I began my career as a technology analyst in 2005. In this role I had the opportunity to moderate my fair share of panels. As any member of an audience can attest, panels can be mind-numbingly boring or a great time to catch-up on cute kitty videos. However, if you’re reading this, it is my hope that I can make future panels less painful for everyone involved and a more valuable use of everyone’s time. In that spirit, I have listed below my top five best practices for moderating a panel. Enjoy!
#1 Do Your Homework
This “should” be common sense. However, the term, “common sense,” has become somewhat of an oxymoron these days, and it is often the most obvious things that are overlooked. Therefore, I will begin here.
Moderators should do their homework on not only the discussion topics, but on the panelists as well, paying special attention to areas/themes that the other panelists have in common or are in disagreement on so as to facilitate and enhance the discussion. It is the moderator’s job to encourage a smooth and lively discussion (even debate) on the themes. Instead, panels are often Q&A torture sessions (for the audience). Therefore, moderators should also come up with thought-provoking questions for the panelists in order to get things moving. Too often panel discussions are rather stilted and anemic and flow about as well as molasses in winter. Which brings me to my next point…
#2 Meet-and-Greet
In my opinion, this can be one of the most important differences between a free-flowing, rich discussion on-stage and one that is lifeless and boring. I strongly encourage the moderator and the panelists to have lunch together just prior to the panel. This meet-up allows the panelists to get to know each other beforehand and increases the likelihood that the panelists will interact more with each other on-stage, rather than stoically answering questions put to them individually. I was always amazed (read that – appalled) that so many panelists had never even met before nor after the event. This is an incredible opportunity to facilitate camaraderie between the panelists, as well as to expand your network in a meaningful way. To not take this one simple step is a missed opportunity and analogous to shooting yourself in the foot. Taking this advice one step further, I would encourage you to hold this lunch/gathering as close to the panel discussion time as possible in order to keep the momentum going among the panelists. The increased collegial atmosphere that is likely to result among the panelists will be more than evident on the stage and will immeasurably improve the content of the discussion, as well as the participation by, and attention of, the audience.
#3 Moderators in Motion (Location Location Location)
In my opinion, moderators should not sit in a chair nor stand behind a podium on the stage with the panelists. In fact, their presence on the stage should be minimized. A moderator’s job is not to be in the spotlight themselves. Instead, it’s the panelists themselves who should shine. Moderators should be on their feet and moving around. This will keep the audience engaged and connected to the discussion and encourage them to participate when they have a question or comment. When possible, the moderators themselves should be the ones to hand the microphone to those having questions or comments and interacting with them as well.
#4 Individualized Introductions
Moderators and panelists should introduce themselves, not be introduced by someone else. While this might seem like a minor point, it allows each of the panelists to loosen-up and ease-in to the upcoming discussion. Before going on stage, each panelist should be informed of the bullet-pointed list that should be included in their bios.
#5 Paint a Picture (Be Memorable…for all the right reasons)
During the discussion a moderator should draw-out as many real-life examples from the panelists (and audience members) as possible, making everyone feel invested in the discussion. Telling a story, giving specific examples, pointing out what went right/wrong, lessons learned, etc., help to bring the discussion to life and gives the panelists and audience members a framework/foundation on which to find common ground via similar issues, problems, and solutions.
Summary
Throughout this blog post I have purposefully used the word, “discussion,” to describe a more interactive and enriching environment for the panelists and the audience. This was done intentionally in order to elevate the level of learning and increase the likelihood of time well-spent. Content may be king, but style is the jewel on the crown.
