Moderating a Panel

As a Panel Moderator, you’ll manage the flow of information so that the audience gets the most out of the discussion.

Prepare Topics

• Choose topics and budget discussion time for each.
• Develop lead-in questions and key points for each topic.
• Prepare questions to fall back on if the discussion lags or goes off-topic.
• Read any materials produced by your panelists.

Manage Discussion

• Ensure everyone adheres to the rules and the agenda.
• Ask clarifying questions or challenge assumptions where appropriate.
• Raise important aspects being ignored.
• Summarize the discussion before moving on to the next topic.

Manage Panelists

• Encourage contributions from all panelists on every topic to provide a balance of perspectives.
• If certain panelists are dominating, ask others to react to what they’re hearing.
• If certain panelists are too quiet, ask them questions.
• If panelists visibly react to a point being made, ask them to comment.

Engage Audience

• Encourage the audience to ask questions.
• Incorporate questions and comments throughout the panel discussion or leave time for a question period at the end.
• When case law or legislation is mentioned, be sure to include the specific name or sections in your PowerPoint. If you are doing a webinar or virtual seminar, you can also type these into the chat.