Making the Meeting Come Alive

𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑨𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝑴𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓

In the world of professional events, the role of a moderator is often underestimated. However, it’s the moderator who can make or break an event, transforming a static gathering into a dynamic and engaging experience. As Mats Lewan, a seasoned moderator, and journalist, eloquently put it, “When you succeed in bringing the situation on stage to life, that’s when you’ve done your job.”

So, how can a moderator ensure that an event comes alive? It’s more than just keeping things on schedule; – actually sometimes it can mean having to leave the schedule! Making the meeting come alive is about creating an environment where both the speakers and the audience are engaged in a meaningful way. Based on our insightful conversation with Mats, here are three key strategies that every moderator should master:

1. Creative Listening

Active listening is a well-known concept, but Mats introduces us to the idea of “Creative Listening.” As a moderator, you’re not just absorbing what’s being said—you’re simultaneously processing it in the context of the event’s goals and the audience’s needs. Mats explains, “It’s about listening to what is being said and thinking, ‘What would the audience want to know next?’” This approach goes beyond just reacting to the current conversation; it’s about guiding the discussion toward a place that is both relevant and impactful.

Creative listening involves a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to anticipate the needs of the audience. It’s about maintaining the flow of the event while also being prepared to pivot if a more interesting or relevant topic arises. As Mats puts it, “It’s about balancing what’s being said with where the conversation needs to go.”

2. Being Curious in the Moment

Curiosity is a vital trait for any moderator, but it’s especially crucial to be curious about what’s happening right now. Mats emphasizes the importance of “being curious in the moment,” which means paying close attention to the nuances of the discussion and the energy in the room. “You have to be ready to dive deeper into something unexpected,” he says. This kind of curiosity allows the moderator to explore avenues that might not have been planned but are nonetheless valuable.

This approach ensures that the event remains dynamic and responsive to the participants and the audience. It’s about seizing the moment and making it a part of the event’s narrative, ensuring that the discussion stays fresh and engaging.

3. Balancing Expectations

The third crucial strategy is mastering the art of balancing expectations. A moderator’s job is not just to deliver what the audience expects but also to surprise them with insights they didn’t know they needed. As Mats insightfully notes, “It’s a balance between giving the audience what they think they want and what they didn’t realize they needed.” This means that while a moderator should meet the anticipated needs of the audience, they should also challenge them with new perspectives and ideas.

This balance is key to making the event memorable. The unexpected elements are often what resonate most with the audience, leaving a lasting impression. A successful moderator, therefore, doesn’t just follow the script—they enrich it with the unexpected.

Conclusion

Moderating is an art that requires preparation, intuition, and the ability to adapt in real-time. By practicing creative listening, staying curious in the moment, and balancing expectations, a moderator can transform an event from a series of presentations into a living, breathing conversation. As Mats Lewan illustrates through his experience, when a moderator successfully brings the event to life, everyone – speakers and audience alike – walks away enriched. So, the next time you step into the role of a moderator, remember: it’s your job to make the meeting come alive.