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The Key to a Successful Event: Choosing a Professional Moderator by Fredrik Haren

In the dynamic landscape of events, whether they’re corporate, educational, or entertainment-based, the role of a moderator cannot be overstated. A professional moderator is not just a figurehead but the linchpin that holds the entire event together, ensuring it is engaging, smooth-running, and memorable. Here are compelling reasons why choosing a professional moderator is crucial for your event’s success.

  1. Expertise in Audience Engagement:
    Professional moderators are adept at engaging with audiences of all sizes. They know how to read the room, adjust their tone, and inject energy into the event. Their experience allows them to facilitate lively discussions, encourage audience participation, and maintain attention throughout the event.
  2. Effective Time Management:
    Time is of the essence in any event. A professional moderator skillfully keeps the event on schedule, ensuring each segment starts and ends on time. They can gracefully intervene when discussions overrun, ensuring that all speakers have their allocated time without the event exceeding its intended duration.
  3. Conflict Resolution:
    Events, especially those involving discussions or debates, can sometimes veer into contentious territory. Professional moderators are trained to handle such situations diplomatically, ensuring that debates remain productive and respectful. Their presence can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the event remains a safe space for all participants.
  4. Enhanced Credibility:
    The presence of a professional moderator adds a layer of credibility to your event. It signals to attendees and potential speakers that the event is being conducted at a high standard. This can not only elevate the overall perception of the event but also attract higher quality speakers and sponsors.
  5. Versatility:
    Professional moderators are versatile and can adapt to different formats and topics. Whether it’s a panel discussion, Q&A session, or a workshop, they have the skills to facilitate various types of events effectively. Their adaptability ensures that the event flows seamlessly, regardless of the format.
  6. Pre-Event Preparation:
    A professional moderator does their homework. They will familiarize themselves with the event’s theme, the speakers, and their topics of discussion. This preparation allows them to ask insightful questions, steer the conversation in meaningful directions, and highlight connections between different segments of the event.
  7. Audience Insights:
    Post-event, professional moderators can provide valuable insights into audience engagement and feedback. Their experience enables them to gauge audience reactions and participation levels, offering organizers critical data to improve future events.

In conclusion, a professional moderator is much more than a speaker or a host; they are an integral component of the event’s success. Their expertise in engagement, time management, and adaptability ensures that your event is not only smoothly executed but also memorable and impactful. Investing in a professional moderator is investing in the success of your event.

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Want to be a memorable moderator? Then memorize your notes. by Fredrik Haren

One of the hardest aspects of being a moderator is keeping track of the name of all the speakers, and panelists, their topics and their introductions. 

Most moderators use cue cards where they have everything written down. Some moderators use cards with just the most important bullet points on them.

And then there is Lennart Paulsson. Lennart memories the whole run sheet so that he doesn’t have to use any scripts or cue cards on stage!

“Having the script memorized makes me free as a moderator. It also makes my delivery more authentic, less robotic and I am more present in the room.”, Lennart explains.

Lennart, who has been a professional moderator since 2010, has a process for how he can remember so many details:

“Three days prior to the event I will go down to a castle backyard close to where I live and with a picked up wooden stick draw big circles in the gravel. Each circle symbolises a session in the agenda. I stand in the first circle and recite the introduction for that event out loud. If I get it right I can move to the second circle, which represents the second session in the agenda, and so on. If I get something wrong I have to go back to the first (!) circle again and start over, until I have successfully read out the whole days scrip and made it to the last circle.” 

The audience benefit from Lennart’s dedication by getting a moderator who stands on stage and moderates from the heart.

The client benefit by Lennart showing how determined he is to really commit to the event.

The speakers benefit by having a moderator introducing them in a more personal and authentic way than reading from cue cards.

It just makes the moderation look extremely professional.

Lennart, of course, has a printed copy of his notes in his jacket as backup in the case that he will forget something. But most times that script stays in the pocket the whole day.

Lennart sees the process of memorising the whole script as a way of pushing himself to do better. It’s a challenge. And it keeps him on his toes.

