Even an experienced speaker like Guy Kawasaki says, "Moderating a panel is deceptively hard--harder, in fact, than keynoting." That's in part because everyone's expecting the moderator to be a magician who can keep the speakers on time and on topic, manage all the audience questions, and meet the organizer's expectations for a sparkling discussion that brings people into the room--all without preparation, since you're magically supposed to know what to do. With this new guide, you'll learn what to ask organizers and yourself before you accept a moderating gig, and when to turn it down. Tasks for moderators are shared in checklists for preparation and for last-minute use. You'll learn the secret to moderator muscle, the ability to keep speakers and audience members in line with the session's limits. Creative panel themes, lines of questioning to ask the speakers, and better introductions ensure that you'll have plenty of good ideas and options in your back pocket. A book that conference organizers will want to give to every speaker and moderator, this comprehensive guide gives you all the secrets and skills you need to be an effective, creative, sought-after moderator. Learn from a top speaker coach and frequent speaker who has moderated many panels, chaired international conferences, and coached nearly 100 speakers featured on the TEDMED stage, TEDx conferences around the world.