Guide for moderators
Make the speaker shine. Make the audience feel heard.
A moderator hosts one session: a guided interview with the speaker, then five to ten minutes of questions from the audience. You keep it warm, useful and on time.
What it means to be a moderator
You are the host of the conversation. You introduce the speaker, ask the questions you prepared together, bring in the audience's questions, and finish on time with one practical step. You do not need to know the topic as well as the speaker: you ask the questions a curious, sensible neighbour would ask.
- You host one session
- You prepare the questions with the speaker
- You run the audience questions
- You keep time
Why moderate
A role anyone can grow into
Hosting a conversation is a skill you take everywhere: work, community groups, family.
Meet the experts
You get to know a speaker properly, on the prep call and on the day.
Be the voice of the audience
You make sure the questions people are too shy to ask still get answered.
Seen as a community leader
Your name and photo appear with the session, and people remember the host who made it easy.
How your session runs
Your event page gives the exact times. The shape is always the same.
- 1
About a minute
Open
Welcome everyone, introduce the speaker in two or three sentences, and explain how to ask questions in the chat.
- 2
About 20 minutes
The interview
Ask your prepared questions, follow up on anything unclear, and keep the speaker on the practical side.
- 3
5 to 10 minutes
Audience questions
Read the best questions from the chat, one at a time, and keep the answers short.
- 4
The last minute
Close
Ask the speaker for one thing to do this week, thank them, and tell people what comes next.
Prepare in three steps
The week before
- Read the session's title and summary on the event page, and look at the speaker's profile.
- Book a 15-minute call with your speaker. Agree five or six questions and the order.
- Write a two-sentence introduction of the speaker and check it with them.
- Ask the speaker for their one takeaway, so you can steer toward it.
- Prepare two backup questions in case the chat is quiet.
On the day
- Join 15 minutes early from the link in My events and check sound with the speaker.
- Keep your questions on a card and a clock you can see.
- Open the chat so you can follow the questions from the start.
- Smile, slow down and enjoy it. Your calm sets the tone.
After
- Thank the speaker personally.
- Pass on any question you could not fit in, so the speaker can answer it later.
- Tell us what went well and what to change.
Running the audience questions
The five to ten minutes of questions are where people get help with their own situation. Run them fairly and keep them moving.
- 1Invite questions in the chat from the very start, not only at the end.
- 2Group similar questions and read them as one.
- 3Choose the questions that help the most people first.
- 4Read each question word for word, but shorter. Do not read out names or personal details.
- 5Keep answers to a minute or two. If one runs long, thank the speaker and move on kindly.
- 6Two minutes before the end, say it is the last question.
Good practice
Do
- Ask open questions: how, why, what should a family do
- Ask for examples when something sounds abstract
- Rephrase jargon in plain words
- Keep time, gently and visibly
- Make everyone feel welcome, whatever their language
Avoid
- Long questions or giving your own talk
- Letting the session turn into a sales pitch
- Debating the speaker or the audience
- Reading out anyone's private details
- Running over time
When things do not go to plan
If a speaker starts selling, bring them back with "What can a family do on their own?". If someone asks for personal medical or legal advice, ask for general guidance and suggest their own professional. If the chat is quiet, use a backup question. If the connection drops, keep talking with the audience until the speaker returns.
Questions from moderators
Do I need to be an expert on the topic?
No. Your job is to ask the questions a sensible, curious person would ask, and to bring in the audience. The speaker is the expert.
How do I apply to moderate?
Use the speaker form on the event's Take part page; it opens with "I can also moderate" already ticked. We pair you with a session and confirm by email.
How long is the question time?
Usually five to ten minutes after the interview. Your event page gives the exact time for your session.
How many questions should I prepare?
Five or six for the interview, agreed with the speaker, plus two backups for a quiet chat.
What if the speaker goes over time?
Agree a signal on your prep call, then thank them warmly and move to the next part. Ending on time is a kindness to everyone.
Can I moderate in Arabic or English?
Yes. Each session runs in the language chosen for it. Tell us which language you are comfortable in when you apply.
Is moderating paid?
No. Like speaking, moderating is voluntary, and nobody pays anything.
Ready to host a conversation?
Apply on the speaker form and tick that you can also moderate. We reply within two working days.
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The other guides
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Sponsors
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Attendees
Learn from local experts in your language, ask your own questions, and find help for your family and neighbours.
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