For 2017, 5 ways to refresh and rev up your panel moderation

You've seen the suggestion that we just kill off the role of the moderator, and you've certainly sat through more than your share of bad panels. What's an honest moderator to do? Try these five ways to rev up and refresh your moderation of panels, and be part of the solution, rather than the problem in 2017:

1. Learn from moderators in the 2016 election debates: No, they aren't panel moderators, but these high-profile moderators nonetheless help set expectations for your next panel. We've filtered the lessons for panels here, with 15 tips in all.
2. Make codes of conduct a part of your moderation: From asking whether there is such a code, to announcing and enforcing it, moderators are a key factor in making sure these important codes are applied.
3. Get your speakers focused on the audience early on, with this great tip from one of our readers. There's no better way to boost engagement for your panel.
4. Promote your moderator gigs on your speaker page (you do have one, don't you?). Do be selective if you have dozens of moderation gigs, but don't hesitate to feature this complex public speaking skill.
5. Get ready for new formats: From the mix of juggling a keynote speaker, panel, and audience all at once, to learning how to use new moderation tools like this one from Google Docs, the new year is a good time to learn about new panel formats so you're ready for what's next.

(Creative Commons licensed photo by tylerhoff)

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.