A Lesson in Moderation (Revisited) By Sarah E. Burr

For the past six years, Malice has held a special place in my heart, not just as an author but as a lifelong mystery lover. This year, I’ll once again have the honor of co-hosting The Bookish Hour at Malice, and it got me thinking back to a post I wrote a few years ago about best practices for moderators. Since writing that post in 2023, I’ve participated in more panels, attended even more, and seen firsthand how much a moderator's role can shape the audience’s entire experience. So today, I’m revisiting and refreshing those lessons with a few new insights for today’s ever-evolving conference world.

If you’re stepping into the moderator role this season, consider this your cozy guide to keeping the conversation flowing and the audience fully engaged.

Do Your Homework (Yes, Still the Golden Rule)

Given the time constraints authors face, this is probably the toughest bit of prep work. Yet, it remains the most important.

Moderators should know who they are speaking with and have insight into their work. You don’t need to read an author’s entire backlist, but reading their latest book is a great place to start. Becoming familiar with an author’s writing style, characters, and themes gives you the foundation you need to ask meaningful, specific questions.

New twist: In today’s world, it’s also worth checking out an author’s online presence. Have they recently gone viral for something? Are they known for a particular trope or niche? These details can help you connect with both your panelists and the audience in a more current, relevant way.

Allow Your Panelists to Shine

This part should feel natural if you’ve done your homework. Craft questions that highlight both the common threads and the contrasts between your panelists. Open-ended questions are your best friend; they invite storytelling, examples, and personality.

Avoid questions that lead to identical answers. If everyone responds with “What she said,” the energy dips fast.

New twist: Think of yourself as a conductor. If one panelist hasn’t had much airtime, gently guide the spotlight their way. A simple, “I’d love to hear your take on that as well,” can make all the difference.

Share Your Questions Beforehand

No one likes surprises, and moderating is not the place for them. Give your panelists at least a week to review your questions. This allows them to come prepared with thoughtful answers and examples, which leads to a smoother, more confident discussion. Prepared panelists are relaxed panelists, and relaxed panelists make for a better audience experience.

New twist: Let your panelists know it’s okay to stray a little. The best panels often feel like conversations, not scripts. Your questions are a roadmap, not a rigid itinerary. And if a spontaneous question pops into your head, go with it! Some of the best panel moments can come from unplanned questions.

Accept That It’s Not About You

Moderators are the unsung heroes of conference panels. You put in the work, guide the discussion, and keep everything on track, but you’re not the main attraction. And that’s exactly how it should be.

When framing your questions, it’s fine to include a light, natural reference to your own work if it fits organically. But your primary goal is to create an engaging, entertaining, and insightful experience for the audience.

Ironically, when you do this well, people will remember you.

New twist: Think of moderation as a form of professional generosity. You’re creating space for others to shine, and that generosity reflects back on you in the best possible way.

Keep an Eye on the Clock

This is one of the most underrated moderator skills. Panels often have more material than time allows, so pacing is key. Be mindful of how long each answer runs and gently steer the conversation forward when needed. You want to leave room for audience questions, which are often the most memorable part of the session.

Pro tip: Have a “lightning round” question or two in your back pocket in case time is running short but you want to end on a high-energy note.

Engage the Audience (They’re Part of the Panel Too)

A great panel doesn’t just happen on stage; it includes the audience. Make eye contact. Read the room. If the energy dips, don’t be afraid to pivot slightly or inject a bit of humor. When it’s time for Q&A, encourage participation and repeat audience questions so everyone can hear them clearly.

New twist: If appropriate for the setting, you can even weave in a quick audience poll or prompt.

Plan for the Unexpected

Technology glitches. Missing panelists. Time changes. It happens. The best moderators stay flexible and calm under pressure. Have a few backup questions ready, and be prepared to adjust on the fly if needed. A steady, confident moderator can turn a potential hiccup into a seamless experience.

Sarah’s Final Thoughts

Moderating is both an art and a skill, one that gets better with every panel you lead. At its heart, it’s about creating a space where authors feel comfortable, conversations feel natural, and audiences feel included. When all those pieces come together, it’s a little bit of conference magic.

With conference season in full swing, I hope these tips help you step into your role with confidence and maybe even a touch of excitement.

Because truly, there’s nothing quite like a well-moderated panel.

Do you have any moderating best practices you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them!