Mastering Moderation

Abstract

If what you do is emulate what you've seen most moderators do at library conferences, both physical and virtual, chances are you'll politely ask attendees to take their seats before you start reading off the presenters' names and their canned biographical statements. Here are some of the primary responsibilities the moderator should agree to accept: * Develop a timeline for preparation leading up to the program * Create a script or timeline that gives structure to the presentation * Bring presenters together for program planning * Identify strategies to engage the audience * Keep the speakers on time and the attendees invo ved * Orchestrate the program with flexibility * Wrap up the proceedings with authority Designing the program When attendees experience a great program, it's usually the result of intentional design. [...] each moderator should decide what works best for each individual program, the speakers, and the audience.