If you’ve been a moderator before, you know that your role is crucial to the success of the panel. Not surprisingly, panels by their very nature call for a collaborative approach and it’s one of the main reasons they can be one of the more difficult formats to successfully execute at a conference. Check out these pointed blog posts by Venture Capitalists Fred Wilson and Brad Feld to understand how some notable speakers view the panels as a conference format that’s in need of a reboot. While there are some harsh words here, we can certainly agree that panels done right are hard work. The moderators who “mail it in” are usually the ones that don’t score well with audiences.
Why do we say this? Well, first there is the obvious responsibility you have to your audience to ensure the content and interaction are great. However, your invited speakers also deserve some value for the time and effort they put in to developing and presenting on the podium. This can become a delicate balancing act.
Here are some guiding principles for becoming a better moderator:
Setting up a Pre-Event Briefing
It often shows when a panel has had no time to prepare properly for their session. As a moderator, it’s your responsibility to get in touch with the panelists well before the event and paint the picture for them of what you are trying to achieve. Clearly outline the learning objectives and session structure so they know what to prepare for and expect. Some key questions: What is the audience composition? Will slides be used? How much introduction and speaking time will each panelist have? Also seed some key questions you expect to pose to them and other panelists. This will make sure the presentation looks smooth from an audience point of view.
Keep Your Introductions Short
Nobody wants to sit around waiting for all the introductions to go by. They are there for the panel itself rather than hearing about all of the awards the panelists have won. Keep the intros to about 30 seconds and let the audience know why each panelist is qualified and how they are passionate about the topic. Above all else, do not bore the audience by re-reading the biographies in the conference program.
Keep your Panel on Track
Some panelists will ramble on for long periods of time if you let them. If this is the case, know when to politely interrupt if necessary. To avoid this, try to balance out the airtime of each speaker. Direct your questions to specific panelists rather than making it open to whomever wants to answer. Many panels usually have an “alpha” speaker who is too dominant and this can really cause problems if other panelists seem to withdraw from the dialogue. If time is becoming a factor, do mention it before you delve into the next question so the panelists are aware and can accommodate to make their answers more concise.
Be an Advocate for the Audience
Be sensitive to audience reactions. If a particular question invokes a lot of audience interest, probe some extra questions in that area to give them what they want. You should almost pretend you are in the audience so you can get a sense of what would be of most value to them.
Keep It Interactive
Before introducing the panelists, have a good overall introduction prepared that sets the stage for the event. You may also want to warm up the audience with some questions. Perhaps surveying them to identify key areas that they would like to see in the discussion. For the Q&A, you’ll notice that the audience will often need a nudge in the right direction to get the ball rolling. Being well prepared at this juncture allows the process to flow better allowing you to actively listen to the panelists and be more engaging with your questions.
Stay on Time
By virtue of their very size, panels can be notorious for going over the allotted time. When this happens, this is the moderator’s fault. Stay aware of the time and how long you have left, while making sure there is some time available at the end to open the floor for audience questions.
Be Appreciative
Don’t forget to thank your panelists and your audience for taking the time to be a part of this experience. Everyone’s time is valuable and should be recognized.
Make use of these tips and your panel will be one to remember. And don’t forget to book interesting panelists. That’s half the effort! Do you have any suggestions for being a better moderator, panelist? Or perhaps you have something to share relating to better panel formats. Comment and let us know.
