Is a discussion at an online event different from a discussion at a stationary event? In many respects, essentially no - the rules for its conduct are the same regardless of whether it takes place in the virtual or offline world. However, when deciding to hold a discussion on an event platform, it is worth keeping in mind a few things that will ensure that its course will go according to the plan we have set.

Discussion on stage or in a workshop session?

The first thing to determine is the space where our discussion will take place. We can choose between two spaces: a stage and a workshop session. An on-stage discussion is a good option when we want only the panelists we have invited to participate, along with the presenters and/or moderators. Each panelist can connect from a different location and will be visible in a separate window in the broadcast window, but it is also possible to gather all or several panelists in one place (e.g. in the studio). On-stage broadcasting limits the role of speakers and presenters to only conduct the discussion itself, so that they do not have to control or manage the broadcast themselves and, for example, the permissions of other meeting participants.

The discussion can also be conducted in a workshop session, where speakers and presenters can have more control over the transmission (e.g., they can mute microphones and turn off the cameras of individual participants, change views or remove participants from the session room). In workshop sessions, it is recommended that each participant connect from a different location from their own account. If there are many participants, it is possible to divide them into smaller subgroups where discussions can be held on different topics.

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Taking the floor during discussions

When it comes to taking the floor during discussions, the rules are very simple. First of all, panelists should try to speak one at a time. While speaking at the same time during a stationary discussion is tolerable (although interrupting speakers and shouting at each other is simply rude and inelegant), at an online event this will introduce a great deal of chaos. This happens mainly for technical reasons, e.g. through subtle camera delays, reverberation, or audio distortion. During discussions, we try to speak loud and clear. This is especially important for multilingual events where a simultaneous interpreter is present. When another panelist speaks, we do not interrupt such a person and make sure our microphone is turned off or muted. If we want to interject something, ask a question or comment on the speaker's statement, we signal this by raising our hand - we can make this gesture to the camera or use the "Raise your hand" button, which is available almost on every event platform. Alternatively, we can post our question or comment in the chat so that the panelist can refer to it when they finish their statement.

Discussion leader

In order to ensure that the discussion sticks to the planned time frame, it is a good idea to provide the presence of a presenter or moderator to oversee the discussion. The moderator can not only start and end the discussion and announce the panelists, but also announce the end of the speaking time or read out to the speakers the questions asked by the audience in the chat room. If the discussion is conducted in a workshop session on the platform, the presenter should be given the authority to turn camera and microphone access on and off for participants. This will allow them, for example, to invite a viewer to ask a question to one of the panelists in person.

Recording the discussion

If you want to record the discussion at your event, be sure to inform the invited panelists. Also include your consent to recording in the event's terms and conditions, acceptance of which is necessary to participate in the event.