The current widespread adoption of virtual dialogue formats in both professional and personal spheres has prompted me to reflect on my experiences with the digitalization of dialogue. With nearly 20 years of experience as a moderator and dialogue consultant, I’ve been involved in pilot projects for online and offline dialogue formats, particularly in public contexts. Here’s a brief account from an “analogue native” that skips hackathons and barcamps for now, but perhaps those will be discussed another time.

Beginnings – Synchronous Large Group Collaboration in the Town Hall Meeting: Around fifteen years ago, I first encountered the Town Hall Meeting live as a facilitator in an empty church. This large group format featured participants sitting around tables, each accompanied by a table moderator. Results were entered directly into a notebook, sent to an editorial team for real-time synthesis, and then printed on-site for approval by all participants. Lessons learned: Clear guiding questions, empathetic table moderators, coordinated time management, a proficient editorial team, and reliable technology are crucial for success. As the main moderator, orchestrating the entire process brings satisfaction, especially when a joint result is achieved and presented to the public.

Expansion – Dovetailing Face-to-Face Events with Asynchronous Online Participation: A few years later, I experienced the combination of selective large group formats with phases of online participation. This occurred during a months-long citizens’ forum on social market economy issues, realized by IFOK in cooperation with Zebralog. Lessons learned: Combining online and offline formats allows for a finely graduated range of interactions, personal and virtual inputs, open and closed discussion spaces, and a cascade of in-depth steps, prioritization, and decisions.

Dissemination – Digitally Supported Large Group Events and Conference Apps: In recent years, participant involvement at large events has been increasingly supported by conference apps. Participants use their smartphones to log into an application customized for the event, facilitating votes, questions, comments, or creating shared word clouds. Lessons learned: As a moderator, I must consider and integrate several rooms and participants that are invisible to me. Good cooperation with the director and technology is essential, and the interaction must support participants’ attention for the respective topic.

New Territory – Synchronized Moderation of Face-to-Face and Online Rooms: In a recent scenario, a face-to-face event for around sixty people had to be rescheduled at short notice, with half the participants joining virtually. Lessons learned: A detailed agenda, clear information, and instructions provide orientation. A dress rehearsal and a strong team in the background are crucial for success.

Steep Learning Curve – One Hundred Percent Online: Recently, many face-to-face events have been converted into purely online formats. I experienced my “first time” as a participant in a two-and-a-half-day seminar with around one hundred participants. Lessons learned: Good guidance for information requirements, technical checks in advance, and several appointments for briefings ensure smooth operations during the event.

Fortunately, many colleagues share their experiences and tips on virtual moderation, which is invaluable as we adapt quickly and learn new things. The experience highlights the differences between face-to-face and online moderation, such as contact and body language, attention and energy, and flexibility. Simultaneously, it reveals the unique opportunities that arise from online formats. Lastly, acquiring skills for cross-location collaboration is a positive aspect in the context of sustainable, resource-conserving development. An opportunity indeed.