4 Factors to consider when selecting suitable panel moderator

Organizing meetings and conferences is a part and parcel of corporate world. Be it a general business meeting or media conference, seminar or workshop, the success of the meeting depends on proper preparation and effective coordination among speakers and the audience. A conference moderator plays a pivotal role in the success of a meeting, event or a conference. He is supposed to coordinate the speakers, schedule the proceedings of the conference, ensure that all speakers or panelists keep on track and discuss finer points to make the conference or meeting achieve its purpose. It is the moderator who oversees that meetings or conferences go on smoothly and becomes dynamic, entertaining and successful for the audience.

A moderator keeps the meeting or conference lively and entertaining. He or she provides value to the audience and gives them maximum ROI. Selecting an experienced moderator requires people to consider the following factors and then make the wise choices.

Find out moderator with special skills

The job of a moderator is quite tough that requires high level of expertise and extensive experience in the field. You should do your homework properly and assemble a list of moderators that will help you make the right choice. You can consult the moderator individually and check the credentials before finalizing one.

Based on the type of event and specific moderation skills required you should check that your moderator has the right training and competence to give you the best results.

Select a moderator with a beautiful personality

It is not just the skills of a moderator that count but also his or her personality that plays an important role in making the best first impression to the audience and easily connect with them. You will have to analyze the personality of your moderator taking into account the appearance, manners and way of presentation.

Get a conference moderator according to the type of event

Be it a conference, debate, stakeholder meeting, brainstorming session, a workshop or a seminar, the type and purpose of the event as well as the audience will determine the suitable moderator. A moderator pursues a specific format for moderating a panel discussion or an event. Depending on the kind of audience as well as the type of event your moderator should follow the right format to make meetings or conferences successful. Hence it is best to discuss all these requirements with your moderator to get the desired results.

Your expectations and its relation with the knowledge of moderator

Before finalizing the suitable moderator you must be clear about your expectations from the meeting and the moderator. After that you can decide whether you need to go for a seasoned professional, a Subject matter expert, a celebrity or any candidate from within the organization. Deciding all the pros and cons of selecting that moderator will enable you make the most of hiring the professional.

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