The Art of Moderating from a Moderator at Arisia 2013 in Boston

Boston
One of my favorite things to do at a convention is moderating panels. I like to ask the questions. Moderating is a skill that can be improved by practicing your listening skills. I ask the questions, but then I listen to what people are saying. I create additional questions from their answers.
Watching the audience is key to moderating. I am not one who waits until the end to take questions from the audience. I call on them when I see them. Usually nodding my head to them indicating I see them and they are next. Making people wait too long usually makes them forget the important point they came to make. The audience is key to the success of a panel. They’ve come a long way to participate and be heard too.
Part of what a moderator does is verbal traffic control. You facilitate the flow of the conversation, making sure all the panelists get to say something and add insights or more questions when there is a lull. The moderator is responsible for keeping the group focus and bringing the group back to the topic at hand if they stray. LOL They always stray. Even if a diversion is fun, enjoy the moment, but then bring them back to the topic everyone is there to discuss.
Tonight I moderated “Vampires: Fear of the Other, Fear of the Body.” Yes, folks, another vampire panel. I’ve literally done over 25 years of vampire panels. I never tire of them and always learn something new. I am not the resident expert on the subject. I’m just happy to write about my sexy, romantic and adventurous vampires, and be the moderator.
Ah, night falls on Boston. Listen to the children of the night! It’s party time at Arisia!

Boston at night from my hotel
–Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley
http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Filed under: paranormal, paranormal romance, Readers Conference, Readers Conferences, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, vampires, Writer's Life


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