5 Tips for First Time Panel Moderators || How to Lead a Panel Discussion
The thought of moderating a speaker panel can be a little intimidating. It’s a weighty but thrilling responsibility to keep the conversation flowing, ask questions to dig out really meaty takeaways, all while creating an outstanding experience for both your speakers and your conference audience.
In my career, I’ve moderated more than 30 speaker panels (and counting!) in my time leading a team of 13 to create engaging community events. Panels I’ve led have happened live on the stage in front of thousands of people, on Youtube live streams, and even been prerecorded remotely over Zoom. On top of my first-hand experience, I have helped over 100 moderators prep for their first time moderating a panel discussion.
How to Lead a Panel Discussion
With a little preparation, this role doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Today, I have shared my knowledge and tips from years of leading events! Read on for five things I always share with first-time moderators on how to lead an engaging panel discussion.
Tip #1: Engage the audience with simple questions throughout the discussion.
Bring the audience into the conversation with an easy question and invite them to chime in by clapping or raising their hands. For example, “Who else is feeling inspired after this exciting exchange?” usually results in a round of applause.
Tip #2: Know the difference between your key and filler questions, but have both.
All of my moderation outlines include questions to draw out the key takeaways I need to include, but I also come up with a few questions that can help make good use of the time that needs to be filled. I tend to format the two questions differently in my notes to help me differentiate which questions I can skip depending on timing. I bold the text of the super key questions and highlight them, and I also sometimes highlight the text in different colors to differentiate between the two types of questions.
Tip #3: Listen to your panelists’ responses for opportunities to ask follow-up questions.
Sometimes your speakers will set you up with the perfect opportunity to ask a follow-up question to drive home a key point and deepen the takeaways. Avoid getting too lost in thought over what you’re going to ask next and make sure to actively listen for those moments. By having a list of questions that are formatted well, you will be able to be an active listener.
Tip #4: Have a prep call before your panel but don’t over-prepare your speakers.
Connecting with your panelists as a group ahead of your panel can help everyone to get familiar with the flow of conversation and give you as the discussion leader a hint of what nuggets you can draw out, but don’t give away too much information about what you plan to ask them. Conversation will happen most naturally and be the most engaging when the participants aren’t overly rehearsed.
Tip #5: Know how you’ll get control of the conversation if a speaker goes off-topic or rambles.
It may not happen every time you moderate, but it’s good to not just plan for this but to practice for this. My go-to for a verbose speaker? Slip in “This is an excellent point that I’m sure more people would like to add to after the panel wraps.” and then move to your next discussion point.
While there is undoubtedly a lot to think about while preparing to moderate a successful panel discussion, hopefully these 5 tips have you feeling more confident. Want to find out more about expanding your panel moderation skills? Find me on LinkedIn where I’m happy to connect.
About Adiel Cloud Nuesmeyer
I’m a Sr. Director of Community Development, leading a team of 13 to connect with our customers — as well as form connections between them. My professional superpower is being able to glean insights and features from engaging 1:1 with customers — because I truly care about them and the community. When I’m not leading the charge (and teaching others how to lead their *own* charge), I can be found driving my kids to endless gymnastics practices, tending to a literal indoor jungle of household plants while watching the Utah Jazz — and pretending I don’t see my husband talking about buying a 5th grill. I’d love to connect with other passionate professionals and mission-driven organizations on LinkedIn!
