Hey there, live session hosts! We all know how crucial it is to keep our audience engaged during our MS Teams sessions. It's not just about getting them to show up—it's about keeping them interested and ensuring they walk away with new insights they can actually remember and use. In gender equality workshops, where the topics are vital and sometimes complex, holding your audience's attention is key to making a real impact. The more involved they are, the more they learn, and the more they can contribute to fostering an inclusive environment. Let's explore some cool strategies to make your sessions buzzing with interaction!

Map Out Your Audience's Thoughts

Magic Maps is a fantastic icebreaker! Start your session by getting everyone involved with a fun geographical question. Ask your audience where they’re joining from or what their dream travel destination is. This is a great way to boost energy right off the bat. Imagine your map lighting up with dots from around the globe—it's a visual representation of diversity right there on your screen. Plus, seeing everyone's location gives a little geographical context that might lead to interesting conversations about gender equality challenges in different areas.

Dive Deeper with Opinion Polls

Opinion Polls are great for capturing more nuanced feedback from your audience. If you're discussing gender equality policies, you can have attendees share their ideas about what makes an effective policy. Unlike closed polls, this open-ended approach encourages people to share unique insights that can spark further discussion. You can watch the ideas flow in and even have a post-poll discussion on the most intriguing points made by your audience.

Gauge Opinion with Power Polls

Use Power Polls during your session to get a quick snapshot of your audience's thoughts. For example, ask your attendees what they feel is the most pressing gender issue in their sector—give them a few options to choose from. This not only gives you a real-time sense of where your group stands but also helps them feel like their voices are being heard. You could also use it to capture their understanding of a topic before and after the session to measure knowledge gained.

Encourage Participation with the Winner Wheel

The Winner Wheel is your best friend when it comes to encouraging participation. It’s perfect for giving shout-outs and little rewards to attendees who engage in the chat. Perhaps you can spin the wheel for attendees who share their thoughts on how gender equality can be improved in their communities. It's a great way to increase interaction and recognize those who contribute valuable insights. You could even use it to decide who asks the next question or who gets a virtual high five. Small rewards, but they keep the buzz going!

Visualize Ideas with Wonder Words

Wonder Words is perfect for visual learners and really drives home key points. Imagine having your audience share one-word descriptions of what gender equality means to them, live in your session. As more people contribute, those popular terms will stand out, giving everyone a visual summary of collective thoughts. This can be particularly compelling following a challenging discussion, as it visually reinforces key takeaways and highlights common themes. Plus, it's a great segue into more detailed discussions.

Effortless Decisions with Choice Circle

Use Power Polls during your session to get a quick snapshot of your audience's thoughts. For example, ask your attendees what they feel is the most pressing gender issue in their sector—give them a few options to choose from. This not only gives you a real-time sense of where your group stands but also helps them feel like their voices are being heard. You could also use it to capture their understanding of a topic before and after the session to measure knowledge gained.