TL;DR
Host control mode keeps everyone in a session on the same screen and at the same pace, which makes it a good choice for presentations, training, project kick-offs, decision-making meetings, and interactive sessions. It helps you keep participants focused, control timing, and manage when people can access activities. To enable it, open the activity settings during session setup, select Host Control Mode, and click Save before the session starts.
- Overview
- Why Use Host Control Mode?
- When to Use Host Control Mode?
- How to Enable Host Control Mode
- What’s Next?
Overview
Host control mode helps you guide everyone through a session at the same pace. It’s a good fit for presentations, training, and any activity where you want the group to focus on the same content at the same time.
Why Use Host Control Mode?
Host control mode keeps the session synchronized for all participants. When you move to a new step, question, or work area, everyone follows you automatically.
Keep participants focused
Use host control mode to help your group stay on track:
- All participants see the same screen and content as the host.
- Participants can’t move through the session on their own.
- Faster participants can’t skip ahead and distract the group.
Control timing and pace
Host control mode gives you more control over the flow of the session:
- You set the pace for each activity.
- You can make sure each part of the agenda stays on time.
- You can move from one activity to the next in one click.
Manage attention during the session
You can open and close access to activities when you need to.
For example, you can:
- Open a Brainstorm for five minutes of contributions.
- Close it when it’s time to review ideas as a group.
- Use the Raise your head feature to bring everyone back to your screen for an explanation.
When to Use Host Control Mode
Host control mode works well in these scenarios:
| Scenario | Why use it |
| Project kick-off | Keep the team aligned on goals and the work plan |
| Training or webinar | Guide participants through each step in order |
| Decision-making meeting | Make sure everyone reviews the same information before they vote or contribute |
| Interactive presentation | Switch smoothly between presenting and interactive activities like questions or surveys |
How to Enable Host Control Mode
You set the session navigation mode during preparation.
- Open your session setup, or create a new session.
- Open the Activities list.
- Click the three-dot menu 1 next to the activity, or create a new activity in the session.
- Select Edit 2 from the drop-down menu.
- In the activity editor, go to the Mode settings.
- Select Host Control Mode 3.
- Click Save 4.
Note
Set this up before the session starts to make sure participants join the right experience.