How does a moderator know that he/she has done a good job moderating a panel discussion at meetings, conferences, and conventions? Professional Panel Moderator Kristin Arnold asks Glenn Thayer, Master of Ceremonies and conference moderator to share his perspective.
Video Transcript
Kristin: Glenn, how do you know that you’ve done a good job?
Glenn: If I’ve got attendees that come up and thank me personally. That’s huge especially if the meeting owner comes up and says, “You know what, that was great. We thought it’s going to go somewhere over here and there was so much value. I couldn’t believe I don’t know how you tied this piece and this piece and you made it all work.” That’s really how I know I did a good job; that people will come up and say, “I’m really glad you asked that. That was wonderful how you tied it all together.” And I try to ask what value did they get? You know, did those questions get answers? How are they going to take that information? And I let the client to tell me we covered this, we covered this and we covered this subject. How do you think the audience is going to take that information and use it in their lives? Either back at the office, or work, or personally; how do you think it’s going to work? And I let them tell me. And then they’ll go and give me a couple of points. “We talked about this. We talked about this and this is how it’s going to work and… We’re really glad we had you here.” And I’m like, “Cool.”
Looking for More?
Kristin Arnold, professional panel moderator, and high stakes meeting facilitator is on a crusade to make all panel discussions informative, interactive, and interesting. Specifically, she wants to help YOU become a better panel moderator. Why? Because 95% of annual meetings have panel discussions – and according to the 2014 Panel Report, it’s a fifty-fifty proposition they are any good at all! Expectations decrease dramatically when your attendees walk in and see the traditional draped head-table with microphones on short stands. There are sooooo many other ways to have a stimulating conversation! So let’s increase the probability of success for your next panel discussion with these resources.
And, you can always go back to the playlist for more Powerful Panel Discussion Tips!
