4 - 8 May 2026 • Colombo, Sri Lanka
Thank you for volunteering as a session moderator for Sharks International 2026! Your role is essential in ensuring sessions run smoothly by introducing speakers, keeping time, and managing audience Q&A.
Confirm the sessions you are moderating and arrive 15 minutes early.
Ensure all speakers are present and confirm name pronunciations.
Explain to speakers how you will signal time warnings.
Introduce yourself to the technical team, who will manage AV and sound.
Start each talk exactly at the scheduled time to maintain the flow between sessions.
Use your smartphone stopwatch to track time.
Regular talks should be 12 minutes long, with 3 minutes for brief audience Q&A (total of 15 minutes).
10 minutes: Raise your hand.
12 minutes: Stand.
13 minutes: Walk toward the podium.
14 minutes: End the talk, even if unfinished. You will have the option to turn off the microphone.
Speed talks should be 3 minutes long, with time for 1 question (total of 5 minutes).
2 minutes: Raise your hand.
3 minutes: Stand.
4 minutes: End the talk, even if unfinished. You will have the option to turn off the microphone.
Announce when there is time for questions and call on attendees.
Step in if a question is inappropriate.
If there are no questions, you may ask one but are not required to.
Do not start talks early, even if a session runs ahead of schedule.
If a talk is cancelled, announce: "The next talk is cancelled; we will resume in 15 minutes" (or in the case of speed talks, “in 5 minutes”).
Nominate outstanding student presentations for the conference prize (further details will be provided in due course to selected moderators).
Pronunciation matters: Confirm and correctly pronounce names, showing respect for all presenters. If you are unsure, ask them beforehand!
Cultural awareness: Be mindful of diverse backgrounds and avoid assumptions about speakers based on their name, appearance, or accent. Treat all presenters with professionalism and respect.
Inclusive language: Use culturally sensitive language and address presenters by their preferred titles or pronouns when applicable.
Active listening: Pay attention to each presentation, acknowledging key points to foster a supportive environment.
Encourage engagement: Facilitate an inclusive Q&A.
Maintain a safe and welcoming space: Step in if any interactions become inappropriate, ensuring that all attendees feel valued and respected throughout the session.
If you have questions, contact us at moderator@si2026.org.
Thank you for your support!
The Sharks International 2026 Team