1. How to Create and Run a Moderated Panel Program
Walter Betts, Terry Roper, & Ted Wanner
March 7, 2017

2. What is a moderated panel?
Terry
The moderator sets the tone, the pace and control of the content, staying ever-vigilant in keeping it relevant for the audience.  It is the moderator’s responsibility to make sure the panel is lively, engaging and worthwhile.

3. Why “moderated” panels?
Avoid presentation silos
Present multiple points of view
Giving equal time to all
Create dialog
Maintain focus on the advertised topic
Save on AV costs
Walter

4. What is the moderator’s job?
Communicate
Research
Connect
Moderate
Walter

5. Communicate Early & Often
First Contact: thank you, introduction information, outline of your contact with them
Second Contact: questions for feedback, outline the session
Third Contact: final questions, confirm room information
Terry Moderator contacting panelists

6. Become an expert Know the pros & and cons of your topic
Know the current literature
Know your panelists
Why are they experts?
Know who the other experts are
And their thoughts on your topic
Know the latest developments
Terry

7. Write the questions
Have a conference call with your panelists to brainstorm topics
Why are they interested What are their experiences
Use a Google doc to manage your work
Prioritize the topics
-role-panel-discussions/
Walter

8. Write the questions Transform the topics into groups of questions
Create an equal number of questions for each panelist
Create a timeline for the presentation
List each topic
Show time for questions
Walter

9. Panelists Work with your panelists to get good introductions
Name, position, background and why they were chosen for the panel
Brief is better!
Negotiate AV needs
Microphones at the table and in the audience
Project only if panelists need to share images
Appoint someone to consolidate images into a single document/slide show
Appoint someone to bring the laptop
Get cell numbers
Ted Topic is focus
Crucial to be clear on AV needs

10. Practice makes perfect!
Walter

11. Walter

12. At conference … but before the presentation
Verify that all your panelists are there
Verify that they know the time of the presentation
Verify that they know the location (room number)
Verify that they know when to meet!
Terry

13. Moderate the panel Stick to the plan Balance the load
Engage the meek
Interrupt those who monopolize
Mix things up
Engage the audience
Have a plan for closing the conversation
Without asking for closing remarks
Keep it fun and lively
Terry

14. What about Q & A Plan for potential questions
Leave time in the schedule
Questions at the end?
Questions as you go?
Remember, this has a potential AV expense
Do not let a question turn into a debate between a panelist and audience member, disrupting the flow of the program!
Walter

15. Encourage panelists & the audience to continue the conversation in the Collaboration Space!
Walter

16. For more information…
Handout: Tips for Conducting a Successful Moderated Panel Article: Toastmasters International. “How to Moderate a Panel Discussion.” w-to-Moderate-a-Panel-Discussion Blog post: discussions/
Ted