This happens more often than you might think. It takes a sharp moderator to catch the contradictions made by the panelists. In a perfect world, there really isn’t a need for a panel moderator, just like there isn’t a need for a soccer referee. Give the ground rules (“If this goes according to plan...”). It’s tempting to add in fascinating bits of information to interest the audience, but this should be left for the panelists to do. Seat shy or quiet panelists close to you. To cut someone off politely: lean back, catch their eye. Finish on time! Anything in particular I should ask? So far, I’ve never encountered very serious (or exciting) conflicts during panel discussions. Anything to avoid? Of course, the amount of conflict should be controlled, even though an escalation to physical conflict may make the panel a lot more memorable for the audience. If panelists seem to need warming up, try out one of your Questions on them. Be sure to address Question Protocol (questions taken any time, or only during specified question period). And even if a panelist goes off topic, the moderator has to exercise judgment – is the off-topic anecdote interesting enough and short enough to be allowed through? The WisCon moderator's guide was adapted from The Minicon Moderator Tip Sheet, which was started and organized by 1990 Minicon Programming Co-Chair Sharon Kahn, and involved many people’s input. Almost all topics have their controversies, and a good and easy way to create tension is for the moderator to ask the panelists on their view of the latest controversies. Thank you! “Would if be a good idea for Singapore’s ruling political party to blog?” I might ask a panel discussing blogging in Singapore. What does their bio say: do they seem engaging and interesting? And when the time is up, the moderator must know how to give the session closure – usually by asking for some final words from the panel. Some moderators can end up stealing the show, contributing just as much (or more) than the panelists, often without even noticing it. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The below version was converted to HTML by Jed Hartman; since this version is not an official WisCon publication, nor is it on the WisCon website, I removed specific references to WisCon and WisCon email addresses. The audience has chosen to invest their time to listen to a discussion on that topic, so the moderator should keep checking and deciding if there’s a need to pull the conversation back on topic. “Excuse me, but we have wandered far afield...”, “That would be a good subject for another panel.”, “Excuse me, but we haven’t heard from [reticent panelist] in a while.”, “Let’s take a question from the audience.”, “In order to make the best possible use of our panelists, we’re only taking questions from the audience, not statements.”, “We’re only taking statements from the audience, not questions.”, “Oh, let’s not always see the same hands.”, “Thank you for your interesting suggestion. For example, if you are going to be relying heavily on. Encourage the panelists to have fun too. But unlike in a soccer game where the referee blows the whistle every time the ball crosses the white line, the moderator has a large gray area to work with. I get asked quite frequently to moderate roundtable discussions as part of my job and quite a few people have asked me exactly how one should go about the potentially tricky task of moderating. They understand the various sides and viewpoints of the topic, how to choose the right balance of panelists, and how to be objective. ( Log Out / Watch their videos. Disclaimer: These guidelines and suggestions are the distillation of a series of brainstorming sessions. Pace Management: the discussions need to feel like they easily flow from one topic to the next, without feeling awkward or forced. Pay attention to the people farthest from you: They may be participating less. Check with the participants: Anything you’ve thought of since we last talked? Award winning speaker and author trained in visual communication and focused on YOUR success. The first questioner will set the tone for the panel. Start the panel by establishing rapport with the audience. If it isn’t, turn it on (or otherwise make arrangements to be heard). Are they in the location you need, or can manage? If they’re shy, feed them several questions so they can think about their answers for a while. Nexus 2007. Ask another person on the panel the question. I was a chairperson for a conference once and I do know how difficult it is to keep interest going and to also manage over-enthusiastic conference speakers. Conflicts. Who will add the most value to your event? The moderator’s role is to bring out a good discussion from the panel, and stay out of the way when it’s happening. Sit down. Could you clarify this?” or, “you once mentioned X in your blog, but now you’re saying Y…” The panelist who self-contradicts is not giving the audience enough respect, especially if that panelist hopes to get away it. . If a light bulb suddenly goes on over someone’s head, call on them quick before they forget the idea! Based on the event’s goals and direction, the panel moderator really needs to bring the panel discussion to life. Pick up your name cards and check with Green Room staff for any special information. Who are you most excited about working with? Although on the onset, just choosing an industry guru might seem like the best course of action, being a moderator is more than just knowing one side of the topic extremely well: they need to have the right kind of personality coupled with a wealth of knowledge on all sides of the issue at hand. A good moderator must know how to firmly but politely remind the audience to get to the question quickly, and dismiss anything irrelevant. Rory Vaden (an award winning public speaker and expert on panel discussions) says it perfectly in this quote: “You have to spontaneously navigate an infinite number of dynamics that are perpetually changing at any given moment. We present these as examples for your consideration. Nothing is more annoying than the audience member who needs to make a statement, or monopolizes the microphone. The traditional opening is “Hello? Once the introductions to the topic and the panelists are out of the way, the discussion proper commences. You may be right.”, “You’re making some rather broad generalizations.”, “Ok, ok, I think I understand the question. The best controversies will bring out different views from different panelists. You may choose to sit at the end of the row of panelists instead of in the middle—it will make it easier to keep an eye on everybody. Get preferences and suggestions. Pay attention to the panelist’s answers and ask follow-up questions if appropriate. The moderator needs to be an outgoing, inquisitive and social person, who knows exactly how to bring out the best in others. Well, I guess this is both an art and a science. Watch for the 5 or 10 minute warning that time is running out. This includes choosing the right panelists, and then preparing them for the discussion, as well as choosing the best format to make sure the panel discussion hits the goals of the event. Ask a different person to comment on another panelist’s answer.