You’re in Slack writing messages, sending replies – have you ever got to that point that you realise it would be easier to just jump on a call and talk out the question/issue? If you have, then it’s time to start using a Slack Huddle…
What is a Slack Huddle?
I suppose the first question to answer is what exactly is a Slack Huddle?
At it’s heart, a huddle is an audio call.
I know you’re thinking but I’ve got a number of other programs that will let me do that!
Phone/mobile, Zoom, MS Teams, WhatsApp – and there’s probably more that I’m not remembering.
How is a huddle different?
It’s there to have those quick, informal discussions that you would have had in the office right in Slack.
You know the ‘water-cooler’ chat, or should/could that be coffee/tea chat… 😆
One key difference between a Slack Huddle and the other systems – is that it’s audio only. Yep, no video!
The only additional option is to be able to share your screen.
How do I choose who’s in my huddle?
Well, the huddle is started from any Slack Channel or Direct Message (DM) in your workspace, only people in that channel or DM will be invited to join.
Can I choose specific people to join?
The simple answer is No.
If someone is part of the channel (for example), then they will get a notification that a huddle has started, and it’s up to them to join, or not.
Now with DM’s, there is a limit of 9 people in them, so that will give you a bit more control over who’s invited – although it can mean that you’ll need to create a new DM for the specific people you want.
Getting back to the channel option – as we know channels can have hundreds to people in, however the huddle has a limit of 50 members.
So it’s basically first come first joined (rather than served 😀)
Any tech limitations/requirements?
Glad you asked…
Slack specifies that huddles are only supported in Google Chrome and Firefox.
However, my personal experience (yes, I’ve really used Slack Huddles) is that it can work in Microsoft Edge as well.
Now I have a theory (it’s not bunnies – sorry couldn’t resist the classic line from Anya in Buffy).
The new versions of MS Edge is based on the same coding ‘Chromium’ as Google Chrome, so if it works on Chrome, then why not work on Edge?
At any rate, I’ve used it with both browsers.
Oh and one final limitation – it’s only available with a paid subscription. i.e. it’s not available with a free account.
Starting a Slack Huddle
Ready for the hard bit?
Select the channel or DM you want to use.
Click on the headphones slider at the bottom of the navigation pane (on the left).
The huddle starts and an invite is sent to everyone in the channel or message.
Leaving a Huddle
Click on the headphone icon again – flicking it ‘off’.
Once everyone has left the huddle ends.
How does it save you time?
- The huddle is in the same program you’re already using
- Talk an issue or question out, rather than typing messages and waiting for a response
- Share your screen to help explain the point
Next steps:
If you want to learn more about Slack and it’s features Book a Call with me and let’s chat how I can help.
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