Mastering the Art of Moderating a Panel
By Stefanie M. Marrone for The Social Media Butterfly
As a lawyer, you’re likely no stranger to speaking in front of people, but moderating a panel brings a unique set of challenges. You’re not just speaking—you’re guiding the conversation, managing personalities and making sure the audience gets value from the discussion. Moderating is all about balance: letting your panelists shine, keeping the conversation on track and ensuring the audience leaves with key takeaways. Here’s how to step into the role of moderator with confidence and authority, while keeping it professional but engaging.
1. Know Your Panelists and Topic Inside Out
Before you even step on stage (or in front of the camera), make sure you know who’s on your panel and what they bring to the conversation. Research their backgrounds, areas of expertise and most recent work. This allows you to direct specific questions their way, making the discussion feel more dynamic and tailored.
Also, be clear on the overall topic and goals for the session. What does the audience need to walk away with? What are the big issues or trends you want to hit? Having this framework in mind will help you steer the conversation when it starts to wander.
2. Establish Authority with a Strong Opening
You’re the leader of this discussion, so set the tone from the start. A quick, punchy introduction explaining the importance of the topic and introducing your panelists will position you as the authority figure without taking too much time. It’s key to be confident but not overly formal—keep the tone conversational and approachable.
3. Be the Guide, Not the Star
Moderating is about guiding the conversation, not being the focus of it. Yes, you’re in control, but your job is to create space for your panelists to share their insights. Ask open-ended questions that invite discussion and follow-up questions that dive deeper into the points they raise.
However, it’s important to manage time and transitions smoothly. If a panelist goes off-topic or gets too long-winded, gently bring things back. Try, “That’s a great point, let’s circle back to [specific topic].”
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