How to Moderate a Panel

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(3 Ratings)

Panel discussions are useful forums for people to gain information on a topic by experts, scholars or leaders in a given field. Businesses, professional and academic organizations and fan conventions all feature panel discussions on their agendas. To moderate a panel effectively requires knowledge, preparation and the ability to spot when it's time to cut someone off.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Learn about the presenters on the panel and what the audience expects to get out of the discussion prior to the session. Speaking to people in advance helps guide the conversation and cover all salient points. Try not to pair panelists who share a negative history with each other or the audience.
Step 2

Instruct each of the panelists to make brief comments, then plan to spend the remainder of the time allotted on a question and answer session. Keep an eye on the clock. When a panelist becomes long-winded, search for a point where you can break into his comments and cut him off.
Step 3

Work out a game plan for the question and answer session with your panelists. It's your responsibility to call upon panel members to address specific topics or questions. Ask the panel to only offer responses to questions when they're knowledgeable on the subject.
Step 4

Keep the conversation moving for the audience. Pay attention for natural points in panelist's remarks to transition. Rotate between panelist to allow each person to comment on the subject. Choose according to expertise of panelist to create an engaging discussion.
Step 5

Maintain firm control over the proceedings. Cut a panelist off before he digs himself a hole or rephrase an audience member's question if it doesn't capture the topic being discussed.