Eye Contact on Panels: Where Should Moderators (and Panelists) Really Look?

A recent LinkedIn post by moderator Mike Sergeant raised a deceptively simple question: Where should a moderator look during a panel discussion? At the audience, the panelists, or their notes?

The comments revealed just how nuanced this skill really is, especially given how much a moderator is juggling in real time. As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that eye contact isn’t about rules; it’s about facilitation.

When you’re moderating a panel, you are doing a lot at once: listening deeply, tracking time, sensing audience engagement, managing panelist dynamics, and thinking two moves ahead. Eye contact often becomes the first thing to go.

But let’s get back to basics: At its core, a panel discussion is a conversation in public. It is not a performance. Not a script to be read. Not a series of perfectly delivered questions. It is a brilliantly unplugged, unscripted conversation among super smart people (on the panel and in the audience). It’s a bit of a risk…the not knowing what is going to happen and what is going to be said.

When moderators overthink eye contact, they often lose presence. The ability to be in the moment and go where the conversation needs to go in benefit of the audience. So in answer to the question, the goal isn’t to follow rigid rules. It is to use eye contact intentionally to guide the conversation.

A Practical Rule of Thumb for Moderators

While every panel is different (topic, audience size, interactivity, format), here’s a rough framework that works well for most live panels:

During the Introduction. Look out to the audience to establish trust, credibility, and relevance, and shift your gaze to the panelists when you name or reference them. You are setting the stage, and the audience needs to feel included immediately.

During the Conversation. Think of your eye contact as a facilitation tool, not a nervous habit.

• ~70% toward the panelists. Especially at the start of the person speaking. This reinforces that you are listening and models how others should listen too. Periodically break eye contact so the panelist will naturally seek elsewhere to continue talking (see below!).
• ~25% out to the audience. Especially when referencing the industry or audience experience, checking energy in the room (“Is this landing?”)
• ~5% at your notes. Brief glances only to confirm a name, ascertain the next question, check the flow/timing, or to tee up the next segment. If you’re reading full questions verbatim, you’re reading too much.

During the Wrap-Up. This is where meaning is made: synthesis, key takeaways, next steps, so keep your eyes on the audience. Shift to the panelists if they are summarizing, and don’t forget to thank the panelists and the audience for their rapt attention!

A Powerful (and Underused) Moderator Technique

If you want conversation instead of a ping-pong match, use eye contact deliberately.

Here’s how:

1. Start your question with eye contact toward one panelist
2. As they begin answering, shift your gaze to another panelist or the audience

This silent cue signals:

• “This is a shared conversation”
• “Others are welcome to jump in”
• “You don’t need my permission to engage”

Tell panelists in advance that you’ll do this. When they know what to expect, it works beautifully and naturally.

Common Eye Contact Mistakes That Undermine Authority

Even experienced moderators fall into these traps:

• Eyes darting around the room, breaking presence and flow
• Staring anxiously at the audience as if asking, “Am I doing this right?”
• Looking down at notes while a panelist is speaking
• Writing notes constantly instead of listening
• Reading questions word-for-word from a pad

Each of these subtly signals insecurity, or worse, disengagement.

A Note for Panelists: Your Eyes Matter Too

Panelists often forget they are always communicating, even when silent. Please look at and listen to the person speaking. (I even saw a panelist haul out their iPhone to check their email in the middle of a panel – how rude!) And please don’t:

• Stare blankly into the audience
• Constantly check notes
• Type on your phone mid-discussion (even if you are making notes…it’s just not a good look!)

What About Cameras and Large Venues?

If your panel is being recorded or live-streamed:

• Occasionally address the primary camera
• Avoid extreme side angles that exclude large portions of the audience
• Eye contact should still feel conversational, not broadcast-y

Again: it’s intentional, not performative.

You see, (pun intended!) eye contact isn’t about percentages; it’s about presence. When you stay grounded in the conversation and use eye contact to connect, cue, and include others, you create a panel discussion that feels alive, responsive, and human.

Related Articles:

Is Q&A Essential or Just a Habit We’ve Normalized?

How to Moderate a Panel Discussion

The Rookie Panel Moderator Mistake That Made Me Cringe

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.

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