5 tips for choosing the right moderator

The evolution of the digital event in recent years has been astounding. While even grandma's knitting webinar was still considered an "event" before 2020, the effort and production has become increasingly professional. The same applies to the demands placed on the moderator of a virtual event.

If you are already part of a virtual event, then you are probably aware of the importance of good moderation. The difference between enthusiastic participants and a rapidly dwindling number of attendees that would do credit to a New Year's Eve countdown.

I have created this simple guide to help you choose the right moderator for your event - whether virtual or on-site. In my many years of experience as a presenter and keynote speaker, I have been able to advise event organizers on how to answer this question time and time again. The following 5 questions are crucial to ensure your audience leaves your event with a WOW feeling.

‍

‍

1. what do you want to achieve with your event?

Be clear about the goal you are pursuing with your event.  

• What is the desired outcome of the event? What is the reason for it?
• What is your personal goal for the event?
• How do you want your audience to leave the event feeling at the end?

• Is there a specific call to action for the guests?

A launch party for the latest smartphone has different requirements for a moderator than an employee party. Similarly, the goal of a trade fair is different from that of a training congress or change management measures.

‍

‍

2. who is your audience?

The second question you need to answer is: who is this event for?

The better you know your guests, the better you can tailor the event to them... Entertainment and moderation included. Above all, ask yourself why these people are coming to your event and what emotional involvement is involved? Are the participants there voluntarily or is the event compulsory?

All these questions make it easier for you to get a feel for your guests. Just as if you were receiving guests at your home. As a rule, you also know who is coming to visit you.

‍

‍

‍

3. what is the basic structure of your event?

Now that you have defined the aim of the event and the target group, let's move on to the content of the event. Create a basic structure of how you envision your event - ideally with an initial schedule.

Your elements contained in the basic structure, such as  

• Is there a panel discussion?

• Are people honored?
• Do I want to sell or possibly auction something?
• Do you want to conduct a longer interview with a prominent personality?
• Is everything held in German or are parts of the event also held in other languages?

The more precise your picture of the target group and the process is, the more the search profile of your desired moderator will develop. If you get stuck with any questions: a good moderator will help you with their experience and will be happy to provide you with advice and support.

‍

‍

4 What does the ideal moderator for your event need to bring to the table?

What is important to you? Now you can include all your wishes for your moderator in the requirements profile. As many companies start with the budget first before asking for moderator prices, I would still encourage you to write a list of requirements first and only then include the price criterion.

One thing is clear: the presenter must suit your event. Charisma, stage presence and a good voice are basic requirements. What other values and characteristics that suit your guests should your event host bring to the table?

‍

Young and dynamic or experienced and confident? A gentleman, a lady or a moderator duo? A double moderation often brings a very special dynamic that breathes even more life into the event.

A word about the presenter's reputation, which is often seen as a seal of quality: just because a presenter can talk to a camera in a TV studio doesn't mean they can entertain an audience. Make sure they have the event experience you want. And sure... Awareness can be a plus for your PR exploitation of the event.

Let's move on to budget planning for the moderation: a basic idea of your budget is good. Nevertheless, give yourself some leeway to be able to hire the presenter of your choice and rather save on positions where it is not so noticeable... if the moderation is not right, this will have an immediate negative effect on the feeling of your guests and take you away from achieving your event goal.

‍

5 Where can you find the right moderator?

Equipped with your requirements profile for your ideal moderator, you can start your search. You have several options.

Talk to colleagues and people around you about who might fit this profile. This could be a moderator with whom someone in your team has already worked or a moderator you have experienced at an event. Alternatively, recommendations are often very valuable... It is always surprising what excellent tips can come from those around you.

Another option: ask Google. There are plenty of self-employed presenters who have an online presence. Agencies that provide presenters for events are also helpful and can filter out candidates that meet your requirements.  

‍

Finally, a gift

To accompany this article, you can download my "Moderator Scout" checklist with 5 things every event manager should know to find the ideal moderator for free.  

‍

‍

About the author

Ronny Leber is an enthusiastic presenter and keynote speaker. In his career to date, he has inspired more than 5 million people live on 5 continents and entertained his audience live in front of TV screens for over 1,500 hours. His speeches are a firework of inspiration: a colorful experience with lots of inspiring effects. You can find out more about the captivating motivator at www.ronnyleber.com.

‍

‍

These blog articles may also interest you:

5 tips for more interactive events

Online events - that's what matters

Digital event formats: These are the 9 most important