February 20 – 22
There is a
SOLUTION
GROUNDED IN
RECOVERY
MODERATOR INSTRUCTIONS & SCRIPT
OA Virtual Region Convention 2026: Moderator Instructions
Tracks 1-3
(1-Keynote & Speakers, 2-Steps, 3-Workshops)
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR SERVICE TEAM LOGO (OPTIONAL) USE AS YOUR PROFILE AND BACKGROUND PIC ON ZOOM
Everyone doing service must register for the convention. If you have not already registered for the convention, CLICK HERE.
| Task | Detail |
| Tech Check | Use a laptop or desktop computer (Mac or PC). Avoid smartphones. If using a Chromebook, be aware some functionality may be limited. Test your device’s capabilities at least one week before the Convention. |
| Review | Read this entire Moderator format and the full Session Format document before the Convention. |
| Study | Review and adhere to the OA Twelve Traditions. [OA 12 Traditions] |
| Attend | It is highly recommended to attend the session immediately before yours in the same track to observe the moderator role in action. |
| Communicate | Regularly check the WhatsApp group for questions, updates, and coordinator messages. |
| Emergency Contact | If you are unable to fulfill this service role, immediately text or WhatsApp the Training Coordinator (773.879.6151) or email (training1vrc@oavirtualregion.org). |
| Step | Action |
| Time | Arrive no later than 15 minutes before the session start time. |
| Mute | Always stay muted unless you are speaking. |
| Check-In | Upon arrival, raise your virtual hand to request co-host status. You will be asked to turn on your video, state your service role, and confirm your identity via WhatsApp. |
| Rename | Rename yourself using your service role followed by your name (e.g., Moderator Jane D.). |
| Background | We recommend using the Service Convention Logo as your virtual background and profile picture. If you choose an alternative, ensure it complies with the Tradition of anonymity (no group photos, movie posters, artwork, work logos, etc.). |
| Confirm | Know the exact Title of the session you are moderating. |
| Speaker Prep | Check with the session speaker to determine their plan for open sharing: Will they announce it, or do they need the moderator to announce it? If the latter, confirm the desired share duration. |
Goal: Ensure interpretation is set up correctly and instructions are given clearly.
| Timing | Moderator Action | Host Action (Moderator Reminds Privately) |
| Pre-Session | Ensure the Host preps interpreters/readers to say the Serenity Prayer and Interpretation directions in their respective languages before interpretation is turned on. | Prep interpreters. |
| Step 1: Prayer | After the English Serenity Prayer, announce each language one at a time to allow interpreters to say the prayer. | N/A |
| Step 2: Direction | READ interpretation instructions (See Script B below). | N/A |
| Step 3: Non-English Speaker | direct all participants, including the Speaker and the Moderator, to choose their language (INCLUDING ENGLISH) from the interpretation globe. Say this aloud and in the chat often until the room settles. | N/A |
| Step 4: Interpreter Repeat | Allow interpreters/readers to repeat all the above instructions in their languages BEFORE interpretation starts. | N/A |
| Step 5: Go Live | Remind the Host (privately) to turn on interpretation after the Serenity Prayer and instructions are given. | Turn on interpretation. |
| Step 6: End | Remind the Host (privately) to stop interpretation before the final Serenity Prayer. | Stop interpretation. |
Revised Feb 20-26 OA VIRTUAL REGION CONVENTION 2026 MODERATOR SCRIPT
Tracks 2-3
(2-Steps, 3-Workshops)
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR SERVICE TEAM LOGO (OPTIONAL) USE AS YOUR PROFILE AND BACKGROUND PIC ON ZOOM
(After the English Serenity Prayer, announce each language one at a time for the interpreters to read the prayer.)
Interpretation & Captions:
This session will be interpreted in the following languages: (List languages here.)
To listen in another language, click the Interpretation icon / globe in your Zoom controls at the bottom of the screen. Choose your language if an interpreter in your language is present (e.g., Spanish, French). Then, to hear the interpreted language only, click Mute Original Audio.
Reading Ai Captions & Translation:
To read captions, look to the bottom Zoom task bar, click on the CC/ Closed Captions button. If there is not a CC icon there, then click the round circle with 3 dots, with the word “More”. Select “CC / Show Captions” and your language.
Next, you can also change the closed captioning to your own language so that when you hear a speaker who doesn’t speak your language, you will be able to read what they are saying in your own language. On the bottom Zoom task bar, you will find to the right of the Closed Captions (CC) icon, a “tent-arrow-up”. Click the arrow (^) and select TRANSLATE. (This is required to see any translated text!)
Lastly, CHOOSE “My Speaking Language” and “My Caption Language” – both are set to the language you speak and read. (NOTE: After Captions instructions, announce each language one at a time for the interpreters to read them.)
Host turns on Interpretation
Zoom Info and Anonymity:
PART D: Opening for Sharing (read only if sharing is allowed)
(Allow interpreters to repeat the Serenity Prayer in their languages.)
Revised Feb 20-26 OA VIRTUAL REGION CONVENTION 2026 MODERATOR SCRIPT