Perceived Risk
- There is an illogical fear of online engagement
- Online engagement, policy discussions, and parental engagement are different to newspaper chat boards, Reddit, twitter, etc.
- All risks associated with listening to your community online can be managed with careful planning and execution
- The riskiest thing you can do, Is to do nothing at all and vacate the space
Strength in Numbers
- if you don’t attract a crowd, you are providing another space for the STP / Vocal Minority
- The more people you have, the more moderate views emerge
- The crowd will self-regulate to a point
- It’s hard to take over a busy engagement
- Diverse perspectives are important
Tool Selection & Barrier Reduction
- Not all engagement tools carry equal risk
- Surveys, polls, and Q&A are great for high-octane issues
- Storytelling is both safe and engaging when framed correctly
- Difficult to troll an ideas board
- Discussion boards expose people to opposing views
- Use blended/hybrid strategies
- Use Registration Wisley & Remove Barriers when possible
Moderation & Management
- Clear moderation rules and impartial round-the-clock moderation will help you sleep
- NEVER edit a contribution but you can certainly hide it and request a personal conversation
- Set context
- Trolls can be tamed
- Consider facilitation
- Limit time for feedback
- Measuring is listening
The Power of Positivity
- Focus on opportunity
- Ask what perfection looks like
- Direct discussion to solving – not identifying
- Gather ideas, pictures stories, suggestions
Educate & Be Respectful
- Keep it Short and Sweet
- Always Close the Loop & SHOW YOUR WORK
- Be mindful of time and barriers
- Be Authentic in your communications
- Say Thank you
