1/ My thoughts on being a good #Moderator
First and foremost, your top goal is to service the debate, not your own opinions.
The best moderators are those who give no clue as to where they stand on the subject because it's their express duty to leave that to participants...
First and foremost, your top goal is to service the debate, not your own opinions.
The best moderators are those who give no clue as to where they stand on the subject because it's their express duty to leave that to participants...
https://twitter.com/theproof/status/1496278225785618435
2/ All your interjections in the debate should come as no surprise to anyone -- especially the participants.
In other words, clearly define the rules in advance on what you'll be enforcing, and ideally, you should announce these to the audience at the beginning as well.
In other words, clearly define the rules in advance on what you'll be enforcing, and ideally, you should announce these to the audience at the beginning as well.
3/ Thus, if someone steps out of line for these agreed upon rules and you promptly enforce them, there should be no controversy as this was expected.
A "bad call" is always a problem in any sport, the losing side feels robbed, and even the winning side feels the victory tainted.
A "bad call" is always a problem in any sport, the losing side feels robbed, and even the winning side feels the victory tainted.
4/ Interruption policy should be discussed in advance by the moderator and participants.
In moderating the Tro and Norton debate, I had a standing rule of allowing interjections (outside of opening statements), but then adding 2x the interjection time to the respondent's balance
In moderating the Tro and Norton debate, I had a standing rule of allowing interjections (outside of opening statements), but then adding 2x the interjection time to the respondent's balance
5/ This provides a great cost/benefit loop. If something is important enough to interject, you'll consider it in the context of giving your opponent more time to have the floor as the price. Overall, I think it worked very well.
6/ Lastly, it's fine to improvise on things like duration of the debate or what topics to expand on if both participants agree on the spot -- but again, you're more in service to a fair debate and should have a rapport with them by now to know what would be unwelcome to ask.
7/ I'm certainly hoping for many more well-moderated, respectful and rational debates on these crucial topics we all care about.
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