| STRATEGIES FOR CHOOSING A REPORTER FOR VIRTUAL BREAKOUT ROOM DISCUSSIONS |
| In both face-to-face and virtual training, participants often brainstorm, hold reflective discussions, or complete tasks in small groups. During in-person training, small groups occur among participants seated together at tables. In virtual training, small groups of 3-5 participants join breakout rooms. Regardless of the setting, group members are often asked to identify a reporter to share small group deliberations with the larger full group. Selecting a reporter is sometimes awkward and time-consuming for group members. Effective trainers can support the identification of a small group reporter by sharing a strategy. These strategies provide a opening for conversation for participants unfamilier with each other (e.g., random breakout group assignment on virtual platforms such as Zoom.) Some strategies also serve as a mental recharger or energizer. Try some of these ideas at an upcoming training. The person who meet the criteria will serve as the reporter or identify a small group member who will report out. The person: – Who was born earliest or latest in the year – Who has the shortest or longest middle name – Whose 7-digit phone number totals the largest or smallest number – Whose month and date of birth total the largest or smallest number – Whose home street name has the most or fewest letters – Who got up earliest this morning – Who attended high school the furthest away – Who has worked in their agency for the longest period of time – Who most recently presented a training |