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February 22, 2019 When Moderating a Panel Discussion, Keep the Audience in Mind As you rise in your career and your visibility grows, you may be asked to moderate a panel discussion. Unifying several people’s perspectives into a conversation can be challenging, so create the conditions for a meaningful exchange. Before the event, give your panelists time to prepare by asking for their thoughts on the topic, whether over email or with a phone call. You can also share the questions you plan to ask. During the panel, remember that your goal is to ensure a great experience for the audience. Ask specific questions that will be of interest to listeners, direct them at the panelists who will have the most-relevant answers, and follow up when needed. And keep track of who’s talking too much — the point of a panel is to hear from many people, not just one or two. Don’t be afraid to politely cut off someone whose answer is turning into a monologue. Adapted from "How to Moderate a Panel Discussion," by Dorie Clark

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