The moderator is that person who helps a team to communicate effectively and to solve any problems that arise during a project; for this reason, the moderator generally does not contribute to the content or to the management of the work (functions that the team leader does instead). Effective moderation helps your organization maximize resources by getting the most out of the people who work with you. If you can't afford to hire a moderator, or become one - despite there being a large number of seminars, training courses and workshops where you can learn effective techniques and get official certification - here are some tips to get you started.
Steps
Step 1. Establish a peaceful learning environment
Step 2. Establish ground rules for encouraging positive group interaction
Start by listing some yourself, then ask group members if they have any more to add. Some examples of basic rules:
- Confidentiality. What is said in the room remains in the room.
- Speak from first-hand experience. Use "I" instead of "you" or "us".
- There are no right or wrong answers. Our answers are based solely on personal experience.
- Respect yourself and others.
- Listen actively. Respect others when they are talking.
Step 3. Have the team keep the center of attention on the issue that is the subject of the team
Step 4. Maintain an atmosphere of mutual trust and esteem
Step 5. Listen actively
Step 6. Make a few jokes when appropriate
Step 7. Keep any distractions at bay, including participants
Step 8. Invite people to speak
- As a moderator, your interventions should not exceed 40% of the meeting conversation time.
- Ask open questions.
- Respect the silence - it can be a time to reflect. Wait at least 10 seconds before asking a question.
- Address people by calling them by name.
- Give an example by referring to your own experience, when appropriate.
Advice
- Be prepared. You must have a resume, a job profile. Be aware of what you want to achieve and explain exactly what result you hope to achieve. Practice what you want to say and think about how you will say it.
- Avoid abruptly switching from one activity or discussion to another.
- Ask those present with open questions - "What questions do you have?"
- Use visual aids to give more strength and intensity to what you want to say.
- Enjoy the experience! If you are confident and try to have fun, others will too!
- Speak clearly, at a moderate pace and at the right volume.
- Be specific.
- Use simple words and straightforward sentences.
Warnings
- Try to be relaxed and not get defensive.
- Stick to the basic rules.
- Learn to deal with any aggressive behavior.
- Keep confusion in check.
- To bring the group back to focus on the discussion, ask participants to link what they are talking about to the core of the starting point.
- Allow the other person to "save face". Recognize the value of their worries.
- Avoid asking closed questions.
