What Makes a Great Event Moderator? What Organisers Should Look For
I don’t think people truly recognise the value of good event moderation until it’s not there. On a very obvious level you can feel it when a panel lacks energy, when speakers talk over one another or when conversations stay stuck at surface level despite having brilliant people on stage. We’ve all attended events where the line-up looked impressive on paper but something about the discussion never quite connected with the audience and very often it’s because the event moderation has missed the mark.
When moderation is done well, it almost disappears into the experience itself and it’s not simply because the moderator is “nice” it’s because they create an atmosphere that allows room for memorable moments and impact.
We need event moderators who are not sycophants please.
— Ronke Lawal (@ronkelawal) June 5, 2025
Get the moderator to challenge the guests on a panel a little bit especially if there's no audience Q & A.
Over the years, one thing I have realised is that great event moderation is far less about controlling a conversation and far more about understanding people. It’s about knowing how to guide discussion without making it feel rigid, how to create structure without draining spontaneity and how to bring different personalities, perspectives and energies together in a way that feels natural.
A lot of people assume moderating an event simply means reading biographies, asking prepared questions and keeping to time. In reality, the strongest moderators are constantly listening, observing and adapting in real time. They are paying attention to audience energy, noticing when a conversation needs to go deeper and recognising when a speaker has more to say beyond the polished answer they initially give. Some of the most memorable moments I have witnessed on stage have been completely unscripted. Often, it is the follow-up question, the unexpected reflection or the moment of honesty between speakers that audiences remember most afterwards. That is why emotional intelligence matters so much in moderation. Good moderators know how to hold space for those moments without forcing them or rushing past them for the sake of sticking rigidly to a schedule.
I also think audiences today are looking for something different from events. People are increasingly drawn to conversations that feel human rather than overly polished. Whether it is a leadership panel, industry discussion or cultural conversation, audiences want insight, but they also want authenticity. They want speakers to sound like real people, not perfectly rehearsed soundbites. A skilled moderator plays a huge role in creating the conditions for that honesty to emerge.
As a Black woman moderating conversations across different industries and spaces, I have become even more aware of how important nuance, representation and cultural awareness can be on stage. Moderation is not just about facilitating discussion; it is also about understanding dynamics in the room. Who is being interrupted? Whose perspective is being overlooked? When does the conversation need more depth, challenge or care? Those details shape how inclusive and impactful an event actually feels for both speakers and audiences.
I have also learned that confidence alone does not make someone a strong moderator. Presence matters, of course, but curiosity matters more. The best moderators are genuinely interested in people. They know how to listen actively rather than simply waiting for the next question on their list. They create conversations that feel alive because they are responding to what is happening in the moment instead of trying to control every second of it.
I’ve learnt that people remember how they felt at an event because of course they’ll take notes on a great quote or two or in our digital era they’ll record segments of the conversation but it’s the energy that stays with them and a great event moderator sets the tone for that energy. We can uplift the conversation, keep the audience involved and make even the most technical topics feel accessible.
If you're stepping into event moderation for the first time or even if you’re looking to sharpen your skills here’s some advice that’s served me well:
Do your homework but don’t over-script. Know your panellists and the subject matter but don’t cling to your questions so tightly that you miss the natural flow of the conversation. The best moments often happen when you let things unfold organically. I love to “yap” - if I could be paid to yap all day I would be in heaven, alas I’m not quite there yet but being able to include my personality into conversations is a powerful part of the role as event moderator.
Create space but don’t disappear. A good moderator doesn’t dominate, but they also don’t fade into the background. You’re there to guide, to connect, and to make sure the conversation stays inclusive and meaningful. Again this means using your charm (of which I have a lot) and charisma to stand out but not to overshadow.
Be present and listen deeply. Don’t just wait for your next question, listen out for what’s not being said. That’s where you’ll often find the most interesting follow-ups or the moments that really move an audience. I relish those moments to get an "exclusive" or never before heard moment on stage, obviously the PR in me won't lean too far into the controversial.
Hold the room with grace. You could be dealing with a technical glitch, an unresponsive audience or a panellist who’s gone wildly off-topic, your calm presence can be the difference between chaos and cohesion.
Know your voice. Your personality is part of the experience. Don’t be afraid to bring your warmth, your humour, your perspective to the space and stage you’re on. People connect with authenticity which means not performing a version of yourself that you think people want to see, be who you are.
For me, event moderation is also a powerful extension of personal branding. It shows that you know how to listen, think on your feet and bring out the best in others, all skills that build trust and credibility in any professional space. When I moderate an event, I’m not just hosting a conversation I’m holding space and creating connection. As an event moderator I’m allowing others to shine, while still standing in my own light. That’s what strong personal branding is all about. It’s not just about being seen, it’s about being known for how you show up.
In a world where events can feel rushed, performative or overly polished for social media content, moderation brings back the heart of real conversation. It reminds us that connection isn’t just in the content it’s in the rhythm, the tone, the flow. It’s in the way we make people feel.
So if you’ve ever overlooked the importance of an event moderator, think again. And if you’re thinking of stepping into that role, know that it’s one of the most powerful ways you can shape conversations, elevate voices, and build your brand with purpose.
And for those looking for someone to moderate their next event, someone who will honour your message, energise your audience, and bring your panel to life I’d love to have a conversation with you on how we can make some magical moments happen.