As the meetings industry slowly returns to in-person events, professional moderators once again play a pivotal role in creating everlasting event memories. Moderators focus on everything from interaction to engagement and dynamics. Even though often invisible, they are of decisive importance for the success of an event.
Moderators come in many types and sizes. Picking the right one to suit an event is crucial. There appear to be a few underlying similarities. Really effective moderation is much more than just making things run smoothly.
A meeting is successful when it effectively contributes to the raison d’être of the organiser (meeting-owner) and all participants.
Below are a few personal characteristics that form the basis for the natural talent of a moderator. They may seem to be opposites, but in fact, they are just two sides of the same coin:
Ego-less charisma
This is a rare combination that seems almost impossible to find. You need charisma as a moderator because the group must want to follow you. At the same time, it must never be about you, because the meeting is always about the participants. Hence: ego-less.
Modest presence
This is an extension of ego-less charisma. On the one hand, you have to be constantly visible, like a beacon in the restless sea. At the same time, modesty is appropriate, so that you put others in the spotlight.
Flexible and focused
The best facilitators love to take detours. Does that mean they will rashly run in any direction? Certainly not! A meeting is always a living organism, with very unexpected developments and unforeseen obstacles and opportunities. The real talents in our profession deal with this smoothly, without losing sight of the objective.
Your professional moderator also is an experienced meeting designer, looking at your meeting from the interaction & engagement perspective. Your moderator can assist you in making a true connection!
To learn more about moderation, be it at in-person events or online, learn from the best in the business and subscribe to one of Masters in Moderation’s workshops (https://mastersinmoderation.com/training-and-coaching). Also, read an interview with Jan-Jaap In der Maur here.
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