What are the most important skills to being a great event moderator?

In today’s dynamic event landscape, where 68% of B2B companies rely on external moderators for their virtual roundtables and discussions, the role of an expert event moderator has become increasingly crucial. As events continue to evolve with hybrid formats and increasingly sophisticated audience expectations, the skills required to effectively moderate these gatherings have become more complex and nuanced.

To shed light on the essential skills that make an outstanding event moderator, we’ve gathered insights from industry experts, starting with Samantha Simmonds, an accomplished BBC News presenter and corporate host with over two decades of broadcasting experience. Having moderated high-profile events for organizations like Deloitte, Sainsbury’s, and the Department of Trade and Industry, Samantha brings valuable perspectives on what it takes to masterfully guide discussions and engage audiences in today’s event environment.

Let’s explore Samantha’s expert insights on the most important skills for being a great event moderator, drawing from her extensive experience in both broadcast journalism and corporate event facilitation.

BBC News presenter and veteran broadcaster Samantha Simmonds, with over two decades of experience moderating high-profile events for organizations like Deloitte and the Department of Trade and Industry, identifies several crucial skills for being a great event moderator.

Key Moderator Skills

Energy and Enthusiasm
A successful moderator must bring vibrant energy and genuine enthusiasm to keep audiences engaged throughout the event. Simmonds, known for her warmth and dynamic presence in corporate events, emphasizes that these qualities are fundamental to creating an engaging atmosphere.

Technical Proficiency
Time management stands out as a critical technical skill, not just for self-regulation but for effectively managing speakers and panel discussions. This includes the ability to keep sessions on schedule while ensuring all participants have adequate speaking time.

Professional Adaptability
Two essential qualities that distinguish exceptional moderators are:

• The ability to maintain composure when facing unexpected challenges
• A natural sense of humour to lighten the atmosphere when appropriate

Personal Touch
Perhaps most importantly, Simmonds emphasizes the need to “bring some personality to the event so that people feel engaged and infused throughout the day”. This aligns with her reputation for bringing authenticity and warmth to corporate events. As a seasoned BBC World News presenter who has covered major global events and moderated countless corporate discussions, Simmonds demonstrates that successful moderation requires a careful balance of professional skill and personal charisma. Her approach has consistently earned praise from clients who commend her ability to be both professional and engaging.