The intention of the activity was to help UBC Ambassadors feel more prepared when responding to questions related to social media or media coverage about UBC. On some tours, Ambassadors had received questions about social media posts involving UBC or individuals associated with the institution, such as students, faculty, or staff. Additionally, questions had arisen about news articles covering events or people at UBC. While Ambassadors were not expected to be experts or keep up with every emerging or evolving post or article, these topics occasionally came up during tours. The activity provided a space to discuss how to navigate these situations effectively, recognizing that such questions could be challenging. Although Ambassadors may have had their own impressions and opinions about these topics, their role required a professional and neutral approach. This discussion was designed to offer strategies for addressing these questions, even when the details of a particular post or article were unfamiliar.
The activity began with an introduction, where we acknowledged the kinds of questions Ambassadors had received and emphasized that they were not expected to know everything about social media or media coverage. Following this, participants were divided into small groups for discussion. Each group shared experiences, challenges, and strategies for responding to questions about social media posts or news articles. They also discussed the importance of setting boundaries when asked to share personal social media handles during tours. Finally, the groups came together to share their insights in a larger discussion, which highlighted key strategies, such as maintaining professionalism, redirecting questions when unsure, and avoiding sharing personal opinions or unverified information. The activity concluded with an open floor for questions, ensuring participants felt more confident and equipped to handle similar situations in the future.
In facilitating and reflecting on this activity, I learned the importance of creating a safe and structured space for Ambassadors to share their experiences and develop practical skills. Through this process, I deepened my understanding of the challenges Ambassadors face when addressing sensitive or unfamiliar questions about social media and media coverage. I also realized the value of active listening and fostering collaboration in group settings, as participants brought diverse perspectives and strategies to the discussion.