Powerful Panels (Kristin Arnold)

The ideal duration of a panel discussion can vary depending on the goals for the event, the panel in particular, the number of panelists, and the audience's expectations.  When deciding on the duration of your next panel discussion consider these factors.

By using these seven strategies, you can overcome writer's block and create thoughtful, engaging questions for your panel discussion.

Depending on how badly the organization wants someone to moderate a panel, you may or may not get paid to moderate a panel, but you can get compensated in some way, shape or fashion! Here's what you need to know. 

The 2024 Panel Report shows that while 70% of organizers say they collect feedback, 60% admit it rarely influences their panel design - if at all. Why does this happen? Why ask if you’re not going to act on it? here are some of the top reasons for this feedback-action gap - and a few ideas to turn it around.

It’s a lovely touch to write and send a thank you letter after a panel discussion.  After all, they have taken the time to prepare some comments and share their expertise with your audience.  If you’re the panel organizer, the least you can do is send a thank you letter to the panel moderator and panelists.  If you’re the panel moderator, consider sending a thank you note to the panelists as well!

As a panel moderator, your words carry a lot of weight. The audience is looking to you to set the tone, guide the discussion, and keep things engaging. But sometimes, even the best-intentioned moderators slip up and say things that can derail the panel.

Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the top things moderators should NEVER say and what to say instead.

Since ChatGPT has hit the headlines pretty hard, I thought I would use artificial intelligence to write this week's blog on "biggest panelist faux pas."

Amazingly enough, here is what ChatGPT answered:

What can a panel moderator do when a panelist has an on-stage, unexpected crisis? Here is how to handle it with grace and professionalism.

When sharing a number(s) with the audience, it is much more than the telling of the number or statistic.  The number(s) is important, but it’s the understanding of the situation, the emotion it generates, and the feeling the audience is left with that really matters.

Although you have been selected to speak candidly about your perspective as a panelist, you may be wondering how to disagree respectfully during a panel discussion. It's bound to come up...you've done your research on your fellow panelists and you know you have differing opinions. Here are a number of strategies on how to disagree respectfully.

It does not happen too often, but you could be the last in line to speak after the other panelists have detailed all of your prepared points. Yes, it is a bit disappointing, but do not despair. Even though your main points have been covered, you still have your own unique examples and a memorable headline to share.

Rather than reiterating what has already been said, try these sentence starters to expand the conversation and provide more insight into the topic.

For my panelists who come from heavily regulated industries (or super vigilant businesses…), you need to super prepare for this panel. You don’t want people to walk away with anything, or worse, fall asleep during the discussion! Here is how to pull it off. 

Handling aggressive behaviors or inappropriate questions during high-tension panel discussions requires a blend of pre-planning, clear guidelines, respectful interventions, and strategic redirection. By adopting these techniques from seasoned moderators and experts, you can maintain a professional and positive atmosphere, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.

Use this "litmus test" for speakers, moderators, and panelists to determine if they are truly inclusive and focused on the audience. 

For the first quarter of 2024, these are the top ten trending topics for panel discussions at business events in priority order based on social media mentions and internet activity. These topics reflect current global concerns and interests, particularly in business, technology, and society at large.

What do you do if you don't have a clear vision for your panel? What if all you have known is the traditional style panel format, how would you even know what else is possible?

Here are nine factors to consider as you clarify your vision for your panel discussion.

After-dinner panels need to be more edutaining – educational/informational/inspirational AND entertaining.

Here are best practices to ensure your after-dinner panel discussion is much more lively, informative, and engaging:

Panelist Definition: A panelist is one among a group of people, typically 3-4 experts or practitioners in the field, who share facts, offer opinions, and respond to audience questions either through questions curated by the moderator or taken from the audience directly either in person, virtually, or remotely. Here is some criteria they should meet. 

In the recently released 2024 Panel Report, we asked about panel discussion pet peeves - and the number one pet peeve should not come as a surprise.

You may end up with a disorganized, lackadaisical moderator who says, "go ahead - sit wherever!"

If that's the case, get there early enough to walk onto the stage and claim the best chair in the house! Place your notes, clipboard, or another piece of personal property on the chair. Here's where you will want to sit.

Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold responds to a comment she received about the audience and the role of a panel discussion.

Ever wonder what to wear on a panel discussion? I do - all the time! The answer is not as simple as it may seem. Although I would love to give you a textbook answer, there are several factors you need to consider first.

