Deciding on and differentiating between appropriate engagement frameworks, strategies, methods tools and techniques can be confusing. Add to this the array of software and digital applications we’re all currently playing with, and the challenges are compounded.

Selecting the right engagement approach is part art and part science. There is no ‘magic’ solution, and no one tool or method that is ‘best’ or ‘one size fits all’. Planning and preparation must happen first - well before we get to methods and tools - creating a ‘blueprint’ for our process that guides these decisions.

Having shared experiences is one of the fundamental features of being part of a community. In our current environment both space and time are different. And creating these collective experiences online becomes our key task as facilitators, project managers and engagement practitioners.

Today we’re sharing a free resource on 7 ways to achieve this and ensure people really ‘hear each other’ online. These are skills that can be used in many contexts, from small, informal conversations right through to large, interactive public sessions.