a16z Podcast The Art and Science of Moderating Discussions
52 snips
Aug 4, 2022 
Matt Abrahams, a Stanford lecturer and communication expert, joins Sonal Choksi to explore the nuances of effective moderation. They discuss key skills like active listening and flexibility, comparing moderation to navigating a GPS system. Strategies for engaging diverse audiences are shared, alongside tips for managing anxiety in public speaking. Abrahams emphasizes the balance between structure and spontaneity, highlighting the importance of nonverbal cues and practical techniques to foster clear and engaging discussions in both in-person and virtual settings.
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Planning Communication Interactions
- Plan communication interactions in advance, during, and after.
- Consider audience, themes, goals, and ground rules beforehand, manage discussions in real-time, and follow up afterward.
Planned vs. Spontaneous Meetings
- Preparation remains crucial for both planned and spontaneous meetings. Moderators guide free-flowing discussions but direct formal meetings, considering power dynamics and context.
Managing Tricky Communications
- Manage tricky communication situations with pre-work and paraphrasing. Extract value, highlight it, and link to a different topic to regain control politely.
