Fireside Chats with Industry Leaders
I turn high-profile interviews into genuine conversations. By blending deep research with a conversational, bilingual approach, I ensure your key speakers connect directly with the audience.
A key part of successful panel orchestration is the introduction. Here at the Shiprocket Shivir event, I am building up the moment before welcoming Lenskart founder and Shark Tank personality, Mr. Piyush Bansal, to the stage for an insightful fireside chat.
It was an absolute delight to have a candid conversation with cricket icon Virender Sehwag in Jaipur. My fireside chat interview style focuses on making celebrated personalities feel at ease, allowing for genuine and often humorous interactions that audiences love.
Concluding a wonderful fireside chat with Virender Sehwag. A good moderator knows how to gracefully wrap up a session, thank the guest sincerely, and engage the audience one last time, leaving everyone on a high note.
Seated and ready for a conversation at the HSBC Gratitude Gala. For fireside chats, the stage setup is crucial for creating an intimate and conversational atmosphere, allowing for a more personal dialogue with the guest speaker.
A candid moment of interaction with Boman Irani and audience members at the HSBC event. I believe in making my sessions interactive, often moving off the stage to engage directly with the crowd and make them feel like part of the conversation.
A poised moment before beginning the fireside chat at the HSBC Gratitude Gala. Preparation is everything; I always ensure I am settled and focused, ready to guide the conversation and connect with both the speaker and the audience.
About Fireside Chats with Industry Leaders
When I moderate a fireside chat, I don't just read off a list of questions. My process involves 4 to 6 hours of dedicated research into your speaker's industry and background, allowing me to frame questions that get past standard corporate talking points to reveal the person behind the professional profile.
My Approach to Moderation
Every event is different, and I tailor my interview style to suit the room. Whether it is a one-on-one session with a business leader or facilitating a complex panel, I focus on keeping the talk insightful but approachable. I am comfortable switching between formal English for technical content and polite Hindi to build rapport, ensuring the audience feels included regardless of the industry.
Why Prep Matters
I do not believe in winging it. Before I step on stage, I spend hours analyzing the speaker's recent achievements and the specific industry context. For corporate summits and tech conferences, this means I can ask the 'why' and 'how' instead of just the 'what.' This preparation allows me to bridge the gap between complex topics and audience curiosity.
On-Stage Dynamics
I am not a stationary moderator. I believe in active engagement—managing audience Q&A, keeping an eye on the clock to prevent overruns, and sometimes even moving off-stage to engage directly with the crowd. My goal is to create an atmosphere where guests feel safe enough to share stories they wouldn't tell in a standard press interview. From navigating the protocol required at government forums to bringing energy to a startup pitch event, I handle the flow so you can focus on the content.
Manvi Khilnani
I'm Manvi Khilnani. I believe a great moderator knows exactly when to ask a tough question and when to let a funny, candid moment breathe. Whether I’m sitting across from a cricket legend or a CXO, my goal is to make sure your audience walks away feeling like they actually learned something real.
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