The Art and Science of Moderation: Driving Engagement and Impact

I've worked in events one way or another for 20 years. The industry drew a collective breath during Covid when everything went up on Zoom.

Would real life events ever come back? Would we ever be "normal" again?

Well, events are back but they are not where they were. In this blog, I'll take a moderator's-view look at what's changed and how events organisers must think more carefully about how to make their events a success (and where I can help).

Here's the good news: events and conferences are crucial platforms for knowledge sharing, thought leadership, and perhaps above all, networking, all of which have huge value to audiences. I would argue strongly that for those who have been through Covid, those who work remotely and those who default to an online meeting rather than an in-person one as part of their day to day work life, face to face meetings and conferences are rare and precious moments.

The bad news? It is getting harder to persuade people away from their desks.

The Moderator's Role

A skilled moderator is more than just a neutral observer. They are the conductor of a dynamic conversation, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard, and the audience remains engaged. While many might view moderation as a straightforward role, it requires a unique blend of skills, presence, and strategic thinking.

At its core, a moderator's job is to facilitate a productive and engaging discussion. This involves:

• Balancing perspectives: Every audience has its 'usual suspects' who dominate conversations. A skilled moderator ensures that everyone has a chance to contribute, preventing the conversation from being hijacked by a few.
• Managing logistics: While it may seem mundane, ensuring the event runs smoothly is crucial. From technical glitches to unexpected disruptions, a moderator should be prepared to handle any situation with grace and efficiency.
• Creating energy: A successful event is characterised by a vibrant atmosphere. "Buzz" is a hard quality to convey on the page, but events people know it when they feel it (and that's why IRL events matter!) A moderator can significantly contribute to this by maintaining a high energy level, asking engaging questions and fostering interaction between panellists and the audience.

Beyond the Basics: The Moderator's Edge

While these core responsibilities are essential, what truly sets exceptional moderators apart is their ability to go beyond the basics.

• Deep understanding of the topic: A moderator who is well-versed in the subject matter can ask insightful questions, challenge panellists, and contribute to the conversation.
• Strong interpersonal skills: Building rapport with panellists and connecting with the audience is vital. A friendly, approachable demeanour can create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Strategic thinking: A moderator should be able to anticipate potential challenges and develop strategies to address them. This includes managing difficult panellists, handling unexpected questions and keeping the conversation on track.

By combining these elements, a moderator can elevate an event from a mere information-sharing session to a truly impactful experience.

Conclusion

The role of a moderator is often underestimated, largely because one of the main skills they bring is to make the hard work invisible. Every moderator sets the tone of an event; a first-class moderator will ensure this tone is professional, lively and productive. As businesses increasingly rely on events to connect with stakeholders, an effective moderator clearly signifies that the investment people have made to attend is being rewarded through an agenda that's adhered to, insightful questions to the people on the stage, plenty of opportunities for the audience to participate and a general feeling that this was time well spent.

A skilled moderator can significantly enhance the value of an event by ensuring that it is informative, engaging, and memorable. If you achieve that, getting people to come again next time will be less of an ask.

As a moderator, I know that if an event can be done online, it will be. But there is so much more value within IRL events, it would be a shame to lose them. They are a huge opportunity for the organisers to stamp their values on it, to make deep, meaningful connections and to remember that we are all real human beings.

The next time you're planning a conference or panel discussion, don't make booking the moderator a last minute decision. They could be the key to unlocking the full potential of your event.

Would you like to explore specific strategies for moderator preparation or discuss the challenges you've faced in finding the right moderator for your events? Get in touch and let's continue the conversation!