What Moderators Should Never Say: Avoiding the Most Common Pitfalls
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We’ve all been there. You’re at a panel discussion—hopeful, coffee in hand—when suddenly, the moderator says something that makes you cringe. Maybe it’s an awkward joke that falls flat, an unnecessary tangent, or (worst of all) something that kills the momentum of the conversation entirely.
As a panel moderator, your words carry a lot of weight. The audience is looking to you to set the tone, guide the discussion, and keep things engaging. But sometimes, even the best-intentioned moderators slip up and say things that can derail the panel.
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the top things moderators should NEVER say and what to say instead.
1. “Let’s start with introductions. Panelist #1, please tell us about yourself…”
Let’s be honest: introductions are often the most boring part of any panel. No one came to hear long-winded bios—they came for the conversation! Asking panelists to introduce themselves can open the door for rambling, overlap, or (worse) monotony.
Instead, try this:
“Let me introduce our amazing panelists—briefly—and then we’ll jump into the discussion.”
Keep intros short, snappy, and relevant. Highlight why each panelist is there and what perspective they bring to the topic.
2. “We’re running out of time, so let’s skip audience Q&A.”
Yikes. Nothing frustrates an audience more than feeling like they didn’t have a voice. Especially if you promised that the panel would include audience Q&A, skipping this segment can send the message that their participation isn’t important – and that you’re a terrible timekeeper.
Instead, try this:
“We’re tight on time, so let’s take one or two quick audience questions. If we don’t get to yours, let’s continue the conversation after the panel.”
Audience Q&A is sacred ground—protect it! Even if you’re short on time, make space for just one or two questions. It shows respect and keeps the energy high.
3. “Let’s hear from everyone on the panel about this question.”
Oh no, the dreaded “hot potato” question where every panelist is forced to weigh in, whether they have something new to add or not. This approach slows the conversation down and can lead to redundant answers.
Instead, try this:
“Jayne, thank you for your perspective. Javier, do you have a different take?”
Direct your questions to specific panelists, and then invite others to jump in if they have something fresh to contribute. This keeps the conversation lively and avoids the “I agree” loop.
4. “Does anyone want to jump in here?”
Cue the crickets. An open-ended question like this often leaves panelists unsure who should speak first, leading to awkward silence or a scramble to respond.
Instead, try this:
“Javier, you look like you’ve got something to say!”
When you see someone leaning in, nodding, or looking ready to contribute—invite them in directly. Your job is to keep the flow going and help panelists shine.
5. “I have a question for you, but first let me tell you my opinion…”
Moderators who talk too much are like referees who hog the ball—it’s not a good look. Your role is to facilitate, not dominate. If you’re sharing your opinions at length, you’re taking valuable airtime away from the panelists.
Instead, try this:
“Here’s a question that’s been on my mind—and I’d love to hear your thoughts, Jayne?”
A great moderator asks thoughtful questions and lets the panelists be the stars of the show.
6. “We’re out of time. Thanks, everyone!”
Ending abruptly is like slamming the brakes on a conversation. It leaves the audience feeling unsatisfied and makes the panel feel incomplete.
Instead, try this:
“To wrap up, let’s ask each panelist: ‘What’s one key takeaway for the audience to remember?’”
Ending with quick takeaways gives the audience value to walk away with—and it neatly ties up the discussion.
Final Thoughts
Moderating a panel is a balancing act—you want to keep things moving, highlight your panelists, and create a memorable experience for the audience. But a few simple words or phrases can make the difference between a panel that soars and one that stumbles.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll set your panel up for success, keep your audience engaged, and ensure you shine as the moderator they’ll want to invite back again and again.
What are YOUR cringe-worthy quotes? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear what you think!
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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.