Here are some tips that he has learned from doing this:

1) There is no need for loads of pre-prepared questions to panelists or interviewees. It’s better to have prepared a few questions (2-3) and then be present enough doing the event to ask interesting and relevant follow up questions. That way you get a more interesting interview that is more like a conversation than an interrogation, and you also do not have to memorise so much.

2) By knowing that you are going to memorize their introduction you become better at really listening to the speaker/panelists when you interview them before the event. That, in turn, makes the pre-event calls more valuable.

3) Speaking without cue cards is like riding a bike in unknown terrain without a GPS. Yes, it’s harder and potentially you get lost, but it also creates a huge feeling of freedom. It becomes easier to improvise, and you become more comfortable  dealing with situations that happens during the day.

There is a reason for why the phrase for having memorised a text is called “learn by heart” – because when you know what you are going to say without having to look at any notes you come across as more emphatic, more present, dare I say, more human.

And what could be more valuable for a moderator than that?

Be inspired by Lennart Paulssons habit of memorising entire scripts. And even if you cannot do it on Lennar’s level and memorise the whole thing, at least try to memorise as much as you can. Your audience, and your client will thank you for it.

If you are interested in booking Lennart Paulsson as a moderator click here:

If you are interesting in attending one of his popular online or physical classes on how to become a professional moderator, click here:

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Debunking the Myths: What Really Makes a Great Moderator by Fredrik Haren

The role of a moderator is pivotal in shaping the success of any event, be it a conference, panel discussion, or online forum. However, there are several misconceptions about what qualities a great moderator should possess. These myths can lead to the selection of inappropriate candidates, ultimately impacting the event’s effectiveness and audience engagement. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths and uncover the realities of what makes a great moderator.

Myth 1: Expertise in the Subject Matter is the Most Important Quality

While having a deep understanding of the subject matter is beneficial, it’s not the sole or most crucial quality of a great moderator. The primary role of a moderator is to facilitate discussion, not to be the leading expert on the panel. A great moderator is someone who can encourage dialogue, manage the flow of conversation, and ensure that all voices are heard. They should possess the ability to ask insightful questions that provoke thought and discussion, rather than dominate the conversation with their own knowledge.

Myth 2: Charisma Overrules All Other Qualities

Charisma can undoubtedly make a moderator more engaging, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. A moderator who relies solely on charm without the ability to effectively manage time, handle conflict, or encourage participation from all panelists and the audience may not lead a successful event. The best moderators are those who can balance charisma with strong facilitation skills, ensuring that the event is both lively and productive.

Myth 3: Strict Adherence to Script is Key

Flexibility is an underrated yet critical quality of a great moderator. While having a script or a structured list of questions is essential for preparation, a great moderator knows when to deviate from the plan to follow interesting discussions or audience queries. The ability to adapt to the conversation’s flow and explore unexpected but relevant topics can transform a good event into a great one.

Myth 4: A Good Moderator Talks the Most

This misconception could not be further from the truth. A great moderator understands that their role is to facilitate, not dominate, the conversation. Their job is to ensure that the panelists and the audience are the primary contributors to the discussion. By asking concise, open-ended questions and managing the dialogue’s pace, a moderator should enable a dynamic exchange of ideas rather than fill the airtime themselves.

Myth 5: Conflict Should Be Avoided at All Costs

While a moderator should strive to maintain a respectful and productive dialogue, avoiding conflict altogether can lead to a bland discussion. A great moderator knows how to navigate conflict constructively, allowing for the exploration of differing viewpoints while ensuring the conversation remains respectful. This approach can enrich the discussion, offering the audience a deeper understanding of the topic.

Myth 6: Audience Engagement Comes Naturally

Engaging an audience, especially in a virtual setting, requires deliberate effort and strategies. It’s a myth that audience engagement will happen organically without the moderator’s intervention. Great moderators proactively involve the audience through questions, polls, and interactive elements, ensuring their active participation and investment in the discussion.

In conclusion, the essence of a great moderator lies in their ability to facilitate meaningful dialogue, manage the event’s flow, and engage participants, rather than in their expertise, charisma, or speaking time. By understanding and applying these principles, event organizers can choose moderators who will truly elevate the discussion and ensure the success of their events.

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