The Five Levels of Panel Moderators
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Whether you stumbled into panel moderating by accident or are now getting paid to guide conversations on big stages, one thing’s for sure: moderation is a skill that evolves. It’s part art, part science, and part stagecraft.
Inspired by Juanell Teague’s legendary “Seven Levels of the Speaking Industry” as well as my own observations, here’s a deeper look at how you grow as a moderator — and what it takes to climb to the top.
Level 1. The Accidental Moderator – The “Wait, What Am I Doing?” Panel Moderator
- Mindset: “How hard can it be to ask a few questions?“
- Typical Engagement: Internal meeting, association chapter event
- Signs: You were asked at the last minute or volunteered. You don’t prep much or prep waaaaayyyyy too much. You nervously read bios out loud and pray the panelists keep talking.
- Upside: You now realize that “just asking questions” isn’t as easy as it looks. You survived (barely).
- Risks: Boring sessions, poor time management, awkward silences
- Fee Range: None (and you might have to pay for your own parking!)
Level 2. The Capable Volunteer – The “Let’s Make This Work” Panel Moderator
- Mindset: “Okay, I’m going to actually try to do this right.”
- Typical Engagement: Volunteer events, meetups, smaller summits
- Signs: Relying on a traditional format, you research the topic, write a few questions, and try to balance panelist airtime… but the panel gets away from you a bit.
- Upside: You’re learning! The audience had some takeaways, and you got valuable feedback. You’re hooked (or humbled) into this art of moderating panel discussions!
- Risks: Still learning the craft, so it could be a bumpy ride! You may look a bit amateurish at pro events.
- Fee Range: Actual travel expenses and/or comped event access
Level 3. The Prepared Facilitator – The “Hey, I’ve Got This” Panel Moderator
- Mindset: “I know how to guide the conversation.”
- Typical Engagement: Industry panels, conferences, associations, breakout rooms
- Signs: You thoughtfully craft a unique and engaging panel format to keep the energy high and provide meaningful takeaways. You research your panelists. You open strong, ask good questions tied to audience needs, navigate awkward silences, and ask thoughtful follow-up questions.
- Upside: You’ve got structure and spontaneity. You’re shaping meaningful conversations — not just managing time. Audiences stay engaged. Clients take notice. You’re earning credibility — and this may lead to referrals.
- Risks: May keep things too safe, traditional, and reactive. If panelists are weak, the session may still fall flat. May overly-facilitate the panel, forcing connections and conversations that are best meant to move on. May also be industry experts who know a fair amount about the topic – and might be better served as a panelist!
- Fee Range: An honorarium ranging from $250–$1,500 or a fee up to $3,500
Level 4. The Professional Moderator – The “You’re in Good Hands” Panel Moderator
- Mindset: “This is all about creating a great space for the panelists to share their brilliance and deliver exceptional value to the audience.”
- Typical Engagement: High-stakes events when results matter, such as national conferences, corporate summits, top-tier events, and C-suite panels.
- Signs: You have a process and a playbook of formats and techniques rather than relying on a few tried and true tricks. You work the room like a pro — confident, charismatic, in full control – while making it all about the audience! You’re comfortable and skilled at asking tough questions, probing deeper, playing devil’s advocate, and handling unexpected moments. You are constantly scanning the audience, adjusting based on energy and interest. You are skilled at sparking panelist-to-panelist dialogue, adapting on the fly. You know when to inject humor, pivot, or shift gears mid-session. The organizer is confident in your skills because you have a highlight reel and come highly recommended. You are flown in just to moderate.
- Upside: You’re trusted. You’re visible. And you’re requested by name. You make panels feel like purpose-driven conversations. You’re not just moderating — you’re delivering ROI. You make executives feel heard, audiences inspired, and organizers look amazing.
- Risks: Audience engagement may feel forced and/or formulaic. Panelists must embrace a conversational tone. Charging a higher fee must be justified. May not be willing to deviate or customize from their model.
- Fee Range: $4,000–$15,000
Level 5. The Celebrity Moderator – The “Headliner” Panel Moderator
- Mindset: “I am the draw.”
- Typical Engagement: Global conferences, televised panels, leadership summits, major brand launches
- Signs: Your name is the draw. You moderate less for structure and more for the vibe, storytelling, energy, and gravitas. People take selfies with you afterward.
- Upside: You’re not just a moderator. You’re a brand. You command attention, and you shape narratives on a global stage.
- Risks: Can be all style and no substance. The celebrity just shows up without being informed and intentional. The audience remembers the celebrity and not the content.
- Fee: $15,000–$40,000+
Good panel moderators are more than timekeepers — they shape conversations that spark new ideas, uncover real challenges, and deliver serious value to audiences and organizers alike.
As your skills grow, so does your value — and increasingly, your fee. Whether you want to grow your visibility, establish authority, or build a career as a professional moderator, this chart shows you the path.
Where are you today on this path and where do you want to go?
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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.
Kristin Arnold
KRISTIN ARNOLD, MBA, CSP, CPAE-Speaker Hall of Fame, CPF | Master has been facilitating meaningful conversations between executives and managers to make better decisions and achieve extraordinary results for 30+ years. She's a leading authority on moderating panel discussions and passionate about finding the perfect olive to complement a vodka martini.
