The Art of Moderation

The quest for moderating panel discussions has always fueled my curiosity. There is something innately mysterious as well as enchanting about moderation. Moderation is well beyond simply sitting there and asking questions to the speakers. Its on the shoulder of moderator after all the responsibility lies to ensure that the panel is engaging , lively and worthwhile for the participants. The pivotal question that arises is .....

How does one be a part of a panel and yet stand apart, seamlessly weave in all thoughts, keep the ego aside, and ensure each panel member get her/her fair share of voice? My work across more than 60+ panels has thrown up some interesting insights, which I share below.

?1.??????Experience moderation in all its completeness

If you are as passionate as I am about this art, you will know what I am saying. Give yourself up completely to understanding, honing and experiencing the satisfaction that comes with a well moderated panel discussion. When I am in the company of industry stalwarts and influencers who are so down to earth & approachable, being humble has been my greatest strength.

Tip: Senior panelists truly play along with the moderator and accept certain set of instructions that come along when you are handling some sensitive topics/views.

2.??????Balance is key

Good moderation is really not that simple as it sounds. With all that preparation, behind the scenes reading and research, it is the moderator who has to ensure that everything is smooth. The moderator needs to master and balance the art of being invisible amongst the very visible and erudite panelists and at the same time leave behind a lasting impression. It is the juggling that makes this act most exciting.

Tip: Good moderators know how to be subtle and yet leave a huge impact

3.??????Say no to conflict zones

The panel discussions on our television screens have shaped the image of a successful moderator as one who ?butts in between, cuts her/his panelists short, is opinionated and very loud. This is not moderation. This is anchoring. Many times situation arises where views are solicited on policies , regulations , best practices etc response to such questions if not moderated tightly can end up giving the panel a political color leading to polarized views on the panel and uncomfortable undercurrents. Which is why i say that .....

true moderation happens when the moderator ensures there are no conflict zones around. Moderation is not about inducing conflicts. Rather, a successful moderator helps moderate the polarized views so as to limit the visual and verbal conflicts. Its necessary that moderator unbiased and doesn't influence the flow. The ego is left outside because conflicts are to be dealt privately.

Tip: Avoid criticism of all types and encourage your panelists to change the tone from criticism to feedback.

4.??????Moderation is more of research and less of act

Gone are the days when moderates began and ended the panel discussions with ‘Thank you’. I strongly believe that a good moderator is one who spends time getting to know about the subject and the panel. Once I sign on to a panel, I spend considerable time researching the topic, view the past recordings of my panel members, try to understand their point of view and also make a note of what they are most passionate about. That is what makes each moderation different and unique!

Tip: A good moderator is topic/subject agnostic

5.??????Its all about getting out of your comfort zone

I remember the time I was to moderate a panel on “Rolling Funds – Transforming early stage investments” in the 2nd?edition of?Global FinTech Fest’ (GFF2021). Here was a?topic of which I had absolutely no clue about! The subject itself was too nascent and there were hardly any conferences globally hosted with a panel on it. In fact this was the very first panel discussing Rolling Funds in India!! My self-limiting fears kicked in and I felt I would not be able to do this. However, my practice of doing research and preparation gave me a better footing. In the end, I was able to carry this forward and realized that everything is possible. To me, growth on this chart has happened only because I have pushed myself beyond my own comfort zone.

Tip: Be agile and take risks with new topics

With all the hard work that a moderator puts in, it is time the spotlight is shone on them. Moderation is not about TRPs. It is the art?of carrying yourself with confidence amongst the stalwarts and successfully managing to create your own halo!