Skip to Main Content
Home ::

How to organize a BookTalks session

Getting started

Make sure you are registered on the BookTalks site.

  • Plan well in advance as authors and illustrators are busy people.
  • Be specific about your dates especially if you want the link to coincide with a special event or occasion.
  • Provide several options for dates for your online session.
  • Be clear about what your purpose for the session is.

Before the session

Discuss the purpose of the session with your audience.

  • Familiarize your group with the work of the author or illustrator.
  • Work with your group to prepare some questions, for example these might include:

- What gave you the idea for this book?
- How long did it take you to write/illustrate it?
- What is your writing/creative process?
- What other books have you developed?
- What gives you inspiration?
- How did you get started?
- What advice would you give aspiring authors/illustrators?
- Assign roles to group members such as question askers, note takers, time keeper and organise someone to introduce the audience and thank the author/illustrator.

 

  • Book a room with a data projector and screen and a computer with internet access.
  • Setting up the room for a larger group we suggest the following:

    - Arrange the audience so they are sitting together facing towards the screen.

    - Place the camera close to the screen, facing the audience. If you are using the camera on a laptop, place the laptop immediately
      below  the screen, with a cable leading away to the data projector.         
    - For best results, use a set of speakers attached to the computer (not the inbuilt ones) – sound quality is the most important thing
      here.
    - If possible also use an external microphone preferably with an ‘on/off’ switch so the sound can be muted while listening to the passed
       speaker. (This avoids any feedback and unnecessary noise). Make sure there is sufficient cable length so that the microphone can be 
       to those who are asking the questions.

  • Have a trial run using Skype beforehand to ensure you are familiar with how it operates.

During the session

  • Prepare a ‘do not disturb’ sign for the door of the room you are in.
  • Ensure everyone is in place and ready well before the session begins.
  • Once the connection is made welcome the speaker and introduce the audience.
  • Explain briefly how the session will run, whom the questions will come from and how long the session will run for.
  • Invite the first speaker to introduce themselves and share any introductory thoughts before beginning with the questions.
  • Repeat the process until all questions have been asked.
  • About two minutes from the end of your planned time ask the nominated person to thank the guest on behalf of the group. The guest will have a right of reply and the session ends.

After the session

  • Capture any immediate thoughts and feedback from the group. If it is a class session, direct students to any follow-up activity that has been arranged.
  • Invite students to send a thank you email, card or letter to the author.
  • If you enjoyed the session, upload any feedback to the BookTalks website recommending the experience.