Unfortunately, this scenario can happen to a panel moderator: You ask a probing or challenging question to a panelist and .... they got nothin'. They stare at you like a deer in the headlights.

What do you do when a panelist cannot answer your question? Actually, you have several options.

Panel moderators have a variety of tools to keep discussions engaging and lively, but not every format is perfect. Two popular options are the Hot Potato and the Lightning Round—each with strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break them down.

Don’t get me wrong; a compelling title is crucial. It grabs attention and draws in the audience. However, it’s important that the content lives up to the expectations set by that title. Otherwise, you risk leaving your audience feeling shortchanged or misled.

I have always shied away from using little-known facts and statistics during a panel discussion because it just takes more time to prepare. But these days, all it takes is a query into an AI engine such as ChatGPT. So why not dazzle your audience with some facts that they wouldn't otherwise know?

As I coach panelists to prepare for an upcoming panel discussion, there are a dozen common misconceptions about panel discussions that I think we need to clarify. To ensure a successful panel discussion, panelists should be aware of these misconceptions and actively work to avoid them. Effective communication, collaboration, and preparation are key to making panel discussions lively and informative.

A common question I am asked is “Should I practice for a panel discussion?” My pithy response is that it can’t hurt!

Seriously though, you should prepare answers for the questions you think the moderator will ask as well as a few curve balls that you think they might ask! Here's how.

Think back to the last time you attended a concert or sports event. Remember that electric buzz of anticipation as the music started, signaling that something exciting was about to happen? That’s the magic of walk-up music—it sets the stage, stirs up energy, and makes people feel they are part of something special.

So, why not bring that spark to your panel discussions? Walk-up music is a simple yet dynamic way to kick things up a notch. Here’s everything you need to know about why, how, and when to use it effectively.

You do not need permission to “bring fun” to the panel. It is not like a lunchbox where you open the fun up and there it is. The key to having fun on the panel is all about your mindset. If you are having fun, others will have fun with you.

Here are some ideas for you to infuse the panel with fun.

The ideal duration of a panel discussion can vary depending on the goals for the event, the panel in particular, the number of panelists, and the audience's expectations. Here is what to consider.

My colleague, Sarah Michel, used a creative “audience reflection panel format” at a recent conference. It went so well that her client wants her to repeat the format at next year’s conference!

So what’s an audience reflection panel format? Find out here.

Many meeting organizers select a topic, and reach out to a couple of panelists who can talk on the subject. Ask one of them to moderate it and then move on to the next item on the meeting checklist.

Whoa! Not so fast! It IS a fabulous idea to start with a pithy one to three-word "topic" that serves as the major subject of the panel. But don't stop there! Here's how to pick a strong topic, premise, and title for your panel discussion.

As a panel moderator, it is a best practice to use people's names. Everybody likes to hear their name AND it's a great cue for a panelist to know that a question is directed at them. But for goodness sakes, either call ALL the panelists by their first names or ALL the panelists by their official titles! Here's where things went wrong. 

Now that we have talked about what to wear on a panel discussion, let's chat about what to wear on a ZOOM panel discussion (or another videoconferencing platform!)

While the factors to consider when selecting the perfect outfit are the same for in-person as well as participating remotely, there are a few distinct differences that I wanted to highlight. After all, your profile is being projected as a "Hollywood Square" vs. a full view of the entire stage! (Actually, these tips also work for anyone who is a remote panelist as well!)

Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a simple strategy to help panelists feel valued, engaged, and trusted.

While I have some preferences on how to moderate a panel discussion, there is no ONE way. It all depends on the topic, the venue, the panelists, and of course, the moderator’s own personal style.

My best advice is to make ALL of these small choices on behalf of the audience and the promise stated in the program materials. Listen for more. 

With dominating extrovert panelists, what is an introvert to do to stack the odds in their favor?

To answer this question, I called my colleague and author of Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces, Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D, CSP. Here is what she had to say.

Having a standing-room-only crowd for your panel discussion is fabulous - especially if you manage it appropriately! Here is what you will need to keep in mind. 

It happens ALL THE TIME - the dreaded front-row buffer zone.

As your attendees walk into the meeting room, they settle somewhere in the middle, back rows, or even the ends of the rows of chairs.

NO ONE typically sits in the front row..which is a problem.

Here's why it's a problem, and how to fix it.

