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There aren’t many books about panel discussions (other than mine!), so when Katrina Dudley’s book, The Moderator’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for Facilitating Panels came on the market, I had to snap it up.
The Moderator’s Handbook is a thorough and highly practical guide for anyone who wants to approach panel moderation with intention, preparation, and professionalism.
What I especially appreciate is how seriously she treats preparation. As a professional meeting facilitator and panel moderator myself, I couldn’t agree more! Preparation is the secret sauce to a successful panel.
Dudley doesn’t just say “prepare well”; she shows you how. The Moderator Time Calculator, pre-acceptance checklist, and structured speaker briefs elevate moderation from a casual assignment to a true leadership responsibility.
I also found her distinction between moderator, interviewer, and facilitator especially helpful. Many executives are asked to moderate without ever being trained for the role. This book brings clarity and confidence to that distinction.
Where this handbook really shines is in its operational discipline, including understanding the purpose of the panel, aligning with organizers, navigating conflicts of interest, and preparing panelists thoughtfully. It provides a structured, corporate-ready framework that many moderators will find reassuring and empowering.
If you’re new to moderating or want a more systematic approach to preparing for your panel, this book is a valuable addition to your professional library.
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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.
