Reading a book – It is one of the best things one can do while staying in the comfort of your home and thus avoiding contact with Coronavirus exposure.
What else we can do effectively that is fun and entertaining while being quarantined? – Join an online book club.
Of course, the virtual book club idea is something I am talking about where everyone would be sitting on the same couch and sipping a hot cup of coffee but at a different geographical location. The virtual book club has the potential to organize an intimate meet-up that serves your calendar commitment of being physically available. Plus, you can even invite people who aren’t living in your city or the time zone.
Sounds so convenient!
So, how will you organize a successful book club while in lockdown? Don’t worry, We’ve few tips to help you out. So, let’s get started.
Hosting virtual discussion on Zoom – Staying Apart, together!
1) Start with a small guest list
If you’re new to the book club, inviting 10 people is a great thing to start with. Chances would be only half of those will show up. Amongst those, half of those might have read the book in time, and out of those, two or three engaged actively in the group discussion is quite enough. When you’re deciding on the book discussion times, make sure that the decided time works well for everyone.
2) Set up a video chat on Zoom
This is where you can employ a video conferencing app like Zoom. Be it either happy hours talking to friends, work meetings, or birthday parties, Zoom is the ultimate app to get connected and feel at home. I’d recommend Zoom calls for book clubs too.
Are you a newbie for Zoom?
All you’ll need is an operating computer or smartphone with a camera. Just download the app, register your account and click on “Host a Meeting” to send an invite link to join and you’re done.
3) Do not neglect important virtual meeting features
So what if you cannot meet in person. Why don’t you ask book club members to change their virtual background as per the book they’re reading?
You can upload an image of the book historically or can find a background that shows your emotions for the boo. This is surely going to be a topic of discussion in your meeting.
4) Anticipate Awkward pauses
We all are a little bit awkward on video chats especially when we do not know each other. In such a case, chances are your conversations would be quiet and calm rather than discussions.
So anticipating awkward pauses, we’ve listed few prompt questions you can ask to shift gears from silence to conversations over any books:
- What character did you like most in the book and why?
- What were the emotions you had while you finished the book?
- Did this book remind you of any other you’ve read so far?
- What did you learn from this book?
- Would you compare this book to others?
5) Cut off background noise
An online book club is a special time to talk and discuss your book instead of getting distracted by your spouse's work call. So, make sure to join a book club in a private room and wear headphones to discuss openly the book with your fellow readers. Also, practice keeping your microphones muted while you aren’t talking.
6) Don’t unnecessarily stress over the “picked book” in a book club
The main goal of a book club is to have a meaningful conversation. But oftentimes, conversations move away from the actual book and that’s okay, sometimes. A book club is to get connected with people and finish the book on a deadline so you do not miss out on reading. But sometimes, talking fun for relaxation is fine. It's better not to stress over too much on the picked topic.
This blog would help you organize the best online book club meeting to chill out during lockdown.
Do you have any more ideas? Feel free to share in the comments below.
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