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!
