explore · Communication, Knowledge Sharing · 25–50 min · 10-500 people · medium energy
Doc-First AMA
An open Q&A with a leader or expert where all questions go into a shared document first, as a numbered queue with the asker's name. The host answers in queue order, askers read their own question aloud, and volunteers type the answers under each question. People who cannot attend add questions beforehand and read the answers later.
When to use Doc-First AMA
Use when leadership needs to explain a change or strategy to a large, distributed group and wants questions from people who would never raise a hand on a big call.
What it solves
Large town halls get the same three questions from the same confident people, and nobody can find the answers a week later.
How to run Doc-First AMA, step by step
- Create the AMA doc with a short intro, the topic and at least ten empty numbered lines. Link it in the invite a few days ahead.
- Attendees add questions and comments in advance, prefaced with their full name. Comments are welcome, not only questions.
- The moderator opens the call, starts the recording if agreed and explains the order (2 min).
- The host takes questions in queue order. Each asker reads their own question aloud or the moderator reads it for them (20-40 min).
- Volunteers type answers under each question while the host speaks. New questions go to the bottom of the queue.
- After the call, the host fills in any unanswered questions in writing within a few days.
Materials needed
- Shared document
- Video call with a moderator who controls recording
- Optional livestream
Facilitator tips
- Split host and moderator. The host answers; the moderator runs the queue and the clock.
- Ask people to put remarks in the doc, not the video chat, so readers after the call get them too.
- Allow people to ask without their name if the topic is sensitive.
Common pitfalls
- The host skips uncomfortable questions in the queue. People notice and stop asking.
- Nobody takes notes, so the doc ends up as a list of unanswered questions.
Variations
- Asynchronous-only AMA: open the doc for a week and have the host answer in writing, with no call at all.
Running it online or hybrid
Attendees join on their own device; the question queue lives in a shared document. Share a read-only preview link in the invite and an editable link inside the doc to limit traffic during the call.
What it produces
A document with every question and its answer, readable by people who missed the session.
Origin
GitLab's Ask Me Anything format, documented in the GitLab Handbook and used for executive, project and policy-change sessions. — source
Build a session around Doc-First AMA
METODIC places Doc-First AMA inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.