The Moderator's Handbook - by Katrina Dudley

About the Book

"Conference panels run the gamut quality-wise -- some are great, but others can be dull, lifeless, and confusing. Despite the presence of qualified experts, these panelists often are not given a platform to share their opinions or expertise. Rather their expertise is subsumed by ill-considered, irrelevant, and disordered panelist questions and moderators who lose control of their panels. The solution to this problem is having a well-trained moderator, who knows how to prepare for the panel professionally, with a well-thought-out process that ensures panelists are ready, the audience is engaged and the conference organizers are confident the event will be a success. Despite the importance of having a great moderator to ensure a great panel, there is a lack of how-to guides or training programs. Rather a moderator learns through observing others who they think are good and when they ask for tips and tricks, they often receive misguided and ineffective advice. This book seeks to fill that gap -- a start-to-finish guide on how to expertly moderate a panel from understanding the purpose of the panel and the panel's audience to assembling the right panel participants, pre-panel prep sessions, and guidance on how to handle a multitude of events that could derail the panels' flow"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Panels often suffer from lackluster, disorganized discussions despite the presence of qualified experts. Frequently, the fault lies with poorly prepared moderators who fail to manage the panel effectively, resulting in a frustrating experience for audiences, panelists, and organizers alike. A well-trained moderator is essential for ensuring a successful panel by preparing thoroughly and engaging both the panelists and the audience.

This book, written by an experienced moderator who has led panels of all sizes, offers a comprehensive start-to-finish guide to facilitating a panel. It covers everything from understanding the panel's purpose and audience to selecting the right participants, conducting pre-panel preparation, and managing potential disruptions. Included are multiple checklists and sample documents to assist moderators throughout the process. The book also provides valuable insights for panelists, helping them improve their performance and contribute more effectively.

As panels become more prominent at conferences and events, the pressure to perform well has increased. A well-prepared and engaging panel provides exposure, resulting in opportunities for moderators and panelists to grow their brands and advance their careers. This essential book equips panel participants with the tools they need to excel and make a lasting impression.

Review Quotes

The Moderator's Handbook is the ultimate guide to creating panel discussions that captivate, inspire, and deliver real impact. Packed with practical strategies refined over years of experience, this book equips you with everything you need to select the perfect panelists, ask thought-provoking questions, and foster meaningful audience engagement. Whether you're a seasoned moderator, a panelist stepping into the spotlight, or an event organizer aiming for success, this book is your must-read companion before your next event!--Jeff Guberman, former CEO of McVeigh Global Meetings and Events

If you are a conference organizer, keynote speaker, panelist, or moderator, The Moderator's Handbook is the most comprehensive book available that offers valuable insights and recommendations to successfully and effectively engage audiences. Having delivered more than 200 keynote speeches over the past five years at a wide variety of conferences, I wish I had this book each time before I took the stage to remind me of the critically important role of the audience and how to engage them in a way the leaves them wanting more.--Mark Beal, thought leader, author, and keynote speaker

Panels are high-stakes discussions in which both panelists and the audience want to be engaged, stimulated, and moved. Katrina Dudley does a masterful job of breaking down the moderator process and incisively sharing best practices while retaining authenticity.--Vivian James Rigney, C-Suite executive coach and author of Naked at the Knife-Edge: What Everest Taught Me About Leadership and the Power of Vulnerability

About the Author

Katrina Dudley is senior vice president at Franklin Templeton Investments. A frequent commentator on CNBC and Bloomberg, she has led panels for Morgan Stanley, CF Conference Organizers, and Fordham University. Dudley is coauthor of Undiversified: The Big Gender Short in Investment Management (Columbia, 2021).