Conferences, various networking events, as well as consultations: These are all occasions featuring panel discussions. And they are also occasions when you may be asked to lead such a discussion. Should we be afraid of moderating a panel discussion? How to prepare well for the role of moderator? These questions have been answered by the American columnist and speaker Scott Kirsner in his recent article at the Harvard Business Review server. He himself has moderated more than 300 panel discussions at major conferences.
Scott Kirsner starts the list of his advices with a surprising statement: "Do not prepare together with the panelists." He does not recommended phoning or writing long e-mails to panelists in order to clarify what will be discussed. This would only result in the disappearance of the spontaneity and dynamism from the discussion. A moderator should of course get the information in advance as to, who will be in the panel and prepare the questions accordingly. However, it is enough to send a brief message listing the opening questions to panelists. At the very discussion please follow these guidelines:
- Sit down to panelists, do not stand nearby.
- Do not act as a panelist, as you cannot play both roles.
- Avoid projecting slides. If the issue requires this only involve photos or videos.
- Express the objective of the discussion at the very beginning, be clear and concise. Two sentences are enough.
- Do not tell panelists to introduce themselves. A moderator always introduces participants to a discussion.
- Involve the audience. Ask the audience something immediately at the beginning.
- Do not ask everyone the same questions; two answers to the same question would do.
- Encourage the panelists to ask each other questions.
- Divide your questions, depending on what you will ask the panelists and the audience.
- Do not close the discussion by asking the panelists about an idea in the end. Rather give a room for questions of the audience.
- Make sure the discussion ends in time.
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