Sentiment analysis: how to read the room with AI
An honest look at what sentiment analysis can and can't tell you about a brainstorm - and how to use it as a moderator.
Sentiment analysis isn't magic - it's pattern matching at scale. Used well, it lets a moderator spot rooms that are stuck or excited within seconds.
Watch the deltas, not the absolute scores
A table sitting at neutral isn't interesting. A table that swung from positive to negative mid-round is. Use the sentiment dashboard to spot movement, then walk over.
Cross-reference with content
Negative sentiment can mean honest critique, which is gold. Always read a snippet of the transcript before reacting - never act on a colour alone.
Share the chart with the room
At the end of the day, project the sentiment trend on the main screen. Groups love seeing their collective emotional journey - and it makes the value of the session tangible.