How to Host a Panel!
You can watch a video version of this post by clicking above, or read a text version below!
Top tips on moderating group conversations at live events
You need to find a host or you’ve been asked to host a panel for a live event? Don’t know what to do? I’ve got you!
I’ve hosted panel talks, album launches, poetry nights and more. I’ve been on panels for recordings and live events in front of audiences. Hosts are ABSOLUTELY KEY to ensuring there’s a good conversation, that the panellists are looked after, to moderate the audience and handle anything that can happen at a live event
Here are my key points I’ve learnt over the years!
If you have to choose between a good moderator or an industry expert to host an event, choose the good moderator!
The industry expert should be on the panel, otherwise it puts them in a weird position where they want to share their expertise and join the conversation, but they don’t want to take up too much space since they’re now basically answering their own question.
A good panel host is someone equipped to lead conversations, ask good questions and manage the room. They don’t need to be a pro at the topic - the panellists need to be the pros. The only exception is if the majority of the audience are going to be world experts in the topic as well as the panel.
Of course, the ideal is someone who is a good moderator and an industry expert but if you’re choosing between the two, pick the good moderator!
Know your panellists!
Say hello to them and introduce yourself
Check their intros and bios is correct for when you introduce them
Check what pronouns they use
Check how to correctly pronounce their names
How to structure a panel event!
Introduce the event
Introduce the guests briefly
Quick-fire round questions to warm everyone up
Main questions
Questions from the audience
Wrap up - ask panellists where can we find you/your work
Thank the panel, audience and event
The end!
Me on the left hosting an panel back in 2018 - this was a quick-fire round game I invented called “Slay or Nay?”
Spark a conversation, rather than just reading questions off cue-cards!
Make sure you actively listen to your panellists, pay attention to what they’re saying and how they’re saying it. You can make notes with some pen and paper if something they’ve mentioned that stands out, ask them to talk more about it and open that question to the rest of the panel too.
Use cue cards if you need it!
There is no need for you to memorise everything! Take a notebook, a tablet or even your phone up on stage with you. You’re the panel host, you’re allowed to do this!
Ask the panellists what questions they’d like to be asked!
If you’re nervous about what to ask panellists - you can take their requests for questions! A way to phrase it is; “Are there any key topics or questions you’d like to be covered so I can ensure we make time for them?”.
And voila - you look super considerate to the panellists and like a pro to the audience!
Remember this panel is not about you!
The audience is here to listen to the panel. The panellists are here because they have interesting things to say. Your role is to connect the two - get the panellists saying their stuff to the audience.
It is not about proving how smart you are, how much you researched etc - just get the panellists having a good conversation!
That’s all my main top tips for now! If you’re in need of a panel host - hello, I am available! Just drop me a line via my contact tab, my main topics are internet culture, books and creative industries.
If you’re hosting an event - good luck and hope this was useful!