How to Moderate a Panel Using Just One Index Card

Advice on how to draft a single index card that will help you moderate better panel discussions.
This is based on my Harvard Business Review piece, "How to Moderate a Panel Like a Pro"...and on-stage experience running hundreds of panels (really) at events like SXSW, the Consumer Electronics Show, the Sundance Film Festival, Agenda, the Connected Healthcare Symposium, the Churchill Club, MIT's R&D Conference, the Direct Marketing Association Annual Conference, various National Association of Broadcasters gatherings, the Producers Guild of America, etc.
More advice on panels at scottkirsner.com/panels.htm
A related video is "5 Tips on Moderating a Fantastic Fireside Chat"
• 5 Tips for Moderating ...

[@user-tn5sn3lp6f]

This is the simpliest video i have seen as i prepare for my first.

[@ConversationCpr23]

The Absolute Best Video!!! It gave me such a sense of relief and calm. Straight to the point!

[@christinewamz]

So my Moderation went well-more than expected....this video was helpful

[@afrexico4305]

Doing my first this Friday and this is exactly what I need. Simple but efficient.

[@williamkennethclark]

I’ve moderated a number of panels over the years, and I sometimes return back to podcasts or KZbin to advance my practice. This has been the best and most informative version. It offers a great perspective on having a fantastic flow that most likely resonates well with an audience.

[@jesuseunbabalola7587]

My moderation went very well, even over my expectations. This video really helped me for my first moderating session. Thank you very much 😊

[@scottkirsner4493]

Love to hear it!

[@DougZiesMedia]

Thank you for this guide, it will help me on my next moderation event!

[@aislam717]

Going in to moderate a panel for the first time in my life infront of a live audience! This is great! Thank you so very much. Especially for those anecdotal “how to say it samples”! I’m gonna listen to it a few more times including the day of! You awesome 👏 😊

[@scottkirsner4493]

Let me know how it goes!

[@haldershekhar]

This was suberbly helpful for first timers like me. Thank you Scott!

[@scottkirsner4493]

So glad to hear it!

[@KelleyKassa]

This is super helpful! I'm prepping a moderator and guest for an upcoming fireside chat. I plan to include your video in my prep materials. As always, great job!

[@scottkirsner4493]

Thanks, Kelley! Not sure if you've seen my newer video on fireside chat moderating....

[@aaliaahamed2718]

This is super helpful. I am moderating a panel this week for the first time. Thank you!

[@treasure.o]

This is so good! I'm moderating my first panel session tomorrow & I'd definitely use these invaluable tips!

[@antionette3188]

This is perfect! I plan to use this method within 2 weeks for my first time as a moderator. Thank you.

[@DaWanderer]

Absolutely great tips, I will use this method next week in UK where I will be moderating a panel discussion. If I remember I'll check back in and let you know how it went :)

[@anandiar_channel]

Im gonna chair a webinar next weekend, this is really what i need, thank you very much!!!

[@user-lr4wk4dd4e]

Thank you for this video. It was very helpful!

[@scottkirsner4493]

I'm so glad!

[@christinewamz]

Thankful I found this. My first Moderation role is this Thursday

[@rickrobinson4954]

Great insights. Brief and useful.

[@scottkirsner4493]

Thanks, Rick!

[@bethmays6048]

Thank you, this was very clear, concise and immediately usable!

[@CoachTroi]

Definitely was looking at all my notes getting anxious because I don’t want to look like a novice. This is great advice. 11:04

[@LuxxVacay]

This was absolutely useful. Will use these tips to moderate a panel session today

[@abyrdjr]

Great advice. I am going to do what you did. I am moderating a panel later this month. I am going to keep it simple.

[@JoseVargasChacon]

Straight to the point, very concise, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@merinawidyastuti2928]

all right then , there we go ... thanks so much , i feel ready now

[@priscillapiano7]

Super helpful! Thank you

[@ummlili]

Thanks for this Scott, I'll be using all of your tips for a few panels I'm moderating next month!

[@scottkirsner4493]

Let me know how it goes!

[@donald2922]

It's wonderful and helpful, love the examples used

[@epifaniasonjaco3405]

Thanks. Very concise. Just like what I need. Will be a moderator this August.

[@jens_gruenhagen]

This is cool. To the point and real. Thank you!

[@ThirdWorldDave]

Appreciate your advice!

[@kenferguson9958]

Thank you so much Scott! Combining this awesome idea with what I learned from Kristin Arnold's 7 part KZbin lessons about moderating, my very first ever panel was the most talked-about session among the C level attendees of the conference. I did trash about 30 index cards to get one right but an outstanding 'hack' for any moderator.

[@scottkirsner4493]

Yes, you will use a few index cards with this method! Glad your panel was a hit!

[@mnorena]

You are the man! Thanks Scott, will use this today.

[@scottkirsner4493]

Moisés! Let me know how it went!

[@APTinACT]

Thank you. Very concise and clear.

[@silipigno1]

I love it!

[@MsMPil]

Great tips. Thank you so much! I'm designing a panel of 5 rookie panelits, and I think of presenting on a slide the 2 or 3 questions each panelist will snswer in 5 min, including tell us s story... Then once they are done, ask just one question about an opportunities from their perspective to elaborate in 1 min. Then audience Q&A. How this dynamic looks to you? Thanks for the feedback!

[@user-rp5jm3us2s]

Successful moderation, I am a fan already.

[@mirandawills1036]

So helpful

[@djpete2009]

KZbin gold!

[@ayester]

tysm

[@rzambory2938]

also distracting..