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Q: Moderating Panel Discussions ( Answered,   0 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Moderating Panel Discussions
Category: Business and Money
Asked by: tweety2-ga
List Price: $25.00
Posted: 22 Apr 2003 10:46 PDT
Expires: 22 May 2003 10:46 PDT
Question ID: 193887
What are the top 10 things I should do to effectively and successfully
moderate a panel discussion?
Answer  
Subject: Re: Moderating Panel Discussions
Answered By: tehuti-ga on 22 Apr 2003 11:42 PDT
 
Hello tweety2

I’ve found some resources with advice on successfully moderating a
panel discussion.  I’ve culled the advice from each to form what I
consider to be the ten most important points to take into account.

1. Make sure you are familiar with the topic under discussion, so that
you can follow the debates and add your own questions. Do some
preparatory work on the topic before the event.

2.  Set the scene by introducing the topic and the panelists. 
“Powerful, succinct introductions are important. Ask each panelist for
copy ahead of time, and consider editing it. Add a human element. As
Ty Boyd says, "People want to know your qualities without becoming
bored by your qualifications.” Don’t simply read a panelist’s job
title and awards -- mention the panelist is father of three boys and a
backyard gardener who specializes in hot peppers. Create some
dimension to the person.”  Remember to introduce yourself as well.
Make sure you know how to pronounce the names of the panelists!
(Quotation from the Ty Boyd web site listed below).

3. Start the discussion rolling with a question aimed at all the
panelists, to let them give their individual views on the topic. This
works better than having each panelist prepare a formal introductory
speech.  If things start to slow down, keep them moving by putting
forward some more insightful questions of your own. Prepare yourself
in advance by putting together at least one question for each of the
panelists as well as your opening question.

4. Audience participation can be extremely valuable. If you wish to
encourage it, remember that the longer you wait, the harder it is to
get the audience involved. Aim to wait no longer than 20-30 minutes
before bringing in questions and comments from the floor.

5.  Keep speakers on topic. As well as encouraging audience
participation, encourage dialogue between the panelists, by asking
questions such as “Do you agree with what X just said?”

6.  Be prepared to cut off a debate which is going nowhere or becoming
too heated, and also be prepared to cut off anyone who tries to
monopolize the proceedings. Be aware at all times that YOU are in
charge!

7.  Make sure you wear a watch or can see a clock, so that you know
exactly how much time is left and can guide the discussion to a
satisfactory finish before time is up.

8. Make sure everyone can hear questions and comments from the
audience. Encourage the use of the microphones, and repeat each
question. This will also help the panelists.

9.  Do not be afraid to redirect a question directed at one panelist
to another one, who might be more appropriate in that instance. Also,
if a question seems to be too elementary, you can try to rephrase it
in a way that makes it deeper.

10. Rather than letting the questions and answers trail off when time
runs out, leave enough time to summarise the discussions and for the
panelists to each make a short final comment.  Remember to thank them
and the audience.

Sources: 

Top Ten Moderating Tips by Steve Adubato, Ph.D
http://www.stand-deliver.com/column/article_moderatingtips.shtml
(Steve Adubato's Stand & Deliver web site)

“What does the Moderator do? 
Here are a few guidelines we've put together on how to moderate a
panel to help you help the panel… “ by organizers of the Toronto Trek
SF convention, 2003.
http://tcon.icomm.ca/tt17/index.php?pg=program&section=modinfo

Moderating a Panel—Some Creative Approaches by Ty Boyd Executive
Learning Systems.
http://www.tyboyd.com/uploads/moderatingpanel.PDF 

Search strategy on Google: "how to" moderate panel discussion
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