Moderating my first panel discussion for 70 people

This past weekend was a game-changer!

As an active volunteer with a young women’s network, I was presented with an incredible opportunity: moderating a panel discussion on how to make 70 other young women’s mentorship journey effective.

But here’s the thing—I had never moderated a session before. The idea of standing in front of 70 people, guiding a conversation, and making sure it was valuable for everyone involved was intimidating.

I was this close to saying no.

The anxiety was real—every time I thought about the session, my heart would start racing.

My key learnings

I knew preparation was important in helping me feel confident. I needed to understand who the panelists were and what they brought to the table. I wanted to bring forward timeless advice while also challenging the panelists to offer fresh perspectives—without putting them on the spot.

What also helped me stay grounded was a commitment to being true to myself. By releasing the pressure of being someone else and quieting the internal voices of doubt, I could stay present during the discussion. This allowed me to tune in and synthesize the panel’s insights effectively.

Compared to other times I’ve tried something new, this experience stood out because I wasn’t alone. By openly sharing that I was challenging myself, I received a tremendous amount of support from others. Their belief in me helped me start believing in myself.

We often find more support than we expected

Public speaking in a panel format for the first time was a challenge, but it also became a rewarding experience. Don’t be afraid to step into the unknown.

If you’re facing a similar fear, know that you’re not alone. Lean into the discomfort, and you might surprise yourself (and hopefully everyone around you)

Looking for more inspiration? Revisit my earlier posts:

• 7 Ways to Grow Courage

• Communities That Have Made a World of Difference

Stay Courageous,

Joping

Joping is a Certified Self-Leadership Coach and a solopreneur in the making. She writes about everything in between intention and action, and believe courage makes the biggest difference.