Great moderators know when and how to assert control and, more importantly, when not to. Here are some tips and tricks how to guide each element of a moderated session.

great moderator

10 tips on
how to be a

Before we go into 10 specific tips and tricks, look at these 5 sections that will help you when preparing for your moderator role.

 

  1. Firstly, in preparation for the educational event, familiarize yourself with the session outcome, determine the participants needs, and get to know the panels strengths and weaknesses. Do try and identify links and themes between the panellists.
  2. Secondly, upon arrival at the venue, get to know the venue, introduce yourself and liaise with other faculty such as the chairperson and event organizer. Follow up on any questions you have about a faculty or panellists biographical details, as well as content related links and themes. Develop a plan for dealing with difficulties that may arise and decide and communicate your choice of time signals.
  3. Thirdly, at the start of your session, make sure that you welcome the panellists, as well as the audience, go through the housekeeping notes, and clearly state the purpose and relevance of your session.
  4. Furthermore, during the sessions, introduce each additional lecturer while linking the introduction to the previous session. Don't forget to keep the time; make sure that each lecturer is applauded and invite the audience to ask questions. Do summarize each session; this is a very valuable way of finishing a session.
  5. Last but not least, thank the panellists, speakers, faculty, as well as the audience and support staff, confirm the purpose and relevance, and ideally the achievement of your session, relating them to some major learning objectives and/or to the future.

1

Moderate efficiently

As a moderator, it is very important that you understand your role comparable to that of being a host; your role as a moderator therefore is only to guide conversations. Make sure that you are aware of when to step back or when to step in, bringing us to the second point.

 

 

2

Be in charge

It is crucial that you are visible and audible to the learners (the audience), which will allow you to keep everyone on track, making sure that you are perceived as the one in charge, making the session worthwhile attending.

3

Steer from the background

Even if you are the host as mentioned in point 1, ensure that you are not letting yourself be swept away by your role. It is not you but rather the panellists and the audience that are the focus of the session. Stay in the background, unless otherwise needed, but do keep the session moving.

 

4

Be prepared

Make sure that you are prepared; ensure that you know the subject as well as the panellists. You won't be able to moderate the session unless you understand the issues.

 

5

Be a conductor

In addition to seeing your role as host, you could also put yourself in the shoes of a director of an orchestra. Coordinate, but don't steer too much, so that individuals can take their space and excel.

 

6

Think ahead

Very importantly, you need to be able to think ahead. While you are listening, think about where the discussion is heading and where it should be heading; be aware and keep the time and make sure to move the discussion on whenever necessary.

 

7

Challenge & contain panellists

One of the fun but maybe more difficult parts of being a moderator is to challenge the panellists on behalf of the audience. Follow up on unanswered questions, or interfere when the panellists are getting lost in their own discussions.

 

8

Speak short & concise

Another one of your responsibilities as a moderator is to ask short and concise questions; the same applies to statements. Make sure you get straight to the point or the issue at hand and keep things moving while maintaining eye contact with the audience.

9

Keep an eye on the clock

Time keeping is not to be underestimated. Check the time, openly and confidently, and let the panellists know when they are running short on time. Make sure you always finish on time and don't hesitate to equip yourself with a timekeeping system that works for you.

 

 

 

10

Have fun

Last but not least, be fun and have some fun. Being able to be comfortable with and enjoying your role will positively affect the audience and they are likely to react with interest and engagement.

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