Introduction:

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Expert calls have become a go-to method for gathering insights whether you're entering a new market, trying to understand a competitive landscape, or validating a strategy. But once you've decided to speak with experts, another important question comes up:
Should the call be moderated or unmoderated?

It’s not just a format choice it can actually shape the kind of insight you end up with. At Nextyn, we’ve facilitated thousands of these calls, and if there's one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: the way you structure the conversation matters. A lot.

Let’s break down the difference between the two formats, and more importantly, when each one makes the most sense.

First, What’s the Difference?

Moderated expert calls are guided by someone usually a researcher, consultant, or industry expert who steers the conversation, asks follow-ups, and keeps the discussion focused. Think of them as the host of the call.

Unmoderated calls, on the other hand, are more hands-off. The expert is usually given a few guiding questions and left tospeak more freely, without someone actively managing the conversation.

When Moderated Calls Are a Better Fit

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Sometimes, you need more than just surface-level insights. You need structure, follow-up, and a bit of pressure-testing. That’s when a moderated call really shines.

1. When the topic is complex

If you’re diving into a highly technical subject say, regulatory hurdles in MedTech or pricing models in enterprise SaaS you want someone in the room who can steer the conversation intelligently and go deeper when needed.

2. You’re comparing multiple experts

Doing a series of calls and hoping to draw comparisons between them? A moderator helps ensure consistency across interviews, which is key for sound qualitative research.

3. The audience needs clarity

Not everyone reading the output of the call will be an expert. A good moderator can make sure the conversation stays clear, relevant, and avoids going too far into the weeds.

4. You want to get the most out of 30 minutes

Let’s be honest expert calls aren’t cheap. Having a moderator helps you stick to the most important questions, dig deeper where it counts, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

When Unmoderated Calls Work Just Fine

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Not every project needs a fully guided session. In fact, in some situations, unmoderated calls can be quicker, cheaper, and even more insightful.

1. You’re short on time

Need insights... like, yesterday? Unmoderated calls are usually faster to schedule and don’t require a moderator’s time, which can help speed things up.

2. You want raw, unfiltered thoughts

Some experts feel more comfortable without someone asking follow-ups or challenging them. The result? A more open, unfiltered perspective especially useful in early-stage research or exploratory work.

3. The stakes aren’t super high

If it’s a quick check-in to validate a single assumption or understand the basics of a new space, unmoderated calls can give you what you need without overcomplicating things.

So… Which One Should You Choose?

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It really depends on what you’re hoping to get out of the call.

Go with a moderated call if:

• You need structured, deep insight
• You’re comparing multiple experts
• The topic is complex
• You want every minute of the call to count

Choose unmoderated when:

• Time or budget is tight
• You’re still in early exploration

·       You want the expert to speak freely without too much structure

Team Skillset Also Matters:
Another key factor to consider is the experience level of the team conducting the research. If your team is well-versed in asking the right questions and navigating industry jargon, they may be able to extract a lot from unmoderated calls. But if you're working with a generalist team or one that’s new to the subject matter, a moderated format ensures the right follow-ups are asked and key themes aren’t missed. This alignment between internal capabilities and call format is often overlooked but can be the difference between an insightful call and a missed opportunity

At Nextyn, we offer both options and can even help you decide which makes more sense for your specific project. Whether it’s a one-off expert call or part of a larger study, we’ll help you get the most out of every conversation.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between moderated vs unmoderated might seem like a small detail, but it can make a huge difference in the quality and usability of your insights. Think of it as part of your research best practices because how you ask is just as important as what you ask.

Need help planning your next round of expert calls? Or just not sure which format is right? We’ve got you. Reach out to us at Nextyn and we’ll walk you through it.

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