Regardless of how often you’ve had to do this, moderating a panel session is often daring, especially for a first-timer. However, a few tips could help guide you and make the task productive and successful.
I’ll be talking about them in this article.
One of the best ways to appear good at doing something, especially for the first time, is to practice over and over again how it’s done. How do you practice? Research people with similar tasks to yours and learn how they pulled it off.
Also, research the people with whom you’ll be having a conversation so that you have an idea of who they are and what interests them, including the fields they belong to.
A wise man once said that a lack of preparedness will cost you more than you’re willing to offer. Do thorough research on the event, the panelists and fields they belong to, the session’s aim, the questions to be asked, how to keep the conversation going and how to keep the audience engaged.
As someone moderating a panel session for the first time, you need to dress the part. Your appearance is one of the few factors that reflects how confident you are or seem to be at the event.
It’s also advisable to research to ensure you’re not out of line and are on theme with your outlook.
To keep the conversation going, you must carry the audience along as much as you carry the panellists. It’s your duty to ensure that everyone is on the same page and feels comfortable being “led” by you at that moment.
Don’t ask questions that make them wonder if they made a mistake by attending the event.
An embarrassing thing you want to avoid when moderating a panel session for the first time is not keeping to time. It could come off as unprofessional when you don’t keep track of time. Ensure you have structures in place to help you keep to time – timer, timekeeper, etc.
I agree that it’s your first time. However, it’s imperative for you to keep an open mind and be determined to be flexible because things might not strictly go as planned. One or two things might change on the itinerary, and then you’ll be required to improvise or go with the flow.
Unexpected events might arise, and you’ll be expected to take charge. Be prepared for such moments.
Conclusively, being a moderator requires your full attention, participation and commitment to the process to succeed.
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