Breakout rooms are Zoom's most powerful feature.
And can make a Zoom session actually better than an in-person lecture.
If they're done right!
Here's a 4-step approach for effective breakout sessions that I've observed from expert facilitators and tried out myself 👇🧵
And can make a Zoom session actually better than an in-person lecture.
If they're done right!
Here's a 4-step approach for effective breakout sessions that I've observed from expert facilitators and tried out myself 👇🧵
1. Set the stage
Spend a minute introducing the activity and how it connects to the overall session. You're answering the question "What's in it for them?" here.
Then, cover the logistics: What are participants supposed to do, and how can they get the most out of this exercise?
Spend a minute introducing the activity and how it connects to the overall session. You're answering the question "What's in it for them?" here.
Then, cover the logistics: What are participants supposed to do, and how can they get the most out of this exercise?
2. Silent prep time
Let participants brainstorm and write down ideas on their own for 2-5 minutes. That way, once they enter the breakout room, they already have material to share and discuss.
Need a timer? Search for timers on YouTube and embed the video on a slide.
Let participants brainstorm and write down ideas on their own for 2-5 minutes. That way, once they enter the breakout room, they already have material to share and discuss.
Need a timer? Search for timers on YouTube and embed the video on a slide.
3. Breakout room
Now, send participants off to breakout rooms.
Aim for 3-4 people per room for 10-15 minutes, so everyone gets the opportunity to share.
And nobody will be left alone in case a person has to drop out.
Now, send participants off to breakout rooms.
Aim for 3-4 people per room for 10-15 minutes, so everyone gets the opportunity to share.
And nobody will be left alone in case a person has to drop out.
4. Group discussion
Once everyone is back, ask participants to share their insights in front of the group.
You could also ask them to write their takeaways in the chat first and then ask someone to expand on their answer.
Once everyone is back, ask participants to share their insights in front of the group.
You could also ask them to write their takeaways in the chat first and then ask someone to expand on their answer.
That's it! If you're running a 60-min session, you can usually fit 1-2 of these cycles depending on what other material you want to cover.
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