I was recently asked about how to create an inclusive environment during a panel discussion. It's more than being welcoming and friendly.

Here are nine things you can do to proactively create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

It's possible that you, as a panelist, may not be able to insert yourself into a panel discussion. Perhaps it is because you're an introvert, or you're sitting at the end of a long row of panelists, or you're the outsider and all the other panelists know each other well.

Regardless of the cause, the moderator is not balancing the airtime, and you simply can't get a word in edgewise. Not to worry, here are some easy things to do to insert yourself into a panel discussion.

One of your panelists is missing. The panel is about to start and either they never showed up to the venue or they are now missing in action (MIA). It's easy to freak out. What are you going to do?

When a panelist is missing, you can take several steps to manage the situation effectively.

The 2024 Panel Report reinforces the notion that audiences demand more engagement and interaction. Panels are no longer a passive "lean back and listen" format. Here's what you need to know to get your audience to lean forward and engage.

During one of my coaching sessions with a panel moderator, my client asked, "Can you plan too much for a panel discussion? Seems like there is a lot to do here!"

Fair question. For a novice panel moderator that is true. As you get more comfortable with the role, there is still a bit of prep work, but not as extensive.

So my answer is this . . .

The goal is to create a friendly and inviting atmosphere to kick off the audience Q&A. Rewarding the first questioner at the beginning of the Q&A segment of your panel discussion is a great way to inspire great questions for the panelists.

So what is the optimal placement of a panel discussion in the program of a longer meeting, conference, or convention? The answer depends on what the objective is.

Should you bring the whole script? Read from the teleprompter? Bring some notes? Here is how panel moderators can strategically keep their script onstage. 

You've identified your desired slate of D.E.E.P. panelists and now you need to send them a panel discussion invitation by email (or if you're old school, by postal mail!). To have a comprehensive yet crisp letter, consider including these elements:

Serving as a panelist is a fantastic way to share your expertise, engage with your industry, and build your visibility. To get there, you’ll need a combination of strategic positioning and proactive networking. Here are some general ideas about how to increase your chances as well as some specifics for the questioner, so you can see how you can implement these ideas!

A little worried about your upcoming panel discussion? Here's the good news: Stage fright or presentation anxiety is fairly common for new panel moderators or panelists, manifesting itself with dry mouth, sweaty palms, and an increased heart rate.

Here's even better news: There are specific techniques you can use to reduce that anxiety - and here's twenty-one ways to calm your nerves before a panel discussion.

While there are many (at least 9!) reasons to say “yes” to the invitation to moderate, there are an equal number of reasons to say “no” to an offer to moderate a panel discussion.

So you’ve been asked to be a panelist on a panel discussion and you and your colleagues are wondering, “Why you should be a panelist? Why stick your neck out there?” Here's why. 

Panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares creative ways panelists can promote a book or other product or service tastefully at a panel discussion.

After you have moderated panel discussions for a while, you realize it is simply a matter of time before some “incident” will occur in the middle of your panel discussion.

Everyone knows that S#!T happens – some of which you have control over (your attitude, the structure and format, your questions), and some simply you do not control (stage or technology malfunctions, external disruptions, or acts of God!)

Meeting Planners International (MPI) has done the work to identify potential issues that could happen in a meeting in their Emergency Action Plan. I don’t think you have to go overboard in your planning, you can put a little thought into how you would respond if such an incident occurred.

Just because your panel discussion is over doesn't mean you can't continue the conversation! Events and media consultant Julius Solaris reminded me how important it is to repurpose your panel discussion content.

Use this simple technique for panel discussions to entice your audience to lean into the Q&A segment.

A good question in a panel discussion stimulates meaningful conversation, draws out valuable insights, and engages both the panelists and the audience.

In this day and age, you may be alienating a part of your audience. Why do that? There ARE other ways to address your audience AND use more inclusive language!

Even though you tried to influence the meeting organizers to limit the number of panelists, you might have been unsuccessful. You can't change it. So what do you do when you have too many panelists?

Here's my short list of what to do when you have too many panelists - and can't change the number!

Yes indeed - you can use AI/ChatGPT to prepare for a panel discussion. In this blog post, I will not only give you some ideas on how to use AI/ChatGPT to help prepare for a panel discussion, but I will also share prompts I have used to get the best results. As you query AI/ChatGPT, keep these things in mind.

