Note: This script is written for live exchanges being run by virtual conferencing. Leave out [the text in square brackets] to apply to an in-person event or meeting.

Script: 

“We’re going to be using a platform called Thoughtexchange to gather your input.

“A Thoughtexchange has 3 steps: Share, where you get to share your thoughts independently and anonymously; the Star step where you rate the thoughts of others, and Discover, where we all get to see what’s most important to the group.”

“In a moment you will be able to participate. A QR code will appear on the screen, [and I’ll also drop a link into the video chat]. You do not need to download a Thoughtexchange app or sign up in order to participate.”

“Once you are in the exchange please share 1-2 thoughts. Then, rate at least 20 thoughts based on how much you agree. 5 = strongly agree, 1 = strongly disagree. I encourage you to use the full range of stars to best reflect the group’s priorities.”

“Remember this is a confidential process, so your identity will not be known or associated with your thoughts or how you star.”

IN PRESENT MODE, SHOW FIRST INVITE “PAGE” WITH QUESTION AND QR CODE/LINK

“This exchange should just take a few minutes so why don't you all get out your phones and access the exchange. Open up your camera and focus on the QR code. You don't need to take a picture, but a link should appear at the top of your screen. Alternatively, you can just open a web browser, go to tejoin.com and enter the 9-digit code you see on the screen.”

Optional (virtual setting): [I've also dropped the link to the exchange in the chat.]

*Note for Leader: Don’t panic if there’s a bit of lag with people finding the exchange link, you may need to remind them how to [access chat or] scan a QR using their mobile device's camera.

Once you see that participants have joined the exchange and started sharing thoughts, start your timer.

With 3 minutes left: Move to the Visualize tab to show dynamic participation.

*Note for Leader: Pay attention to the numbers displayed at the top of each slide. From left to right these show the number of participants who have entered the Exchange, the number of thoughts they have shared, the number of ratings they have provided, and the ratio of ratings to thoughts. You want this last number to be as high as possible, but the minimum should be 10 and 20 is a good number to shoot for to ensure you have robust data.

With 2 minutes left: “We’re about halfway through our time. If you haven’t yet moved on to the Star step please do that now. This is where you rate people’s thoughts, including your own. I'd like to challenge everyone to try to rate at least 20 thoughts. If you’ve already moved on to Discover please go back and do some more rating in the Star step.”

With 1 minute left: “One minute left. Great job everyone! Try to rate as many thoughts as you can in the time remaining.”

As the timer expires: “Ok! Time is up!  Let’s look to see what the thoughts have risen to the top.”

Close the exchange using the button next to the timer (the play triangle in the top right turns into a square when the timer runs out)

Note: If you feel that participants need more time add an extra 30 seconds to 1 minute to the timer and encourage them to continue rating.

MOVE TO DISCOVER TAB TO SHOW RANKED THOUGHTS

Thoughts are presented from high to low rating. Click on any thought once to bring it to the top of the list for discussion; click it again to have it appear in a pop-up. To go back to the list, click once more.

Note: Thoughts which receive <5 ratings are at the very bottom to reflect their Pending status. This threshold for rating is to prevent a thought with only a couple of high ratings from appearing as the top-rated thought.