Moderating a Panel?
- mayadolgin
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
(October 21, 2025 Newsletter)
Over the last few weeks, I spent about 20 hours training individuals to present at an industry conference, many of whom were preparing to moderate panels.
After more than a dozen conversations on this topic, I decided to gather the most helpful pointers we reviewed and rehearsed so the next time you are invited to host an event like this, you’ll be one step closer to being ready before you even start.
Why it matters
Moderating a panel is a great opportunity to establish yourself as a leader in your field.
You get to position yourself as the one driving the conversation, the one asking the right questions, the one making sure that the audience gets what they came for.
Step 1: How do you want to be remembered?
Let’s be honest – most of the time, audience members come to see the panelists, not the moderator. But that doesn’t mean you have to relinquish your spot in their memory before it even begins. As such, decide in advance what sort of role you want to play:
The professor: If you have subject matter expertise, you will likely want to participate in the conversation. This might mean that the lead ups you offer to the questions are more substantive, or that you respond to what the panelists share.
The entertainer: Will you be cracking jokes, encouraging the audience to clap, and adding color commentary? Only if it’s aligned with the topic, of course, but if this is the brand you’re building, lean into it.
The instigator: Are you looking to encourage debate, unpack the disagreements, and allow your audience to form their own opinions on a controversial topic? Then striking a respectful yet sharp-minded tone will fit the bill.
Chances are, if you don’t design your persona as part of your prep, you won’t leave a strong impression on your audience one way or the other.
Your two main jobs
When you’re up on that stage, you have two main responsibilities: to bring out the best from your panelists and to protect the audience.
The keeper of the panelists: You have to focus on several things at the same time: keeping time, keeping them on track if their answers start to wander, and keeping it interesting. Practice what you’ll say to politely get them to shorten their answer, remind them of the main point they wanted to make, and get them to engage with each other.
The keeper of the audience: No one will protect their experience but you. Give them a warm welcome and then tell them up front what to expect – preview the topics that will be covered and whether there will be Q&A at the end. Phrase the questions to panelists as “we” and “us” – tell us, we all want to know, etc. as if you’re one of them.
Invisible best practices
Number your index cards. I know it sounds small, but if you don’t and you drop them on your way onto the stage, it will be stressful (to say the least).
Timestamp your questions. Note next to the questions when you expect to be asking each one to know if you’re ahead or behind schedule. And have a plan for what you will skip, assuming you’ll go over time and don’t want to look like you’re rushing.
Have a spare mic nearby. In case the lav mics stop working, and in case you’ll need it for Q&A.
Practice your transitions: Your opening, responses between questions, and closing. Make them smooth and natural, like you’re just conversing with your guests.
Final thought:
If you’re worried about being anxious, get to the space early so you have enough time to check it out and relax before others arrive. Drink plenty of water, do a few simple stretches, and think of a mantra in advance to repeat a phrase that will fill you with good energy.
You’re the right person for this opportunity, so enjoy it.
The Coaching Corner
There’s talk out there these days about cancelling 1:1s in favor of small group meetings if folks are having trouble getting aligned and your time is scarce. I’m intrigued and excited by the idea of keeping 1:1s for ad hoc needs and replacing them with “1-on-n” meetings, as a client of mine describes them.
There is nothing sacred about a 1:1 in and out itself that we can’t revisit the concept.
If it means people are hearing the same thing from you at the same time, and they have time to hash things out in your presence to get to a faster answer for moving ahead, go for it.
Recommendations
“How to Boost Innovation and Strategy Through Cross-Team Collaboration” – interesting podcast episode on an elusive but important topic.
“The Hidden Beliefs That Hold Leaders Back” by Muriel Wilkins, host of a podcast I love, Coaching Real Leaders.
Stay informed and never miss a beat! Subscribe to our newsletter for more coaching tips and weekly insights.
Comments