The Art of Adjusting on the Fly
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Moderating a panel is much like a live performanceβunpredictable, dynamic, and ever-changing. As Samuel Burke, a seasoned moderator, aptly put it, βThe most important aspect of a moderator is somebody who can adjust on the flyβ. Whether itβs a sudden change in the panelβs topic, a last-minute switch of speakers, or breaking news that reshapes the conversation, a moderatorβs ability to adapt is what separates a good panel from a memorable one.
Samuelβs approach to moderation isnβt just about being flexible – itβs about using that flexibility to create unforgettable moments. Here are three practical takeaways from our conversation with Samuel that highlight how to make your panel not just successful, but memorable.
- Getting the Key Answer: Start with the End in Mind
One of the most effective ways to ensure a panel resonates with the audience is to uncover the message your panellists are passionate about. Samuel advises, βEven if you know very little about your guest, know whatβs going to bring out the best in themβ. Before stepping onto the stage, take a moment to ask your panellists, βWhat is the message you are passionate about?β This simple question helps you discover the answer they want to give, allowing you to tailor your questions to elicit that response.
As Samuel highlights, βItβs not about asking the best questions, but finding the question that will bring out the best answer.β By starting with the end in mind – what you want the audience to remember – you can shape the conversation to hit that keynote.
- Create Intra-Panel Discussions: The Dinner Table Dynamic
A great panel isnβt just a series of questions and answers between the moderator and the panellists. Itβs a dynamic conversation, much like a lively dinner table discussion where everyone is engaged and contributing. Samuel emphasizes the importance of getting panellists to interact with each other: βIf youβve done a good job, sometimes the moderator is not even involved in some parts of the discussion.β
To foster this dynamic, encourage panellists to speak directly to one another. For instance, you might say, βJohn, we know you disagree with Maria on this point. What do you think you could say to convince her to see things from your perspective?β This not only deepens the conversation but also makes it more engaging for the audience, who witness a genuine exchange of ideas rather than a series of rehearsed statements.
- Get the Audience Involved Early: Think Stand-Up Comedy, Not Theatre
Audience engagement is crucial to making a panel memorable. Samuel likens this to the difference between a stand-up comedy show and a theatre performance. In theatre, the audience passively watches, but in stand-up, thereβs a constant awareness that the comedian might interact with them at any moment. This keeps the audience on their toes and deeply engaged.
βOnce youβve got the audience engaged, theyβre much more likely to remember and value your discussion,β Samuel notes. He recommends involving the audience as early as possible, whether through simple techniques like asking them to raise their hands or more interactive approaches like taking audience questions. The key is to make the audience feel like theyβre part of the conversation, not just observers.
In summary, a memorable panel is one where the moderator not only adjusts on the fly but also actively works to bring out the best in the panellists, create engaging interactions, and involve the audience. As Samuel Burke demonstrates through his approach, itβs about reading the room and then writing the room – using the real-time dynamics to craft an experience that resonates long after the conference ends.