replies should reflect the standards that you require from others. When you compose a message, set it aside for a while. Then come back to it and ask yourself – is the message clear? Is it emotionally charged? Does it express the desired perspective? What feeling does it provoke? Make sure to never post anything when you are in a negative state of mind.
Strategy #5: Make your silent participants shine
It is your job to bring in the silent participants, make them feel comfortable, and give them room to expand.
If you see that someone is not involved in the discussion, shoot them a private email asking if everything is ok. If you see them doing something great, bring in their name and tag them, make an example of them, and encourage them to share their experience with others, make sure to give the spotlight to everyone in your group.
WHAT TO DO NOW:
In the comments below please share YOUR strategies for building engaging discussions online.
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If you liked this post you might also enjoy the following:
How to engage your audience through your webinars: http://www.wiredatheart.com/2012/02/29/webinar-superstar-how-to-engage-your-audience-during-your-online-presentation/
How to create engaging podcasts?
http://www.wiredatheart.com/2013/03/12/how-to-create-a-podcast-that-captivates-and-enchants/
I find the best discussions begin with a very carefully crafted question. A good question should have multiple correct answers. One answer may be more correct than the others but that too adds to the discussion options. The best questions are often those with no correct answer, but rather challenge the student to look at something from multiple perspectives or to consider multiple variables. Unfolding case study questions are especially useful. When the group seems to have exhausted the topic, add the next factor to re-ignite the conversation! Its always good to have some stand-by “kindling” to stoke to conversation fires!
VERY true, Cindy! I love this discussion- I agree that a carefully crafted question sets the tone for the online discussions. I also appreciate your email! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us
Thanks Marina; these are good tips for facilitating ANY type of discussion — online or offline!
Thanks, Maggie! Hope these are helpful:-)
Leading online discussions or participation of any kind, other than a silent “huh” from folks on the other end of the virtual classroom seems to be the norm. Thanks for offering a remedy for this seemingly endemic problem. Maybe someone can come up with a new disease classification–how about virtual paralysis?
Thanks, Larry, for your insights. LOVE the term “virtual paralysis”- it clearly describes the problem:-)
Great tips Marina. I particularly like #4 and 5. And I enjoyed both the video and written posts. Great job.
Thanks, dear!
Hi Marina, thank you for sharing these tips. I particularly like your point about helping silent participants to shine – often they can have great points to make but need a bit of encouragement and support to speak up.
Susan. you are so very welcome! Happy to be of help:-)
I enjoyed reading your post, thanks for sharing. I definitely agree on #4 and maintaining a consistent message. Also, I never ever post anything when in bad spirits. It’s funny how people don’t realize how your mood comes through in your writing.
Damarys, thanks for your comment! i know, soooo many people write super negative stuff online forgetting that is there to stare at them for the eternity:-)