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    Sample Moderator Script

    Uploaded by

    angee
    The document provides a sample moderator script for a candidates' forum organized by the League of Women Voters. The script outlines the procedures for the event, including introducing the moderator and candidates, explaining the question and answer format, time limits for responses, and instructions for the audience. It details the order of opening statements, questions, rebuttals, and closing statements between the candidates. The script aims to set clear guidelines and ensure an orderly, fair process that allows for civil discussion of issues between candidates.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Sample Moderator Script

    Uploaded by

    angee
    3K views7 pages
    The document provides a sample moderator script for a candidates' forum organized by the League of Women Voters. The script outlines the procedures for the event, including introducing the moderator and candidates, explaining the question and answer format, time limits for responses, and instructions for the audience. It details the order of opening statements, questions, rebuttals, and closing statements between the candidates. The script aims to set clear guidelines and ensure an orderly, fair process that allows for civil discussion of issues between candidates.

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    The document provides a sample moderator script for a candidates' forum organized by the League of Women Voters. The script outlines the procedures for the event, including introducing the moderator and candidates, explaining the question and answer format, time limits for responses, and instructions for the audience. It details the order of opening statements, questions, rebuttals, and closing statements between the candidates. The script aims to set clear guidelines and ensure an orderly, fair process that allows for civil discussion of issues between candidates.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    3K views7 pages

    Sample Moderator Script

    Uploaded by

    angee
    The document provides a sample moderator script for a candidates' forum organized by the League of Women Voters. The script outlines the procedures for the event, including introducing the moderator and candidates, explaining the question and answer format, time limits for responses, and instructions for the audience. It details the order of opening statements, questions, rebuttals, and closing statements between the candidates. The script aims to set clear guidelines and ensure an orderly, fair process that allows for civil discussion of issues between candidates.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    of 7

    Sample Moderator Script

    The hosting League has:


    Invited the candidates, the press, publicized the event and confirmed that all
    is in order.
    Arranged for a question screening panel that will sort and prioritize questions
    and make sure they are legible.
    Confirmed that the moderator is:
    nonpartisan,
    not identified with a particular party or issues,
    not a voter in the district,
    able to handle the degree of complexity of the event
    Information that would be helpful to provide the moderator prior to event:
    Event format
    Description of races and number of candidates running
    Other contextual information the hosting League feels would be helpful to
    provide, i.e., hot button issues, contentious races, etc.
    Script
    PM INTRODUCTION (Introducer): Good [afternoon or evening], Im [
    LWV of [

    ] of the

    ]. The League is a non-partisan political organization for women and men, which

    encourages informed and active participation in government. This forum is part of our ongoing
    voter education efforts to help voters make informed decisions at the upcoming elections. We
    hope that over the course of this program you will learn more about the candidates and what
    they hope to do for [ ]. I will now turn the meeting over to our moderator, [
    LWV of [

    ] of the

    ].

    Face of the League in your town

    Nonpartisan policy

    Moderator from another town / voting district

    Forum Instructions (Moderator): Welcome to this candidates forum. I will start by explaining
    some procedures for the forum, which each candidate received ahead of time.

    Instructions for the candidates

    You will have [

    ] for an opening statement, [

    ] to answer each question. There will be a [

    ] for a closing statement, and [

    ] rebuttal after each question.

    Opening and closing statements will be done in the following order, based on [

    The timekeeper is sitting in the first row. When there is half a minute left on your speaking

    ].

    time, the time-keeper will hold up a card that says 30 seconds, indicating that you have 30
    seconds to finish your answer. At 15 seconds, the time-keeper will hold up a card that says
    15 seconds. Please wrap up when you see the Stop Card. If you continue speaking after
    the Stop Card is held up, I will say Thank you and move on to the next speaker.

    Personal references about other candidates are out of order.

    Please note the cameras at the back of the room. This forum is being broadcast live and will
    be rebroadcast several times on [

    ].

    Instructions to the audience

    Please turn off your cell phones and beeping watches now.

    We request that you treat all candidates fairly.

    Please remain quiet throughout the forum. No clapping, cheering or calling out, with the
    exception that, after their closing statements, you may clap for all candidates if you wish.

    No campaign literature or signs are allowed inside this room.

    You are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates on the provided index cards.
    Questions must be addressed to all candidates, and must apply to issues or qualifications
    for their particular office. Raise your hand if youd like another index card or to have your
    question collected. A League panel will review the questions for legibility, clarity and
    applicability to all candidates. We will use as many questions as time allows, sometimes
    combining similar questions, striving to cover a variety of topics. If you dont hear your
    particular question, it could be combined with other similar questions. [If applicable:
    candidates will be available following the forum to talk with people (indicate refreshments if
    they are being served)].

    Or:

    Questions from the audience will be taken from the microphone located [

    ]. Please line up

    and state your name and ask your question. I ask that your questions be respectful.
    Questions should be to all candidates all will have the opportunity to respond.
    [when there are multiple sets of candidates explain the sequence and timing for each, including
    approximate time for each segment and when each will be completed.]

    Sets the tone

    Makes sure that everyone knows the rules candidates should know them already,
    important for audience to know as well

    How to ask questions / question process

    Timing of segments and questions

    Source of Questions
    Questions prepared and/or reviewed by the League in advance
    Questions submitted in writing at the event and reviewed by the League
    before being passed to the moderator
    Questions asked by the audience from the floor (limit the time) that can be
    ruled out of order by the moderator
    Questions asked by a panel of questioners that can be ruled out of order by
    the moderator
    Questions asked by the candidates of each other that can be ruled out of
    order by the moderator.

    Starting the Candidates Forum (Moderator)

    We will start with the candidates for the following office:

    Opening statements: [can eliminate openings if there are time constraints]

    You have [

    ] for your opening statement.

    Q&A

    Now we move on to the question and answer portion of our forum:

    You have [

    You have a rebuttal of [ ] for each question. [rebuttal can vary or not be used]

    ] to answer each question.

    Closing statements:

    Well now move on to closing statements.

    You have [

    ] for your closing statement.

    Closing
    Closing by moderator remember to vote info cable rebroadcast, thanks to
    candidates for running since that what it takes to make democracy work, etc.
    CLOSING (Introducer or Moderator): Id like to close this forum by thanking all of the
    candidates for their participation in our democratic process. I would also like to thank [ ]for
    serving as our moderator this afternoon. To the voters, please remember to vote on [

    ]at [

    The polls are open from 7 am to 8pm. If you need an absentee ballot, the application for the
    absentee ballot must be received by the Town Clerks office by noon on [

    ].

    Thank you and good day.

    =================================================
    From LWVUS How to Watch a Debate
    Does the format give each candidate an equal opportunity to speak and
    respond to questions?
    Are the questions clear, fair and equally tough on all candidates?
    Do the questions cover the issues that are important to you?
    Is the moderator in control of the debate? Does the moderator need to say
    less and let the candidates say more?

    ].

    Response

    Follow-up

    Opening Statement

    Question 1

    Question 2

    Question 3

    Question 4

    Question 5

    Question 6

    Question 7

    Question 8

    Question 9

    Question 10

    Question 11

    Question 12

    Question 13

    Question 14

    Question 15

    Question 16

    Closing Statement

    Response

    Follow-up

    Opening Statement

    Question 1

    Question 2

    Question 3

    Question 4

    Question 5

    Question 6

    Question 7

    Question 8

    Question 9

    Question 10

    Question 11

    Question 12

    Question 13

    Question 14

    Question 15

    Question 16

    Closing Statement

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