How to Moderate a Virtual Panel Discussion (6 Steps)

Summary

In this video, Daniella, a Content Manager at Livestorm, shares expert tips on moderating virtual panel discussions. She covers everything from selecting a relevant topic and choosing diverse panelists to the essential skills of a great moderator. Key advice includes engaging your audience through polls, emojis, and rapid-fire questions, as well as ensuring panelists are prepared and comfortable. The video also emphasizes the importance of a dynamic discussion and offers practical insights into hosting a successful, interactive online panel that resonates with viewers.

Takeaways

• 😀 A panel discussion is a group of people discussing a topic, often with a moderator and audience participation, and is becoming increasingly popular for online and hybrid events.
• 😀 Choosing a relevant and engaging topic is crucial for the success of a panel discussion. Consider trending topics and topics of high interest to your audience.
• 😀 Moderators should avoid asking each panelist the same question. Instead, switch between panelists and ask questions that allow them to showcase their expertise.
• 😀 A good moderator should be knowledgeable about the topic, confident in managing time, and able to facilitate a smooth discussion without dominating the conversation.
• 😀 Moderators should be neutral, not sharing their personal opinions, and should aim to help panelists shape the audience’s views instead.
• 😀 The key to a successful panel is diversity. A range of perspectives from panelists with different experiences leads to a more dynamic and engaging discussion.
• 😀 Before the event, it's important to meet with panelists, understand their expertise, and test the technology to ensure smooth execution on the day of the event.
• 😀 To engage the audience effectively, start with a powerful opening and make use of interactive features like polls, emoji reactions, and Q&A sessions.
• 😀 Use polls regularly throughout the event, ideally every 15 minutes, to encourage audience participation and gather their insights on the topic being discussed.
• 😀 Wrap up the panel with a fun and light-hearted rapid-fire question session, which can also include audience participation via polls for an interactive ending.

Q & A

What is a panel discussion, and how does it differ from a traditional webinar?

A panel discussion is a group of people discussing a specific topic in front of a live audience, often with a moderator. Unlike traditional webinars, which tend to be more presentation-based, panel discussions encourage multiple experts to provide diverse perspectives, making the conversation more interactive and dynamic.

How can you select a topic for a virtual panel discussion?

To choose a great topic, consider something that resonates with your audience, such as a trending issue or an area of high interest in a specific field. Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn can help you find out what’s currently being discussed by experts and the public. Flexibility is also key, as discussions with your panelists may uncover new angles.

What makes a good moderator for a panel discussion?

A good moderator is someone who can facilitate the discussion by keeping the conversation flowing, engaging panelists without letting the conversation drag on, and maintaining neutrality. They should also be confident enough to manage time effectively and know how to engage with the audience, especially in a virtual setting.

Why is diversity important when assembling a panel?

Diversity in panelists brings a range of perspectives, which enriches the conversation and prevents the panel from becoming monotonous. It also challenges the audience to think differently and provides them with more varied learning experiences, making the discussion more dynamic and inclusive.

What are some important tips for preparing panelists before the event?

It’s important to meet with your panelists a few days or a week before the event to discuss their backgrounds and identify key areas where they can contribute. This helps you tailor questions to their expertise and ensures the conversation flows smoothly. It's also a good time to check if their microphones and cameras are working properly.

How can you ensure that a virtual panel discussion is engaging?

To ensure engagement, start with a compelling opening question or an interesting stat. Use polls regularly to keep the audience involved, and enable emoji reactions to give them a fun, interactive way to express their feelings. A rapid-fire question round at the end can also help maintain energy and end the event on a lighter note.

What role does the moderator play in time management during a panel discussion?

The moderator is responsible for managing the panel’s time, ensuring that the conversation doesn't run over and that all topics are addressed. They need to be firm when necessary, cutting off panelists politely to keep the discussion on track and avoid running out of time for key points.

How can you involve the audience in a virtual panel discussion?

In a virtual panel, you can involve the audience by launching polls throughout the discussion, asking questions, and enabling emoji reactions. The Q&A feature also allows the audience to submit questions directly, ensuring they are part of the conversation. Engaging the audience helps to keep them focused and interactive.

What is the best way to conclude a virtual panel discussion?

The best way to conclude is by summarizing the key points discussed and giving the audience a chance to ask any final questions. A rapid-fire question round can also provide a fun and light-hearted finish. This helps to end the event on a positive note while encouraging audience interaction.

What is the importance of using Livestorm's features during a virtual panel discussion?

Livestorm's features, such as polls, Q&A, and emoji reactions, are key to enhancing audience engagement during a virtual panel. These tools help keep the audience active and connected. Additionally, the platform’s intuitive interface makes it easy to manage the event, test technology, and ensure everything runs smoothly.