A good conference moderator holds the event together through polished introductions and conclusions, ensures they are well briefed on both the topic and logistics, and can find the right discussion level for the audience. They speak clearly to balance discussion between speakers, link different viewpoints, improvise when needed, listen for the right questions, and interrupt politely to keep the audience engaged, all while maintaining good timing and not running over into breaks.

1. What makes a good
conference moderator?

2. The host who holds everything
together
...including doing a polished
intro & conclusion & getting
the speakers’ names right!

3. Well briefed
...about both the topic and
the logistics of the event

4. ...and can find the right
discussion level -
especially if the audience
is not expert
Gets the big picture

5. Speaks clearly & colloquially
...which is doubly important
if the audience is multi-
lingual

6. Can balance the discussion
fairly between the speakers
...and can link
different
viewpoints
together
effectively

7. ...and can
improvise
when required
Knows how to listen for the right
questions

8. Knows how to interrupt politely
but firmly
...particularly if the
audience is getting
bored

9. Has a good sense of timing
...and doesn’t let
the panel run into
the coffee break!

10. Written by
Laura Shields
Senior Associate The
Media Coach
laura.shields@themediacoach.co.uk
www.themediacoach.co.uk