Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Being a visual moderator. (Hint: It doesn't involve slides.)

If you can get the audience to think visually while your panelists are speaking, those mental images will stay with them far longer than any slide or photo. The smart moderator can weave a visual approach into her panel moderation, enhancing the audience's retention of the discussion as well as improving the answers of the panel of speakers. Try these ways to be a visual moderator by getting the panelists to:
  • Describe an absence: "What would it look like if the package hadn't arrived?" or a similar question can prompt the speaker to imagine something missing and describe the impact.
  • Probe the details: "Describe the details you especially appreciate when you use this tool. What do you see when you're done?" is the kind of question that may move your speakers to add concrete details and precision to help the audience "see" what they are talking about.
  • Set the scene: Get the speaker to decorate the stage set of our imaginations with more about the setting for an action she is describing. "What did the room look like after she said that?" or "Tell us how it looked after the march was over" can help place the remarks visually and make them memorable. A simple "Have you been there? What does it look like?" or "Put us in the scene" can prompt vivid descriptions of places.
(Creative Commons licensed photo by wwwuppertal)

Need more coaching on how to be a better panel moderator? Order the new ebook The Eloquent Woman's Guide to Moderating Panels. At just $3.99 and available in many formats, it's a great back-pocket coach to take on stage with you in your smartphone or tablet. Find more tips on public speaking on The Eloquent Woman blog.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Unplugged for the week


This and all my blogs are on hiatus this week while I unplug. Normal service will resume next week!

(Creative Commons licensed photo by Craig Sunter)

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Does the moderator need a script?

You may be tempted to moderate a panel without a script in front of you, whether you're a newbie or seasoned moderator.

My advice? Rethink that urge.

That's because moderation is a special task in public speaking. Coaches often say, "Every speech has a job to do," and in moderation, the job involves details that you shouldn't leave to memory.

You may not need to write out your remarks word for word, but you need the substance of what you intend to include. Among the things you need in your script are:
  • the name of the event and the full name of the organization sponsoring it;
  • how you're introducing yourself and your connection to the panel and topic;
  • names and pronunciations of names for each panelist;
  • your short introduction for each panelist, which isn't the same as their full-length biographies;
  • your list of starter questions for the panel, with some room on the page so you can scribble notes as more ideas come to you;
  • a list of the rules or parameters for questions and answers;
  • any announcements the organizers wish you to make before or after the start of the panel.
And if that list sounds too basic, just think how you'll feel when you're up at the lectern forgetting the name of the event or how you want to introduce yourself. It happens. Why not use a script as an insurance policy and confidence builder?

(Creative Commons licensed photo by Witness)

Need more coaching on how to be a better panel moderator? Order the new ebook The Eloquent Woman's Guide to Moderating Panels. At just $3.99 and available in many formats, it's a great back-pocket coach to take on stage with you in your smartphone or tablet. Find more tips on public speaking on The Eloquent Woman blog.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

The most important (and risky) gesture for a panel moderator

The most important--and riskiest--moderator gesture has to be how you indicate people whom you wish to speak. Yet many moderators don't think of it until the gesture has caused a problem with the audience.

There are plenty of ways to call on speakers and audience members, but the one to avoid is pointing with your index finger, a gesture considered offensive or aggressive in nearly every culture. I think speakers reach for this gesture unthinkingly, or, if done aforethought, choose it to be precise. Pointing a finger at an inanimate object is fine ("I'd like the table moved here, please"), but when you start aiming it at humans, trouble can occur.

Instead of pointing with your index finger, try these alternatives:
  • use your entire hand, fingers extended together. You'll "point" by holding your hand perpendicular to the floor, fingers forward.
  • do the same but with your palm up or down in relation to the floor. Again, keep all the fingers together.
  • "point" with two or three fingers held together and your thumb holding the others close to the palm.
  • If you're on a stage or raised platform, point low to indicate people closer to the front, and higher up to indicate people at the rear of the room. 
  • When calling on speakers, if you're standing near them, you can nod your head and use eye contact to confirm which speaker you want to answer--but to be absolutely clear, say their names loudly and clearly when you're calling on them.
(Creative Commons licensed photo by Lawrence OP)

Need more coaching on how to be a better panel moderator? Order the new ebook The Eloquent Woman's Guide to Moderating Panels. At just $3.99 and available in many formats, it's a great back-pocket coach to take on stage with you in your smartphone or tablet. Find more tips on public speaking on The Eloquent Woman blog.