Part IV: Candidate Forums
Virtual Forum Advice for Moderators
The Covid-19 global pandemic forced us to examine and re-imagine the way we conduct candidate forums. Several variations of our candidate forums emerged:
Everyone virtual – Moderator, candidates, timers – may be livestreamed or not, and are recorded for future viewing (while livestreaming was not initially encouraged, many Leagues have developed ways to successfully conduct livestream forums)
Moderator, candidates, and timer in one location but no live audience – recorded for future viewing and possibly livestreamed
Moderator and some candidates in one location, and some candidates virtual – recorded for future viewing and possibly livestreamed (this is not optimal and a high level of technical capabilities are necessary for it to be successful)
Outdoor forums that allowed Moderators, candidates, timers, and an audience to be present
Moderating a forum with any virtual component brings additional challenges and considerations.
Here are some hints and best practices.
If you are moderating virtually from your home or office…
(list courtesy of LWV Dakota County)
Pick a room that is quiet.
Try not to have a background that is cluttered or that will have people walking through. This is particularly important if you are using a virtual background since motion and clutter can cause the background to fluctuate on the air, drawing attention away from you.
Assume you are on camera and will be seen during the entire event.
Camera should not be placed low looking up at you, raise camera if needed.
Turn off any bright lights/shut window blinds that are located in the background.
You can improve your audio sound by picking a room with carpet and sound absorbing furniture. You can also improve your audio by using a microphone. With most computers you can use a USB lavalier microphone that you can clip on your clothes. If you use a microphone, place it just below your collarbone and point it toward your mouth. Do not speak directly into it or you will get popping noises when saying explosive consonants such as p’s and b’s.
Have essentials you may need handy – tissues, water, cough drops, etc.
To keep in mind as moderator during the forum…
Ensure that you can see all candidates and timers.
Keep a private line of communication open between yourself and the forum administrators or coordinators.
Determine in advance who controls the mute and unmute functions. Your role may be to remind candidates to mute or unmute, as appropriate or you may have control over that function.
Confirm that all candidates can see the timer and are aware of the time remaining. Be confident in stopping candidates if they go over the time limit.
If there will be questions passed to you during the forum, determine in advance how that will happen.