Why does Natter only have 1-1 functionality?
Our early user testing validated how important a 1-1 conversation dynamic is when run at scale. No other format offers all of the following:
A safe space - privacy is easier to maintain one-to-one, so participants can discuss sensitive or personal topics.
More meaningful connection - deeper trust builds between two people, encouraging openness.
Enhanced empathy - in an intimate setting, participants pick up more easily on tone and non-verbal cues.
Faster decision-making - without needing group consensus, two people can weigh options quickly.
Reduced peer pressure - individuals are less swayed by group dynamics.
Together, these lead to a greater and more considered volume of insightful data.
How do survey questions work, and how customisable are they?
Survey questions can be posed in both the Entry Survey (as participants join) and the Exit Survey (as the event ends), using any of the six question types:
Quantitative
Single Choice - pick one option from a predefined list.
Multiple Choice - pick several options from a predefined list.
Ranking - put a predefined list in order of preference.
Slider - move a marker between two defined extremes.
NPS - rate likelihood to recommend, on a 0–10 scale.
Qualitative
6. Free Text - open-ended input, which Natter analyses with AI to identify dominant themes.
How do conversation topics work, and how customisable are they?
Conversation topics are prompts that appear on screen during each 1-1 conversation.
In short, good topics use simple language, are specific enough to focus discussion, and ask one thing at a time (if your wording has two question marks, split it into two topics).
For fuller guidance and worked examples, see 6. Creating a Natter Event: Best Practices.
Do participants have to type their responses?
Not necessarily. Natter is built to be a safe space, and in some settings knowing that only what you choose to submit is recorded is essential to that. Where you'd rather participants didn't type, the Transcription service can transcribe conversations instead. You choose your transcription setting when creating the event.
Do all participants have to take part in every 1-1 conversation?
No. Any participant, including a Speaker on stage - who doesn't wish to discuss a given topic can opt out. They won't be matched with a partner for that conversation and are returned to Broadcast automatically once others finish.
If English isn't someone's first language, can they use Natter?
Typically, anyone who regularly joins video calls in business English can take part fully. Where a workforce commonly speaks another language, we can provide the survey questions and conversation topics in that language in place of English.
What are the duration options for a 1:1 conversation?
Conversations run for pre-set durations:
Very fast: 2, 3, 5 minutes
Fast: 7 minutes
Meaningful (recommended): 10 minutes
Extended deep dive: 15, 20, 30 minutes
We recommend 10 minutes as the balance between capturing insightful data and fitting several conversations into one event.
How many conversations should an event include?
Your event is the overall session, and each Natter is a shorter 1:1 within it. Allowing time for first-timers to set up, plus any screen-sharing or guidance, we recommend:
45-minute event: 2 × 10-minute conversations
60-minute event: 3 × 10-minute conversations
90-minute event: 4 × 10-minute conversations
For more on structuring your event, see 6. Creating a Natter Event: Best Practices.
What devices and browsers can participants use?
Natter works on desktop and laptop computers, and on smartphones capable of a video-call experience. For the current list of supported browsers and devices, see Supported Browsers & Devices in the Technical Support section.
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