Congratulations! You just said “yes” to moderate a panel discussion at an upcoming conference. After all, how hard can it be for a panel discussion moderator to introduce the panelists, ask a few questions, and then do audience Q&A?
And then you started thinking, OHMIGOSH! My reputation is on the line! You just never know who might be recording the session to blast out to the rest of the world. So….you want to know how to be the best moderator and deliver real value to the audience – while making the panelists (and yourself) look brilliant.
It takes more than just showing up to moderate a lively and informative panel discussion.
In a recent survey of 539 executives, thought leaders, and meeting planners, 72% had issues with the panel discussion moderator not being effective. That’s over 2/3 of the people think panel discussion moderators can do a better job facilitating the conversation.
So, what can you do about that? Here are some ideas:
Be clear about what your role is as a panel discussion moderator.
Take a look at the top ten mistakes panel discussion moderators make – and what you can do about them.
Refer to some of the best blog postings I have seen on how to moderate a panel discussion – and read some articles in my blog.
Watch the free 7-part video e-course on how to moderate a panel discussion. You can register here.
We have three YouTube Channel playlists you can watch or subscribe to:
- How to Moderate a Panel – this includes the video course and archived webinars.
- Powerful Panel Discussion Tips – quick tips from seasoned, professional panel moderators.
- Powerful Panels Podcast – lengthier and more robust tips and discussions.
If you like the videos, you may want to buy my book, Powerful Panels: A Step-By-Step Guide to Moderating a Lively and Informative Panel Discussion at Meetings, Conferences, and Conventions. It will save you a tremendous amount of time writing down all the tips you learn in the video series!
And if you are looking for different formats and techniques, check out my book, 123 Ways to Add Pizazz to a Panel Discussion.
If you want even MORE information, consider a one-time purchase of lifetime access to our knowledge vault of best practices of some of the most successful panel moderators. The vault is chock-full of customizable checklists, worksheets, templates, agendas, sample emails, video interviews, and webinars with industry icons and professional moderators, industry reports on the effectiveness of panels…and more! Everything you want to know about moderating panels is here.
And if you want Kristin to moderate an upcoming panel discussion or to coach you through the process, just contact her here.
Don’t forget to have fun at your next panel discussion – and let me know how it goes!
