What does the Moderator do?

Here are a few guidelines we've put together on how to moderate a panel to help you help the panel…

BE SURE TO...

Introduce yourself as the moderator first, and introduce the topic. Then introduce the rest of the panelists, or get everybody to introduce him or herself. Create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere!

Where appropriate, encourage audience participation. Don't let any panelists (or audience member) hog the conversation. Politely but firmly keep speakers on topic as much as possible, and keep the discussion moving so that everyone feels involved. Control Traffic! Watch for people who have something to add to the discussion, and signal panelist and audience members to let them know "who speaks next". Be the person who selects the questions from the audience. The goal is discussion and interaction. Remember that the audience is part of the panel too.

Use the microphone when available. Can the people in the back hear everybody? If the room is large, repeat the questions for everybody. Read the panel description if there seems to be a loss of direction. However, if the description seems to be restricting the discussion, ignore it! Shoot off into logical tangents if needed!

OTHER TIPS

Wear a watch! Remember that the panel is actually only 50 minutes, not an hour. Try to wrap up the conversation on time and get the panelists out of the way of the next panelists. And remember: if you start late, it does NOT mean that you can run late! Please be fair to the next group using the room.

If a conflict occurs or the discussion gets a bit too heated, TAKE CHARGE! Don't be afraid to start a new point of discussion or make a joke. Do what it takes to lighten the panel again.

Try to stay neutral as appropriate, but remember you're allowed to have an opinion too! Encourage all points of view.

ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR

If you find you are having difficulties with a fellow panelist, moderator, or audience member that you don't feel you can resolve, please do not hesitate to seek out a member of Security, ConCom, or Programming IMMEDIATELY to deal with the situation. Abusive or inappropriate behaviour will result in a minimum of being banned from participating as a panelist at future conventions.

Please contact us immediately if you see any of the following:

• physical threats
• verbal abuse, which could include but not be restricted to:
  • shouting
  • name-calling
  • belittling other panelists/audience members for holding opposing points of view

Do not hesitate to approach Security or anyone on Programming or the Convention Committee if anything occurs which causes distress to panelists or audience members.

Most importantly: Have fun!! And try to help make it fun for everyone else, too!