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I’ve been thinking about this for a while, but now seems like a good time to mention it.
Moderating a panel discussion among a group of people requires a certain skill set, and not everyone has it. It’s not just “reading questions” and you can’t just throw anyone into the role.
Moderating a panel discussion among a group of people requires a certain skill set, and not everyone has it. It’s not just “reading questions” and you can’t just throw anyone into the role.
I say this as someone with training as a group facilitator.
The moderator’s role is to manage the flow of the conversation and the energy in the room. You’re not just there to ask questions when there’s a lull and keep track of the time.
The moderator’s role is to manage the flow of the conversation and the energy in the room. You’re not just there to ask questions when there’s a lull and keep track of the time.
Part of being a moderator means the conversation is not about you. This doesn’t mean you can’t add some comments, but keep them relevant and to a minimum. You must pay attention, recalling previous remarks or info about the panelists in order to manage the conversation.
If the panel is getting off track, it’s the moderator’s job to return it to the topic at hand. If there’s tension between panelists, it’s the moderator’s job to dispel it.
These are not easy tasks! And why it’s important to have an effective moderator with the right skill set.
These are not easy tasks! And why it’s important to have an effective moderator with the right skill set.
The moderator is also in charge of the pacing/timing, and if they’re taking up all the air in the room, or on the flip side, sitting idly by while the panelists ramble among themselves, there’s a problem.
(Again, this is something I’ve been thinking about for literal years, but in light of what happened yesterday, I felt like it was a good time to do a thread.)
In addition, the moderator should have some knowledge or awareness of the panelists and the discussion topic, even if that means doing research beforehand to more effectively execute their role.
And just to clarify, moderating or facilitating a group discussion is different than interviewing someone one on one. That’s not what I’m talking about here. I’m talking about a panel with two or more panelists (not including the moderator).
(Don’t get me started on panels that have too many people on them. That could be a whole other thread.)
What I’m getting at is this: the moderator is NOT a panelist. And I don’t think events always consider that when they ask people to moderate panels for them. Some moderators sure don’t. But that’s why I’m making this thread.
The moderator’s role is to manage the content, energy, and time. That’s it. If you can balance including a few of your own insights and a brief plug for your own work at the beginning or end, that’s fine. But overall, it’s not about YOU.
So I would ask that events really consider WHO they’re asking to moderate panels and also WHY. Does that person have experience in this role or with the topic? Are there clear expectations and guidelines?
And there’s a difference moderating discussions in person vs group video chat. Having done both, you have to adjust your approach. This is why guidelines and clearly communicated expectations are even more important.
Personally, I think it works better when the moderator is someone adjacent to but not in the same role as the panelists. Otherwise you’re asking the moderator to be very conscious that they’re not a panelist, and that can be hard if they’re all, say, authors. 
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And if you’re putting the moderator in the role of panelist AND mod, you’re putting your moderator in a tough position.
So here’s my suggestion. As we settle into more events happening virtually for the time being, take advantage of increased availability (instead of just “who’s present at the con?”) and get the right moderator for the job, someone with both the knowledge and the skills.
A good moderator can improve the experiences of the panelists and the audience. And isn’t the goal of these events to create good content and positive experiences all around?
