The art of moderating

At Vantage, we believe life is better with great events.

But what truly makes an event stand out?

One key ingredient is a skilled MC. A good moderator is the secret sauce that transforms an event from just OK to unforgettable.

With over 20 years of experience as an event producer and show caller, Juergen Kuenkel, Vantage's Managing Partner, has seen the full spectrum of moderating styles. He believes that the events that truly shine are the ones led by outstanding masters of ceremony.

"Since 2017, I’ve taken on this challenge myself, moderating TEDxBasel—a platform for sharing innovative ideas, inspiring stories, and groundbreaking perspectives, and where thought leaders and curious minds come together to ignite meaningful conversations."

Juergen regularly moderates audiences ranging from just 50 people, to over 1000 attendees. Here he shares his personal take on the art of moderating and his key learnings as an observer and as a modetator:

Preparation is key

I can’t stress this enough: do your homework! Your speakers and audience deserve it. The more you know about the event’s topic, the speakers, and their presentations, the better you’ll be at connecting the dots, setting the scene, and handling the unexpected. Preparedness fuels your confidence, which is crucial for guiding the audience smoothly through the event. In fact, being well-prepared is the foundation for mastering everything else I will talk about in this article.

My tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to start preparing. Your schedule will only get busier as the event approaches, so make time early on. Whether it’s eight weeks or a day before, preparation pays off the same—but it’s less stressful if you start early!

Start with a smile

As the moderator, you are both the first and last impression the audience gets – and many impressions in between. It’s in your hands to set the tone and shape the overall atmosphere. Whether it’s building excitement or guiding the room towards a more serious topic, you control the energy and lead the audience in and out of each segment.

My tip:  I’ve always found it helpful to sit with the audience before the event rather than staying hidden in the green room. This allows me to connect with their energy and better serve as their advocate during transitions and Q&A sessions.

Smooth operation

Tech failures, awkward silences, or unexpected delays—these hiccups are inevitable. A good moderator turns them into moments of fun and “no drama”, ensuring the event doesn’t derail. Whether it’s a TEDx talk or a corporate event, your winning assets are clarity, charm, humor, and empathy. And above all, be yourself!

My tip:  If you’re well-prepared (see point 1), you’ll have the mental space to read the room and improvise during these moments of panic, making it all seem effortless. Acknowledge the mishap, stay calm, and carry on. Your confidence and smile will make it feel like “no big deal” for everyone else.

Make the speakers shine

It’s their moment. For speakers, especially those with little stage experience, nerves can start creeping in as soon as the audience fills the room. As the moderator, your job is to create a supportive environment and help them succeed.

During the introduction, you amplify the speaker by setting the right tone, generating interest, and giving them a strong start. Your energy and enthusiasm can help elevate their message before they even say a word.

My tip:  Build a personal connection with the speakers before the show. A lighthearted joke or a simple “You’ve got this!” with a smile can help them relax and feel more at ease before stepping into the spotlight

Master transition

A moderator’s true skill lies in seamlessly connecting the talks, building bridges between ideas and speakers. It’s not just about moving from one topic to the next but weaving in moments and quotes from the ongoing discussion to guide the flow. By connecting the dots and addressing questions the audience might be thinking, you ensure the event feels cohesive and intentional.

Conclusion:

In the end, a great event doesn’t just happen—it’s carefully crafted, and a skilled moderator is at the heart of that process. The ability to set the tone, create connections, and navigate challenges with grace and humour is what turns a good event into an unforgettable experience.

So, whether you’re preparing for your first moderator role or your fiftieth, remember: preparation, empathy, and authenticity are your best tools.

A successful event leaves people inspired, engaged, and wanting more—and as the moderator, you have the power to make that happen.