Using Messages Effectively

The messaging system in xTimer provides a powerful way to communicate with presenters during live events. Well-crafted messages can help speakers stay on track, address audience questions, or make necessary adjustments without interrupting the flow of their presentation.

Message Basics

Creating Messages

Messages can be prepared in advance or created on the fly:

1. Navigate to the Messages panel on the right side of the controller
2. Click "Add Message" to create a new message
3. Enter your message text
4. Optionally set a display duration if you want the message to disappear automatically
5. Save the message to your library for later use

Sending Messages

To send a message to the presenter:

1. Select the desired message from your library
2. Click "Send" to immediately display it on the viewer screen
3. The message will appear prominently for the presenter to see
4. Click "Hide" when you want to remove the message

Message Visibility

When a message is sent:

• It appears prominently on the viewer screen
• It remains visible until manually hidden or until its duration expires
• It takes precedence over timer information (though the timer continues running)

Message Types and Best Practices

Time Management Messages

Common time notifications for presenters:

• "5 minutes remaining"
• "Please wrap up your presentation"
• "Time's up - please conclude"

Best practices:

• Keep messages concise and action-oriented
• Use consistent language across all presenters
• Consider preparing a standardized set of time notifications before your event

Technical Instruction Messages

Messages that help with technical issues:

• "Please speak into the microphone"
• "Step closer to the camera"
• "Audience can't hear you"

Best practices:

• Be specific about what action is needed
• Use polite, direct language
• Focus on quick solutions

Audience Questions

For Q&A sessions:

• Display selected audience questions directly to the presenter
• Indicate which question to address next
• Show follow-up questions as needed

Best practices:

• Format questions consistently
• Keep questions concise
• Consider prefacing with "Question:" for clarity

Advanced Messaging Techniques

Message Formatting

While xTimer messages are primarily text-based, you can use:

• UPPERCASE for emphasis
• Punctuation to guide reading (!!)
• Brief, scannable phrases

Message Timing

Strategic timing for maximum effectiveness:

1. Send time warnings at consistent intervals
2. Allow sufficient time for presenters to read and process messages
3. Avoid sending messages during critical moments of presentations
4. Consider the presenter's experience level when timing messages

Message Library Management

Organizing your message library:

• Create standard message templates for reuse
• Group messages by purpose (time warnings, technical issues, etc.)
• Review and refine messages based on presenter feedback

Coordinating with Presenters

For best results with the messaging system:

1. Brief presenters beforehand: Explain that they may receive text messages on their confidence monitor
2. Establish expectations: Let them know what types of messages they might receive
3. Get consent: Ensure presenters are comfortable with receiving messages
4. Practice: Include messaging in rehearsals if possible

Common Messaging Scenarios

For Conferences and Presentations

• Time updates at regular intervals
• Q&A questions from moderators
• Urgent updates about schedule changes

For Broadcasts and Livestreams

• Technical adjustments needed
• Audience metrics and engagement feedback
• Upcoming segment previews

For Meetings and Workshops

• Topic transitions
• Break time notifications
• Action item reminders