Tips for Moderators

Tips for Moderators

Procedure

  • Please arrive at your session 10 minutes before its start time.
  • Make sure you have picked up your program and name tag at the reception desk in IBLC 380.
  • Introduce yourself to the panelists, AV tech support, and faculty support.
    • If you are moderating a roundtable, ask the organizer if there is anything special they would like to be included in the introduction (i.e., additional respondents or extra context on the topic).
  • When it’s time to start…
    • welcome the audience
    • introduce the panel title
    • request that everyone turn off their cellphones
    • request that exits and re-entrances be kept to a minimum. Please ask everyone to stay for the whole panel.
  • If you are moderating a panel, introduce the paper titles and presenter names one at a time.
  • If you are moderating a roundtable, introduce the roundtable title, presenters, and any respondents.
  • As you listen to the papers, take some notes and prepare a question you might ask during the Q&A.
  • Keep an eye on the time. If a presenter is reaching the twelve-minute maximum time, flash them the “wrap up” sign. This means they have one more minute to quickly wrap up. [You can ask your faculty support to be in charge of this if you prefer. It’s important to keep the panel on track; also note, some students may have been allotted more time than others –check the program and consult your faculty support to see if this applies to your session.]
  • After all of the papers are over, invite the audience to ask questions. Do not invite questions until all of the papers are finished.
  • Select audience members with their hands up to ask the questions.
  • When the panel’s time is up, thank everyone for coming.

Tips

  • Consult the program closely so you know your start and end time. You need your panel to wrap up at its end time.
  • Make sure you know how to pronounce the panelists’ names and paper titles.
  • It’s always nice for every panelist to receive at least one question. If the audience has lots of questions for some panelists, and none for another, consider asking one to that panelist yourself.
  • Speak up and speak slowly!
  • Rely on your faculty support person if you have any questions or need any help.