What is going through the moderator’s mind as he/she is moderating an amazing panel discussion at a meeting, conference, or convention? Professional panel moderator, Kristin Arnold asked this question of Kate Delaney, Emmy Award-winning journalist and America’s #1 female sports commentator and talk show host.
Video Transcript
Kristin: What is going through your mind as you are moderating a panel?
Kate: In my mind I think I’m the extractor, I know this information, I’ve already introduced them, they’re on the stage. You get who they are, why it’s valuable, what they’re saying makes sense. And I’m just letting the conversation flow and playing off of whatever it is that they’ve just said. So if they talk about what the content, like the first thing they talk about where content is now. Then I say, “Well, what’s the best method for speakers to deliver that content?
There’s just so many forms of getting your message out there and being heard and being known. What are the most relevant ways, and that was my follow-up question to that. And they definitely had plenty to say and I thought they would. So I played off of where the conversation was going and I think if anybody’s listening and you’re moderating, that’s the thing to do.
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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!
