6 Moderator Habits That Kill a Panel (and What to Do Instead)
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Even a well-designed panel can fall apart once it starts.
Why?
Because the moderator didn’t know how to guide the conversation.
Moderating looks easy. It’s not.
Here are six common moderator habits that derail panels—and what to do instead.
- Stop making it about you. Start making the panelists look brilliant. The moderator is not the star. Your job is to:
- Draw out insights
- Connect ideas
- Keep the focus on the panelists
And do this all on behalf of the audience. If the audience remembers you more than the panelists…you’ve missed the mark.
- Stop sticking to your script. Start listening and be in the moment. Bad moderators ask their next question no matter what was just said. Yes, you need to have a well-thought-out design and set of questions. Great moderators listen, then build on it. Panels should feel like a real conversation, not a checklist.
- Stop asking every panelist every question. Start directing questions with intention. Nothing kills momentum faster than, “Let’s go down the line…” Ugh. Not every panelist needs to answer every question! Instead:
- Direct questions to specific panelists
- Invite others to weigh in when relevant
- Keep the pace moving with a lightning round (or other design elements you can find in 123 Ways to Add Pizazz to a Panel!)
- Stop letting panelists ramble. Start managing airtime. One dominant panelist can derail the entire session. It’s your job to:
- Intervene respectfully
- Redirect the conversation
- Balance participation
A great moderator intervenes firmly and tactfully when needed.
- Stop playing it safe. Start asking better, tougher questions. The audience isn’t there for polite agreement. They want:
- Different perspectives
- Real opinions
- A little tension
Your job is to go “there” – where no one else has gone before – without making people uncomfortable.
- Stop ending with “Any final thoughts?” Start finishing with purpose. A weak ending is a wasted opportunity. Strong panels close with:
- A clear summary
- Key takeaways
- A call to action
Don’t just end the conversation. Stick the landing!
A great moderator makes it look easy. But behind every great panel is someone:
- Listening deeply
- Thinking ahead
- Managing the moment
Do that well, and your panel won’t just be good, it will be memorable and full of fabulous takeways!
Related Articles:
How to Moderate a Panel Discussion
16 Ways to Close a Panel Discussion
For more information about how to moderate a lively & informative panel discussion, check out our free 7-part video series on how to moderate a panel and other resources to help you organize, moderate, or be a panel member.
Kristin Arnold
KRISTIN ARNOLD, MBA, CSP, CPAE-Speaker Hall of Fame, CPF | Master has been facilitating meaningful conversations between executives and managers to make better decisions and achieve extraordinary results for 30+ years. She's a leading authority on moderating panel discussions and passionate about finding the perfect olive to complement a vodka martini.
