When you are moderating a panel, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Create follow-up questions based on answers panelists give
- Ask questions of panelists who haven't been involved with the discussion
- Smoothly transition between speakers and subjects
- Repeat questions so everyone can hear
- Reframe the question if it is overly long or difficult to understand (e.g., "The question is about the correct length of time to use in answering an interview question.")
- Interrupt politely if the panelist or questioner goes on too long (look for panelists who are getting off the question's subject and audience members who are making statements instead of asking questions)
- Interrupt when the speaker takes a breath or ends a sentence; indicate it is time to move on due to time considerations or some other reason; if interrupting an audience member's question suggest the person can talk to the panelists after the presentation to get more information
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