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

Script:

“We’re going to be using a crowd-sourcing 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 15-20 (or more!) of other people’s 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 take about 6-7 minutes to complete so let’s do this.”

*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.

MOVE TO VISUALIZE TAB TO SHOW DYNAMIC PARTICIPATION

At 3 minutes: “We’re about half way 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. If you’ve already moved on to Discover please go back and do some more rating in the Star step.”

At 6 minutes: “One minute left.”

At 7 minutes: “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)

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.