Lean into Curiosity: The Panel Moderator’s Superpower
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The most effective panel moderators aren’t just great timekeepers or expert facilitators…they’re relentlessly curious. At every stage of the panel experience – before, during, and after – curiosity is a mindset that sets extraordinary moderators apart from average ones.
Here’s how you can lean into your curiosity:
Before the Panel: Be Curious in the Preparation
The best moderators know that 80% of the work happens before the panel even begins. Curiosity drives deep preparation:
- Curiosity about the topic. Dig deeper than the headlines. What are the real issues the audience is facing? What trends, tensions, or debates are emerging in the industry?
- Curiosity about the panelists. Research their perspectives, stories, and potential points of disagreement. Ask, “What don’t I know about this person?” and “What might surprise the audience?”
- Curiosity about format and flow. Challenge yourself to go beyond the traditional Q&A and explore alternative ways to better serve and engage the audience.
- Curiosity about the audience. Ask, “What do they care about? What do they want to learn?” Great moderators sometimes even crowdsource questions beforehand via social media, email, or the event app.
During the Panel: Stay Present and Probe Deeper
Curiosity becomes even more important once you’re live on stage. It’s easy to fall back on pre-written questions, but the best conversations happen when the moderator listens deeply and reacts in real-time.
- Ask follow-up questions. If a panelist shares a compelling insight, don’t just move on. Dig deeper. Ask “why,” “how,” or “can you give us an example?”.
- Spot the unsaid. Sometimes a panelist hints at something provocative. Curiosity gives you the courage to ask, “Can you say more about that?”
- Don’t be afraid to pivot. If the energy shifts, let go of your script. A curious mindset gives you the flexibility to follow the conversation where it naturally wants to go.
- Embrace meaningful silence. Sometimes, the most powerful question is the one that lets panelists (and the audience) sit with a thought for a moment longer.
- Model curiosity for the audience. Ask the kinds of questions they wish they could. If you’re genuinely curious, they will be too.
After the Panel: Extend the Learning
Curiosity doesn’t stop when the panel ends.
- Reflect on what worked—and what didn’t. What surprised you? What feedback did you hear in the hallway?
- Follow up with your panelists. What did they learn?
- Share key takeaways and additional resources with the audience via social media, a blog post, or a short video recap. Ask yourself, “How can I help the learning continue?”
In a world overflowing with content, audiences don’t want more information. They want meaningful, engaging conversations that help them think differently. A curious moderator creates space for those conversations to happen.
As Pam Fox Rollin said so beautifully, great moderators (and panelists) show up with generosity and curiosity. It’s not about showing off what you know. It’s about uncovering what we can learn together.
So the next time you step into the role of panel moderator, don’t just bring your notes and stopwatch. Bring your curiosity.
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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.
