Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity of moderating dozens of panels at prestigious tech conferences. It is something I highly enjoy, because I get to connect with smart and talented people who are highly recognized in their field, and get to hear about their lives, their experiences, and the lessons they’ve learned. 

For example, for two years in a row I moderated panels at Tech Spirit Barcelona. Last year, I held a panel discussion at EMERGE Tech Conference in Dubai. During my career, I have also participated both as a moderator and a speaker in various meetups and events in London, New York, and more.

Here are the five main lessons I’ve learned during this journey. 

#1: Prepare adequately by going beyond the facts everyone already knows

To aptly moderate a conversation, you need to learn more about who the speakers are as human beings: their hobbies, the sports they play, and their way of life. This will help you elevate the conversation to a new level and build a better connection with the audience.

Once, during a live event, knowing that a speaker had engaged in sports activities in the mornings, I asked her: “What advice would you give yourself at the start of your entrepreneur’s journey?” The response was “Don’t abandon your favorite activities and don’t dive headfirst into work.” This brought laughter from the audience, and it was evident that my knowledge had helped the speaker relax, and the room seemed to emanate a warmer ambiance.

#2: Meet the panelists in advance

Being the panel host, you have the responsibility to help speakers feel comfortable and at ease so that they can share their stories. This process will be considerably easier if you become acquainted with them in person before the conference. That’s obvious, right?

This way, once we are on stage, it simply feels like a continuation of our first interaction. They are familiar with me, I am familiar with them, and the room is open for a candid conversation. Conversely, I’ve seen cases where moderators do not prioritize building this connection, and the result has been a dry interview full of monosyllabic answers. 

#3: Own your role. A moderator is key to the discussion’s success

Many people, mistakenly, perceive the moderator as someone who merely plays a runner-up role on a panel discussion. However, my experience indicates otherwise. The moderator should be an equal participant in the conversation, and needs to be deeply aware of the topic and the speakers’ expertise to be able to set the stage for ideas and stories to flow seamlessly.

As the host, remember that when people attend a panel, they expect to see natural communication, which results in a vivid, engaged back-and-forth between the moderator and the panelists. To achieve this, event organizers need to make sure that they select moderators who are well-versed in the field to avoid bitter disappointment. 

#4: Understand the audience and their needs

Participating as a moderator, you should be aware of what the audience needs, so that you can steer the dialogue towards it, something that can be done by asking thoughtful questions and ensuring the conversation goes beyond shallow waters. 

For example, if there are more entrepreneurs in the room, you can ask panelists two types of questions. First, informational, to get tips and actionable insights, and second, supportive to encourage speakers to talk about challenges and how they overcame them, as this will certainly inspire listeners.

Additionally, it is important to consider the audience’s native language. I have moderated a lot of events in English, particularly in countries where English is not the primary language, such as Spain or Serbia. Therefore, I make a conscious effort to steer clear of using complex terminology or language that may make it difficult for the audience to understand. This ensures that everyone can fully understand and engage with the content without any barriers.

#5: Take a photographer with you

This is a bonus point I would like to highlight. Having worked with entrepreneurs for over 15 years, I understand that they often don’t have enough time to take photos required for their social media channels. Therefore, it would be highly appreciated by both your speakers and their PR pros if you could provide them with some post-event high-quality images. My photographer always takes speakers’ portraits during events, which they often use as profile photos.

Furthermore, it will be useful for your own social media profile, website or moderator’s pitch to enhance your brand.

Final Thoughts

Hosting a panel discussion can be an exhilarating experience, as it allows you to connect with bright individuals who are creating fabulous impact. To succeed at it, you need to remember that your role is important. People expect to listen to an engaging conversation in which both the moderator and the panelists share valuable insights and inspire action. You can own this role by preparing adequately, meeting with the speakers in advance, and understanding the audience and their needs. By doing this, you can set the stage for a seamless dialogue that delivers value to all attendees.