When hosting a stage event in Discord, the audience cannot speak unless they request permission and a moderator approves it. This feature, called Request to Speak, is controlled by a specific permission setting. Without the correct configuration, audience members may not see the Request to Speak button or moderators may not receive requests. This article explains how to enable and manage the Request to Speak permission for stage audience members in Discord.
Key Takeaways: Setting Up Request to Speak on Stage
- Server Settings > Roles > Manage Permissions > Request to Speak: Enables or disables the ability for audience members to request to speak on stage.
- Stage Channel > Edit Channel > Permissions > Request to Speak: Overrides the role-based permission for a specific stage channel.
- Stage Moderation Buttons (Approve, Deny, Dismiss): Appear for moderators when an audience member requests to speak.
Understanding the Request to Speak Permission
Discord stage channels are designed for presentations, panels, and events where only designated speakers can talk. Audience members watch and listen but cannot speak unless they request permission. The Request to Speak permission controls whether an audience member can request to become a speaker.
This permission is part of the channel permissions system in Discord. It applies to roles and can be set at the server level or overridden for a specific stage channel. By default, the @everyone role does not have Request to Speak enabled. You must grant this permission to the roles that represent your audience.
When a member with the permission requests to speak, all moderators in the stage channel see a notification. Moderators can approve, deny, or dismiss the request. If approved, the member automatically becomes a speaker and can unmute their microphone.
Steps to Enable Request to Speak for Stage Audience
Follow these steps to allow audience members to request to speak in a stage channel. You need the Manage Server or Manage Channels permission to make these changes.
- Open Server Settings
In your Discord server, click the server name at the top-left corner. Select Server Settings from the dropdown menu. - Navigate to Roles
In the left sidebar, click Roles. This page lists all roles in your server. - Select the Audience Role
Click the role that represents your audience, such as @everyone or a custom role like Viewer or Guest. Do not select a moderator role. - Enable Request to Speak Permission
Scroll down to the General Channel Permissions section. Find Request to Speak. Click the green checkmark to enable it. The checkmark turns green when enabled. - Save Changes
Click the Save Changes button at the bottom of the page. The role now has the Request to Speak permission.
Override Permission for a Specific Stage Channel
If you want only one stage channel to allow requests, set the permission at the channel level instead of the server level.
- Right-click the Stage Channel
In your server, right-click the stage channel name. Select Edit Channel from the menu. - Open the Permissions Tab
In the channel settings window, click Permissions in the left sidebar. - Add the Audience Role
If the audience role is not listed, click the plus icon next to Roles/Members. Search for the role and click Add. - Enable Request to Speak
Find Request to Speak in the list. Click the green checkmark to enable it. The channel will use this setting instead of the server default. - Save Changes
Click Save Changes at the bottom. Only this stage channel will allow the audience to request to speak.
If Audience Members Still Cannot Request to Speak
Request to Speak Button Is Missing
If audience members do not see the Request to Speak button, the permission is not enabled for their role. Check that the role has Request to Speak set to the green checkmark. Also verify that no other role with a higher priority has the permission set to the red X. The red X overrides the green checkmark.
Moderators Do Not Receive Requests
Only users with the Mute Members permission in the stage channel receive Request to Speak notifications. Ensure that moderators have the Mute Members permission. Without it, they cannot see or approve requests. To grant Mute Members, go to Server Settings > Roles > select the moderator role > enable Mute Members in the Voice Channel Permissions section.
Approved Members Cannot Speak
After a request is approved, the member becomes a speaker. However, they must manually unmute their microphone. The speaker icon appears next to their name. If they still cannot speak, check that they have not been server-muted by a moderator. A server mute overrides all permissions.
Discord Stage Permissions: Request to Speak vs Speak Permission
| Item | Request to Speak | Speak Permission |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Allows audience to request becoming a speaker | Allows a user to speak immediately without approval |
| Default setting | Disabled for @everyone | Disabled for @everyone |
| Moderator action needed | Yes, moderator must approve each request | No, user can speak immediately |
| Best for | Presentations, panels, Q&A sessions | Small meetings, collaborative discussions |
The Request to Speak permission gives moderators control over who speaks on stage. The Speak permission removes that control and lets anyone with the permission talk at any time. For most stage events, Request to Speak is the safer option to avoid interruptions.
Now you can configure the Request to Speak permission for your stage audience. Test the setting by joining the stage as a regular member and clicking the Request to Speak button. For advanced moderation, consider creating a dedicated moderator role with the Mute Members permission to manage requests efficiently.