Moderating events is an exciting and challenging task that requires communication skills, quick thinking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Even highly experienced individuals can feel overwhelmed before an important event. Here are some tips for managing stress and boosting your confidence before taking the stage.

Strategic preparation before the event

Understand your role and the purpose of the event

Before getting into the logistical details, make sure you are clear about the purpose of the event, the audience, the desired tone, and what is expected of you as a moderator. Understanding your role will help you feel more aligned with the overall narrative and reduce uncertainty.

Prepare thoroughly

Preparation is the key to reducing stress. Thoroughly research the event topic and format, get to know the speakers and any relevant details. Being clear about the timing, transitions and purpose of each intervention will give you much more confidence.

Practise positive visualisation

Before the event, take a few minutes to imagine a successful outcome. Visualise how you move on stage, how you ask questions, how you maintain the pace, and how you connect with the audience. Positive visualisation helps lower anxiety and boost self-confidence.

Design a reasonable contingency plan

No matter how prepared you are, unforeseen events happen. From technical problems to last-minute changes in the agenda. Sometimes you don’t need a detailed plan: just talk to the organisers about possible scenarios and who will make decisions if something unexpected happens. Knowing that you have backup significantly reduces the pressure.

Well-being, mindset and emotional management

Incorporate breathing and relaxation techniques

Deep breathing, muscle relaxation or even short mindfulness exercises can help calm your nerves before you go on stage. Setting aside a few minutes each day in the week leading up to the event can make a big difference.

Maintain a positive and flexible attitude

Thinking about opportunities rather than risks completely changes your perception of stress. Viewing moderation as a dynamic conversation rather than an exam can help you flow better and adapt to whatever happens during the event.

Take care of your physical needs

Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated are non-negotiable. Too much coffee or too little rest can increase anxiety and affect your performance. The better your body feels, the better your mind will respond.

Use humour as a tool for relief

Laughing before an event can release tension and help you get into a lighter state of mind. Watching a short video, remembering a funny anecdote, or talking to someone you trust can help put your mind in a more relaxed place.

Trust your experience

If you have been chosen as a moderator, it is for a reason. Trust your judgement, your intuition, and your ability to handle conversations. The audience does not expect perfection; they expect humanity and clarity.

Would you like personalised support? Book your micro consulting session

If you are preparing for an important moderation and are looking for expert guidance, at 10 Billion Solutions we offer micro consulting in 30-minute or 1-hour sessions. You can book directly from the website quickly, easily and securely. It is a flexible and fully personalised format to help you:

• Structure the narrative of the event
• Review your script and prepare questions
• Improve your pace, transitions and stage presence
• Anticipate potential challenges and manage them calmly
• Reduce nervousness and boost your confidence

Book your session here.

Training for teams and organisations

In addition to individual micro consulting, we also offer training programmes tailored to the needs of companies, institutions and organisations. We design bespoke workshops to improve key skills such as:

• Public speaking
• Media training
• Moderation and event hosting

These are personalised training courses tailored to the level, group size and specific objectives. We prepare customised proposals and quotes, always with a practical approach aimed at improving your team’s real communication.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us with no obligation!