The Five Levels of Panel Moderators
Powerful Panels
Whether you stumbled into panel moderating by accident or are now getting paid to guide conversations on big stages, one thing’s for sure: moderation is a skill that evolves. It’s part art, part science, and part stagecraft. Here’s a deeper look at how you grow as a moderator — and what it takes to climb to the top.
info_outline
Plan for the Worst to Deliver Your Best: The Power of a Panel Discussion Pre-Mortem
Powerful Panels
The concept of a “pre-mortem” was popularized by in a 2007 Harvard Business Review article. The idea? Instead of conducting a post-mortem after everything goes sideways, you get ahead of it — and intentionally plan for what could go wrong before it ever does. And it’s brilliant for panels. How to Run a Pre-Mortem for Your Panel
info_outline
How Meeting Pros Can Convince Leadership to Invest in Better Panels
Powerful Panels
When it comes to allocating budget and resources, panel training often gets overlooked. “It’s just a panel,” they say. But you and I both know it’s never just a panel. It’s a performance. It’s a conversation. It’s brand experience, leadership visibility, industry relevance, and audience engagement all wrapped up in 45–60 minutes. So how do you convince leadership or your client to invest in making panels better? Here are a few persuasive talking points to get your decision-makers on board.
info_outline
How to Push Panelists Beyond Platitudes and Into Practicality
Powerful Panels
A great panel isn’t about vague concepts; it’s about concrete takeaways. As a , it’s my job to make sure the audience gets value, not just verbiage. So, next time you’re moderating and a panelist offers up a fluff-filled response, don’t let it slide. Push for specifics. Your audience will thank you.
info_outline
How NOT to Have a Boring Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
With a bit of intentionality, you can take a panel from ho-hum to the highlight of the conference! Whether you're the panel organizer, moderator, or panelist, you have the power to create an experience where the audience leans in—engaged, entertained, and excited to be in the room.
info_outline
Turn up the Heat with the Hot Seat Challenge in a Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
This hot seat challenge technique is equal parts thrilling and insightful. Watching panelists think fast and answer under pressure makes for an engaging, can’t-look-away moment. It’s a fun way to inject spontaneity while uncovering unfiltered insights at your next panel discussion.
info_outline
Pardon the Interruption: A Fast-Paced Panel Format to Energize Your Discussion
Powerful Panels
The Pardon the Interruption format is an electrifying way to energize panel discussions, ensuring they remain compelling, engaging, and, most importantly, fun! If you’re looking for a way to captivate your audience while covering a breadth of topics, this could be the perfect format to try.
info_outline
The Hot Potato vs. Lightning Round: What’s the Difference (and Which Works Better)?
Powerful Panels
Panel moderators have a variety of tools to keep discussions engaging and lively, but not every format is perfect. Two popular options are the and the —each with strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break them down.
info_outline
Key Characteristics of a Good Panel Discussion Question
Powerful Panels
A good question in a panel discussion stimulates meaningful conversation, draws out valuable insights, and engages both the panelists and the audience.
info_outline
Gamified Polling in a Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
Gamified polling turns passive listeners into active participants by leveraging the natural appeal of games. Done well, it boosts engagement, encourages lively discussion, and fosters community—making your panel the highlight of any event.
info_outlineIt's possible that you, as a panelist, may not be able to insert yourself into a panel discussion. Perhaps it is because you're an introvert, or you're sitting at the end of a long row of panelists, or you're the outsider and all the other panelists know each other well.
Regardless of the cause, the moderator is not balancing the airtime, and you simply can't get a word in edgewise. Not to worry, here are some easy things to do to insert yourself into a panel discussion.