🔥 When’s the last time you tried a new live session format?
I led a live session with the Circle community on how to level up live community events.
Building on an idea from my brilliant session collaborator Emma Catranis, I decided to try something different from my usual workshop or training format.
I tested out a rotating Hot Seat 🔥
This community is packed with people who already run great events.
I wanted to tap into that experience and meet them where they were.
So instead of teaching a framework, I’d respond in real time to whatever challenges came up.
It felt risky.
In a Hot Seat, you never know what’s coming.
And since we were on Circle Live Stream, I couldn’t see anyone’s faces—just the chat.
But I needed to do it.
I know that to keep things fresh, I need to move out of my comfort zone into my stretch zone. Even Especially if that feels a little scary.
Here’s How We Ran It (Minute by Minute)
10 mins: Warm up + instant value​
Emma from Circle gave a warm welcome đź‘‹
Then we kicked off with a chat prompt:
👉 “What’s your favourite opening icebreaker?”​
Everyone walked away with a bunch of new ideas they could use.
Next, a chatterfall:
👉 “Two words to describe how you feel running live events.”​
Words like excited, hopeful, and nervous filled the chat. A great way to surface emotions and build connection.
I segued into a quick intro and shared the session plan.
5 mins: Framing the Hot Seat​
I explained the goal, gave a short agenda, and Emma broke down how the Hot Seats would work.
We set the tone: this would be co-created in real time.
40 min: 3 Hot Seats, Live Coaching Style​
Each Hot Seat followed the same rhythm:
- The volunteer shared a challenge.
- We unpacked it together.
- I offered ideas and tips, and the group chimed in with advice, reflections, and support in the chat.
- The volunteer shared their biggest takeaway.
💡 The chat added layers I couldn’t have planned for.
5 min: Close with Action​
We wrapped with a recap, shared a workbook, and closed with a final chat prompt:
👉 “What’s one thing you could do to level up your live sessions?”
Here’s what worked:
✔️ Real-time relevance​
Hot Seats surface real challenges and let you support people on the spot. It felt human, specific—not theoretical.
✔️ Collective wisdom​
The chat turned into a mini strategy doc. Peer insight, shared struggles, practical ideas. It was pure gold. ✨
✔️ Aha moments you could feel​
You could see lightbulbs going off as people made connections and got clarity.
Was it perfect?
Absolutely not!
We got to 3 hot seats instead of 5.
Next time I’d tighten up the Hot Seat format with specific timings for each question. And a visible timer to keep things on track.
Was it worth it?
100%. It’s inspired me to explore how real-time coaching can play a bigger role in my training sessions.
🔥 Want to Try a Hot Seat in Your Own Sessions?
Here’s how to get started:
Start with a warm-up​
Use a chat prompt or chatterfall to get everyone contributing right away—and build instant value.
Frame it clearly​
Explain what a Hot Seat is and how it’ll run. Reassure folks they don’t need to have it all figured out.
Make it participatory​
Invite others to share thoughts, questions, and insights in the chat while the Hot Seat’s happening.
Keep it moving​
Use a light structure so each Hot Seat stays focused and flowing.
End with reflection​
Ask: What’s one insight or idea you’re taking away? Or What’s one thing you’ll try next?
Have you ever tried a Hot Seat?​
Or been in one that really worked?
Reply and let me know—what made it great, or what made it hard?
Let’s trade notes. 🧠✨
This Week’s Facilitator Finds đź’Ş
In this section, you’ll find curated events, resources, tips, and tools that I’ve found super valuable — and I think you will too!
Just one this time👇
1/ 🎉Bring Your Own Reason to Celebrate Parties. A breakdown on how to host a party where it’s not about accomplishments. It’s all about celebration. And who doesn’t need a little celebration right now? Via Priya Parker’s newsletter.
đź’Ś Thanks for reading The Quest
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Creatively yours,
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