PANEL MODERATOR AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER: THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS MEETINGS & EVENTS

Today’s best panel moderators and keynote speakers play an important role in guiding the discussion and flow of an event. Top responsibilities of effective presenters are:

• Introduction – The field’s most successful panel moderators introduce the topic and panelists and provide some context around the discussion to follow. Doing so frames the conversation for the audience.
• Facilitating discussion – Experts ask questions to each panelist to draw out opinions and stories. They also foster dialogue between the panelists.
• Timekeeping – The best panel moderators keep the discussion on track and make sure each panelist gets adequate time… and remind panelists if they are short on time.
• Involvement – Pros participate in the discussion, asking follow-up questions or offering their own relevant thoughts. But they don’t dominate.
• Audience questions – Leaders here repeat or rephrase questions from the audience for clarity. Top panel moderators may select questions or bridge the gap between multiple questions.
• Transitioning – Talk leaders smoothly transition between topics and move the conversation forward into new territory.
• Tone and energy – Experts set the right tone, whether serious, lively, combative, etc. And panel moderators maintain the energy level.
• Limiting disruption – Pros here prevent any one panelist from dominating and make sure everyone stays engaged.
• Wrap-up – Of course, leading panel moderators also summarize key takeaways or learnings and close the panel discussion.

The role calls for strong communication skills, ability to think fast on one’s feet, and a balance between controlling and guiding. The best panel moderators enhance the discussion while letting panelists shine.