Being a panel moderator might look easy from the outside, but trust me, there’s a lot more to it than just holding a mic and introducing people. It’s an art and a skill to balance personalities, keep the conversation flowing, and engage the audience, all while staying calm and collected. You’re the glue that holds the panel together, and that comes with unique challenges.
Whether you’re new to moderating or just looking to polish your skills, I’ve put together some do’s and don’ts from my own experiences that have helped me navigate through countless panel discussions. And yes, I’ve had my fair share of mishaps, but hey—that’s part of the learning curve
Do’s
1. Prepare in Advance
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a moderator is to walk into the room underprepared. I’ve learned over the years that doing your homework is crucial. Get familiar with your panelists and their areas of expertise. Look into their backgrounds, read their articles or interviews, and craft questions that can spark meaningful dialogue.
For example, I once moderated a panel on digital transformation in Malaysia. One of the panelists was a startup founder who had an interesting take on AI. I made it a point to research her company’s projects in AI, and it helped me ask targeted questions that elevated the conversation. Not only did it make me look like I knew what I was talking about, but it also helped the panelists dig deeper into their expertise, which the audience appreciated.
2. Keep the Energy Balanced
One thing I always keep in mind is to make sure everyone gets equal speaking time. You might have that one panelist who’s a natural talker (we’ve all met them!), and another who’s a little more reserved. It’s your job to ensure the conversation doesn’t get dominated by one person. I’ve found that simple techniques, like gently cutting in with phrases such as, “That’s an interesting point, let’s hear from [another panelist] on this,” can go a long way.
One time, I moderated a tech panel where one panelist, an industry leader, was taking over the conversation. I stepped in and gave space to the other panelists who had equally valuable insights but weren’t as vocal. The end result? A more balanced and engaging discussion.
3. Engage the Audience
Moderating isn’t just about talking to the panelists—you’ve got a whole room (or virtual audience) to consider. It’s easy for people to tune out if they feel disconnected. I always make it a point to involve the audience with Q&A sessions or by encouraging them to share their thoughts. You’d be surprised how much energy this adds to the room!
During a health and wellness panel I moderated, I asked the audience for their own questions, and one person raised a point that took the discussion in an unexpected but incredibly valuable direction. That’s the beauty of audience engagement—you never know what hidden gems might surface!
Don’ts
1. Avoid Over-Talking
I get it. As a moderator, you’re tempted to jump in with your own two cents. But remember—you’re not the star of the show, your panelists are. There was once when this moderator was going on and on for a good 5 minutes, and he had not even introduced his panel speakers up. Since I was the emcee for the event, the organiser asked me to interject to remind him to continue with the panel discussion (ooof!)
I’ve caught myself a few times going off on a tangent, only to realize I’ve derailed the conversation Over time, I learned the value of short, impactful interjections and letting the experts take center stage.
A good rule of thumb is to only interject when necessary—such as to clarify a point or steer the conversation in a different direction. Otherwise, let the panelists do most of the talking. After all, that’s why they’re there!
2. Don’t Let Things Get Off-Track
When you’re moderating a panel, it’s easy for the conversation to veer off course, especially when panelists are passionate about their topics. I’ve been in situations where one panelist goes off on a tangent, and I’ve had to pull the discussion back on track without cutting them off abruptly.
One trick I use is to say, “That’s really interesting, and I’d love to come back to that, but let’s focus on…” This way, you’re acknowledging their point while gently guiding the conversation back to where it needs to be. Trust me, it works like a charm!
3. Don’t Forget Body Language
As much as moderating is about what’s being said, it’s also about what isn’t being said. Non-verbal cues are your secret weapon. Are your panelists comfortable? Are they looking restless? Is the audience engaged, or are they sneaking glances at their phones?
Once, during a panel on reproductive health, I noticed one of the panelists looking visibly uncomfortable. A quick side glance and a nod were enough to prompt me to give them the floor and let them speak. That one moment of attentiveness shifted the dynamic of the discussion in a positive way, allowing everyone to feel included.
In Summary
Moderating a panel might seem straightforward, but it’s an art that takes preparation, attention, and quick thinking. Remember to do your research, keep the energy balanced, and involve the audience. And of course, avoid over-talking, steer the conversation back on track when needed, and always stay mindful of non-verbal cues.
Being a moderator is about making sure your panelists and audience feel heard and valued. If you can do that, you’re already well on your way to being a top-notch moderator.
Whether you’re hosting a corporate panel or a public event, a skilled moderator can make all the difference in ensuring smooth and insightful discussions. If you’re looking to hire a seasoned moderator or need tips on how to elevate your own moderation skills, let’s chat!
Daphne Iking 
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