How to Create an Awesome Conversation That Is Valuable to the Audience
In the world of panel moderation, the true mark of success is delivering an insightful, engaging conversation that resonates with the audience. Kristin Arnold, a professional panel moderator, facilitator, and speaker, emphasizes the importance of creating discussions that aren’t just informative but also truly valuable to the audience.
Arnold’s approach centers around the idea of acting on behalf of the audience – understanding their needs, interests, and expectations. She explains, “You’re acting on behalf of the audience because the audience really isn’t in a position… to steer the conversation. Our job as moderators is to ensure the audience is getting great value.”
One effective way to achieve this is by applying the GASP framework.
What Is GASP?
GASP is a simple yet powerful approach to panel moderation, designed to ensure that the conversation remains lively, informative, and valuable. Here’s how it works:
- G – Give New Insight
The first step to keeping an audience engaged is to offer something they haven’t heard before. “If the audience already knows the information being presented, they’ll tune out,” Arnold cautions. Your role as the moderator is to push the panelists to dig deeper, uncover fresh perspectives, or share lesser-known facts. This ensures that the audience walks away having learned something new.
Actionable Tip: Before the event, research the audience’s knowledge level and interests, and ask the panelists to avoid repeating common information. Aim for insights that spark curiosity and provide value right away.
- A – Awaken Curiosity
Great panel discussions make the audience want to lean in, eager to hear more. To do this, you must present the conversation in a way that piques their curiosity. Kristin suggests, “A panel should be an unplugged, unscripted, awesome discussion around people who are passionate about a topic.” To achieve this, let the conversation flow naturally, and allow moments of spontaneity.
Actionable Tip: Encourage the panelists to disagree or challenge each other’s views. Disagreement creates tension, which naturally makes the audience more engaged. It’s important to create an atmosphere where different viewpoints are welcomed.
- S – Surprise the Audience
A great panel shouldn’t just inform – it should surprise. The conversation should shift the way the audience thinks about a subject. Arnold notes, “You want the audience to gasp and say, ‘Oh my gosh, I did not know that!’” By delivering unexpected insights or reframing the topic in a new light, you help shift the audience’s frame of reference.
Actionable Tip: Ask panelists to share personal stories or unique experiences related to the topic that the audience wouldn’t find on Google or in typical sources of information. These surprising revelations create memorable “aha” moments.
- P – Pop with Energy
To hold attention, your moderation must “pop.” Arnold shares, “Every 6 to 10 minutes, you should do something that makes the audience lean in.” This could be through a thought-provoking question, a shift in energy, or by directly involving the audience.
Actionable Tip: Mix up the format of the conversation. Instead of a static Q&A, integrate interactive elements like live polling, or ask the audience to react physically (e.g., raise their hand or stand if they agree with a point). This energy keeps the audience on their toes and avoids a monotonous session.
The Main Message: Value Is Key
Kristin Arnold’s GASP framework—Give New Insight, Awaken Curiosity, Surprise, and Pop Energy – is a simple yet effective strategy for creating an awesome, valuable conversation. By following these principles, you can ensure your panel discussions are not only engaging but also deliver meaningful – and valuable – takeaways for your audience.