Creating Robust Discussions

𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑹𝒐𝒃𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

In the world of professional moderation, one of the key goals is to foster robust discussions -conversations that are strong, healthy, and vigorous. As Anya Sitaram, a seasoned broadcaster, journalist, and documentary producer, puts it, a moderator’s role is distinct from that of a newscaster. While a newscaster may thrive on creating controversy and conflict, a moderator aims to guide discussions that are engaging, insightful, and productive without tipping into the territory of toxicity.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘁?

A robust discussion is one where differing viewpoints are aired and debated with vigor. It’s not about avoiding conflict altogether, but about ensuring that the conversation remains constructive. Anya Sitaram defines a robust discussion as one where “people disagree with each other and do it quite forcefully,” but in a way that remains respectful and solution oriented.

The word “robust” means “strong and healthy; vigorous” – the key here is “and healthy”. A robust discussion can be passionate, opinionated, full of conflicts and different points of views – but it is done in a way that is healthy.

The goal is to create a dynamic where the audience feels engaged, the speakers feel respected, and the discussion leads to actionable insights. “You don’t want to have an elephant in the room,” Anya says. Instead, a good moderator ensures that all pertinent issues are addressed openly, but with care not to let the conversation devolve into a shouting match.

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Anya Sitaram, with her extensive experience moderating high-stakes panels, offers three essential tips for ensuring that discussions remain robust without becoming confrontational:

Talk to the Speakers in Advance:

Understanding your speakers’ boundaries is crucial. Before the event, take the time to discuss with each speaker how far they are willing to be pushed on certain topics. This allows you to gauge how to steer the conversation and ensures that no one feels blindsided during the discussion. “You try and speak to the speakers beforehand, so you know how far they’re prepared to be asked,” Anya advises.

Use Humor to Ease Tension:

Humor can be a powerful tool in moderation, especially when tensions run high. A well-timed joke can diffuse a potentially heated exchange, keeping the atmosphere light and the discussion on track. However, it’s important to strike the right balance—humor should never alienate the audience.

Always Be Ready to Think on Your Feet:

Flexibility is key in moderation. A good moderator is always prepared to pivot, especially when the discussion starts to veer into unproductive territory. “You have to be ready to think on your feet,” says Anya. Knowing when to dial down the intensity and bring the conversation back to a constructive tone is essential.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲’𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲

As a BBC presenter, Anya would sometimes play ‘The Devil’s Advocate’, but as a moderator, her job is to be ‘The Audience’s Advocate’, because as a moderator, your primary responsibility is to the audience. You are their advocate, ensuring that their questions are answered, and that the discussion meets their needs for insight and learning. Never forget: The audience (often comprised of experts) is there to gain new perspectives and to hear from thought leaders, so it’s your job to facilitate a conversation that delivers on those expectations.

“The audience’s advocate means someone who is there to answer their questions because they’re coming to find out the latest on any issue,” Anya explains. This involves not only anticipating the audience’s questions but also ensuring that the discussion remains relevant and enlightening.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝘁

Creating a robust discussion is a delicate balancing act. It’s about fostering a space where strong opinions can be expressed and debated without tipping into confrontation. As Anya Sitaram emphasizes, the goal is to reach conclusions that are actionable, not just to spark controversy for its own sake.

In the end, a successful moderator knows when to let the flames of debate burn brightly and when to gently turn down the heat, ensuring that the discussion remains both strong and healthy – robust in the truest sense of the word.