Why Moderators are Key to Webinar Success

Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

Why Moderators Matter More Than You Think

Webinars are vital in digital marketing. They engage audiences, build thought leadership, and generate leads. It may be tempting to let your subject matter experts (SMEs) speak directly to the audience. But, adding a moderator can boost your webinar’s impact. It will also ensure a smoother, more engaging experience. Here’s why incorporating a moderator can be the difference between an ok webinar and a great one.

Webinar moderator tips

1. Creating Two-Way Engagement

A common mistake in webinars is having one presenter talk for the entirety of the event. While this method can work, it’s often far less engaging. A moderator shifts the dynamic from a one-way presentation to a two-way conversation. This makes the session feel more interactive. As Matthew Ley, COO of Communique Conferencing, mentioned in a recent podcast, “the sole presenter on a webinar is a near-impossible job to do really, really well.”

A moderator keeps the conversation fluid. They direct the dialogue and encourage both the audience and the SME to participate. This creates a more engaging experience, where the audience feels they are part of a real-time discussion rather than passive observers.

2. Staying on Track with Time Management

One of the key roles of a moderator is managing time effectively. Subject matter experts are often very knowledgeable. This is a strength. But it can lead them to dive too deep into topics. A good moderator keeps the speaker on track. They also keep the discussion focused on the webinar’s main goals. Moderators manage transitions, handle Q&As, and keep to the time.

A moderator also helps ensure that there’s always room for audience engagement. If a person engages, they want a response. The more questions you can answer, the better the audience feels about the value of the webinar.

3. Moderators Make SMEs Comfortable

Even the most knowledgeable speakers can feel nervous when presenting live, especially to large virtual audiences. A moderator helps ease this pressure. They create a more casual, conversational tone. This reduces the event’s formality. Whether the moderator is fielding questions from the audience or guiding the conversation, they act as a safety net for the speaker.

Preparation is critical to this. Pre-webinar meetings between the moderator and the speaker allow them to build rapport, review the content, and align on the event’s messaging and flow.

4. Building Trust and Authenticity

Moderators aren’t just facilitators; they also serve as a bridge between the speaker and the audience. They ask clarifying questions and summarize complex points. This makes the content more accessible. Being in tune with the audience’s perspective is key. If you’ve been in the organization for a while, you’ve forgotten more about the topic than the audience knows.

The moderator’s role is to ensure the content resonates with the audience. They must limit jargon and ask questions that reflect the attendees’ curiosity. This leads to a more authentic and relatable experience.

5. Adding Personality to the Presentation

Every webinar is unique, and the personality of the moderator plays a significant role in setting the tone for the event. A moderator’s humor, authority, or empathy can help humanize the event. It builds a connection with the audience. Moderators can adjust their style to match the topic. This ensures the webinar is both informative and engaging.

6. Ensuring Audience Engagement

A well-prepared moderator is essential for audience engagement. They must encourage questions, monitor the chat, and address the audience’s concerns in real-time. Having a list of pre-prepared questions is helpful, but flexibility is also key. Great moderators can pivot based on the audience’s responses and adjust the flow of the conversation accordingly. Also, moderators must know how to administer the webinar platform to keep the event on track.

Conclusion: Moderation Equals Success

Incorporating a skilled moderator into your webinar strategy can significantly boost its effectiveness. Moderators boost audience engagement and make speakers more comfortable. They also keep content on point. They add a professionalism and interaction that solo presenters often can’t achieve. A moderator, internal or external, will make your webinars better. They will be more dynamic, engaging, and successful.

For more tips on how to run better webinars, check out our Better Webinar series, where we dive deeper into how moderators, technology, and strategy come together to create successful virtual events.