Moderator Guide: Mega Workshops

Welcome! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before and during your workshop. Please:

• Review the "Before the Workshop" section in advance
• Print or keep a copy of the "Workshop Quick Guide" on hand while moderating

Before The Workshop

Already have a Discuss account?

Just click the "Open Project" button in your email invite. You're good to go!

New to Discuss?

Follow these steps:

1. Go to discuss.io
2. Click "Log In" (top right corner)

2. Enter your email address

If you're new, you'll be prompted to create an account

Once you're in, you’re all set to join the platform and manage your sessions.

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Workshop Workflow (Moderator)

Accept your invitation (check your email)

• If you can’t find it, contact [e-mail]

Once you are able to join the platform, you will be on your way to starting your Workshop experience!

On the Day Of

2. Open the Discuss Dashboard
   • You'll find all your interview links here
   • Use the Moderator Link (not Observer or Respondent).

You will also be emailed a direct link and a calendar invite if you prefer to access your session using this method.

Now Inside the Meeting Room

2. Check your system:

   • Click the “Participants” icon in the bottom-left corner
   • Confirm that your name appears
   • Test your camera (angle & lighting)
   • Test your microphone (watch for echo or feedback)

   If you hit a snag, email [e-mail] — this is ONLY for prep before the session.

Recording:

• Our Support Team Lead will start the recording before leaving the room. This is important because the “HELP!” button — which you can use to alert Tech Support — only becomes available after the recording has been started, and it will remain available as long as the recording is running.
• You’ll know the recording is running when the toggle changes from RECORDING OFF to RECORDING ON, as shown below:

• The “HELP!” button that you will use to alert tech support only shows up on your screen while the recording is running.

Add Your Respondent

• In the Participant List, click “+” next to the respondent's name, to admit them from the waiting room

• MPORTANT - If there is no one else on your participant list and the session is set to start in 10 minutes or less, use the “HELP!” button to alert the support agent.  They will then reach out to the vendor so that the respondent can be located.

Check Respondent Setup

• Turn on their mic & camera
• Ask:
  • “Can you hear me?”
  • “Can you see me?”
• If there's an issue:
  • Use the Refresh button beside their name

• If unresolved, click “HELP!” for live support

Once both of you are ready, start your session confidently. The “HELP!” button stays active while recording is on.

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Pre-Session Checklist ✅ 

• Have a Discuss account ready
• Still unable to log in? Email [e-mail]

Session Setup (inside the meeting room)

• Start recording immediately
• Add the respondent to the room
• Confirm:
  • Their mic & camera are on
  • You can both see and hear each other
• Refresh if issues arise, then click “HELP!” if issues persist

No Respondent?

• 5–10 minutes before start time: use the “HELP!” button

Issues Mid-Session?

• Click “HELP!” for live assistance

Have a great session!