A panel moderator plays a pivotal role in managing and facilitating discussions during panel discussions within online meetings. This individual is responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of the conversation, maintaining order, and guiding panelists as they address the designated topics or themes. The moderator often introduces panelists, sets the agenda, and poses questions to initiate discussions. They monitor speaking times to ensure each panelist has an opportunity to contribute and may facilitate audience engagement by fielding questions from attendees. An effective panel moderator possesses strong communication skills, the ability to steer discussions towards the meeting’s objectives, and the capacity to maintain a balanced and respectful dialogue among panelists. In online meetings, the moderator’s role becomes even more crucial as they manage virtual interactions and create an engaging and informative panel discussion for both panelists and the audience.
