Hey there! So you're about to run a New Manager Orientation on MS Teams, and you know what's super important? Keeping your audience engaged! We all know that when folks are more involved, they pay more attention, and they remember more of what you say. And that's a win, especially for new managers who have tons to learn. Plus, when they're engaged, they’re way more likely to turn their cameras on, lean in, and actually participate instead of just listening in the background.
Kick-off with Magic Maps
Alright, let's start with something fun—Magic Maps! When everyone hops onto your MS Teams session, you want to set the tone right. Ask them, 'Where are you connecting from today?' and watch StreamAlive plot their locations on a map in real-time. This is not just cool but a great icebreaker! Plus, it gets everyone curious about who else is joining and from where, building a sense of community from the start. You can mix it up by asking them to share their dream travel destination too. It’s a neat way to get them typing in the chat and breaking the ice!

Get Insights with Opinion Polls
Okay, sometimes you need detailed feedback or want to gauge opinions on more open-ended questions. That’s where Opinion Polls come in handy. Ask something like, 'What’s one skill you hope to develop as a manager?' and let them type in their thoughts. This can spark great discussions and lets you tailor your session to address their needs directly. You’ll be surprised at the valuable insights you'll gather!
Drive Engagement with Power Polls
Want to know if your audience leans more towards morning coffee or is a fan of power naps? Use Power Polls to run quick polls on preferences or session topics right there on MS Teams. It’s as real-time as it gets, and everyone can see results instantly. You might run a poll on what leadership style resonates with them or what aspect of manager training they’re most anxious about. It’s an awesome way to keep them engaged and let their voices be heard.

Spice Things Up with the Spinner Wheel
You know how some folks are active in the chat, and others are more wallflower-like? The Spinner Wheel is your go-to for sparking some excitement. You can use it to pick random winners based on who’s been active in the chat—perfect for little game breaks or rewarding participation. Imagine saying, 'Let’s find out who gets a surprise gift!' and then letting the wheel do its magic. You could even use it to decide who gets to ask the next question or share a thought, making people want to be part of the action.

Visualize Thoughts with Wonder Words
When you want to visualize what your audience is thinking in a pretty cool way, Wonder Words is your friend. Imagine asking the group, 'What’s one quality every manager should have?' and seeing the most popular words pop out in a word cloud! It’s an engaging visual that can make a great discussion starter. Plus, it’s super quick and easy to set up, adding that extra zing to your session without much hassle.

Let Choice Circle Do the Deciding
Want to know if your audience leans more towards morning coffee or is a fan of power naps? Use Power Polls to run quick polls on preferences or session topics right there on MS Teams. It’s as real-time as it gets, and everyone can see results instantly. You might run a poll on what leadership style resonates with them or what aspect of manager training they’re most anxious about. It’s an awesome way to keep them engaged and let their voices be heard.