The moderator's job is to help the audience get their needs met through a panel format. The moderator sets the tone, the pace and control of the content, staying ever-vigilant in keeping it relevant for the audience. It is the moderator's responsibility to make sure the panel is lively, engaging and worthwhile.
In this regard, how do you moderate a panel discussion?
How To Moderate a Panel Like a Pro
- Don't prep with your panelists.
- Sit with your panelists.
- Moderators can't also be panelists.
- No slides.
- State your objective at the outset.
- Never let the panelists introduce themselves.
- Involve the audience within the first five minutes.
- Don't go down the line every time.
Furthermore, how does a panel discussion work? It is a live or virtual discussion about a specific topic amongst a selected group of panelists who share differing perspectives in front of a large audience. The panel is typically facilitated by a “moderator” who guides the panel and the audience through the event. The panel session typically lasts for 60-90 minutes.
Keeping this in view, how can I be a good moderator?
Here's how to be a great moderator.
- Don't over-prepare the panelists.
- Do prepare yourself in advance.
- Never let panelists use PowerPoint.
- Never let panelists use anything special.
- Make them introduce themselves in thirty seconds.
- Break eye contact with the panelists.
- Make everyone else look smart.
How do you start a panel discussion?
Prepare the outline
- Introduce yourself.
- Introduce the topic and why it's important.
- Review any housekeeping items and technology you'll be using that the audience need to know about (such as Sli.do for audience questions).
- Introduce the panelists.
- Start with your own, pre-prepared questions.
- Leave time for the Q&A.
