First Time Facilitator FTF256: Handling chat like a pro
Hey, thanks for tuning in today. I just wrapped up a webinar for a long-time client — an organization that delivers live, critical, and completely anonymous support via webinars.
That’s right. No faces. No names. Just silence... and a flurry of comments in the chat.
So how do you respond when the comments start rolling in — especially when the stakes are high and the people on the other side might be feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or unheard?
Today, I share the 4 archetypes I’ve created to explain the choices we have when responding to chat — in real-time, whether you're on a livestream, hosting a masterclass, or even navigating in-person Q&A.
🌀 The Fog – You miss the moment
👀 The Birdwatcher – You see it, let it fly
👂 The Listener – You acknowledge, but don’t fix
🗺 The Guide – You go there, with intention
We also talk:
- When verbatim responses can be powerful
- The risk of paraphrasing (and how to check in)
- Why sometimes, the most generous thing is to not engage
- How time and engagement form a decision-making matrix when you’re live
If you ever find yourself juggling incoming comments with a tight run sheet, this one’s for you.
Let me know which archetype you default to — and if you’ve found any hacks for managing emotional or high-stakes chat in live sessions.
Speak tomorrow!
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