Promoting the panel discussion is not just the responsibility of the event organizer.  As a panel moderator or as a panelist, you can help promote the panel to a wider audience, encourage them to attend, engage with the attendees, and follow up after the panel discussion is over.

When you start talking about the vision for the panel discussion and what it might look like, you'll see the implications for your choices for the moderator, panelists, structure, format, and logistics.

A few things to consider to personalize your clipboard as a panel moderator for a panel discussion that won't break the bank.

Surprise and impress your meeting organizer by offering to pepper in notices, announcements, and promotions into your panel discussion.

I like to think of a panel discussion in chunks of time or "segments" and allocate the time appropriately.

Let's use an example from this sample script for a panel discussion where the panel is only 45 minutes long.

When considering various formats for an upcoming meeting, consider the advantages and disadvantages of a panel discussion – a live (or recorded), in-person, virtual, or “hybrid” discussion about a specific topic amongst a selected group of experts who share differing perspectives in front of an in-person, virtual, or geographically dispersed audience.

A panel discussion involves more than a panel moderator and panelists. Consider involving these 10 players in a panel discussion:

If you are on a panel with more than 50 people in the audience, chances are you are going to have to use a microphone during a panel discussion. Whether you're a panel moderator or panelist, you'll want to know some tips to use a microphone during a panel discussion.

Perhaps you've been asked to serve as a panelist in an upcoming panel discussion...and you may be wondering, "What do I have to do to be prepared?"

That's a GREAT question, as I have seen too many panelists do absolutely NO preparation.  Okay, they might have read the descriptive email on the flight into the city or briefly chatted with the panel moderator.  I affectionally call this the "show up and throw up strategy," where the panelists think they can get by with sheer brilliance.

Unfortunately, it rarely works that way.  A brilliant, D.E.E.P. panelist is willing to do the work.  And it's really not a huge lift, but can make a huge difference to the audience and their perceived value. Here's what you need to know.

A panel presentation is a more traditional approach to having a panel: The moderator introduces each panelist, does some moderated Q&A with the first panelist, then moves on to the second panelist, etc. I call this format a "presentation style" type of panel. It is clearly not a panel discussion as the panelists are not having a conversation among themselves.

Whereas a panel discussion includes time for the panelists to interact with each other - either from the onset or after the panelists' initial remarks/presentations.

Why does this matter? Find out here.

Far too many panelists DON'T critique themselves and debrief after a panel.

There are some unique instances where the panel moderator should dip their toe into the content to get the conversation on track and back on track. Once a contribution is made, then the moderator should resume the role of facilitator. Here's what you need to know.

Ed Bernacki, Founder of The Idea Factory, shared this unique panel format he calls The Hypothetical Panel Discussion Format. Here is his explanation of the format from his ebook Seven Rules For Designing More Innovative Conferences.

Having a friend or two in the room can be super helpful during a panel discussion. Here are a few ways your friends can help you be successful during a panel discussion.

Congratulations!  You had a good experience being a powerful panelist and want to be invited to participate in more panels. Here are some ideas on how to be invited to participate in more panel discussions:

When the stakes are high and you really need to hit a home run, you’ll want to hire a professional panel moderator to do the following . . .

Here are seven reasons why these three words are the most powerful words to use in a panel discussion.

Sitting properly in a chair during a panel discussion helps you project confidence and earn the audience’s respect.  They will lean in and listen to you when you have a poised presence. 

Here are general tips on how to sit properly in a chair during a panel discussion.

I was recently asked what to do when a panelist's opening comment is a volatile hypothesis - that they hadn't talked about during the planning session.

Other than being surprised, here are some ways to respond to this verbal grenade to maintain control of the conversation and ensure it remains constructive and on track.

The order in which panelists offer their prepared remarks is a major factor in determining how they will be perceived.  While each panelist will be speaking on the same topic, your pre-event meet-up should have ensured that your key points shed a different aspect or point of view in this segment of the program.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages to being the first, last or in the middle.

It annoys me when panelists solely talk to the panel moderator and their fellow panelists - and never address the audience. After all, it is the audience that is benefitting from the panel's wisdom! Why not engage with the audience directly?

You may not be the panel moderator, but you still can involve the audience in small ways.

I highly recommend finishing the panel discussion on a high note with a very clear call to action.  It is this “final thought” that creates clear takeaways for the audience and positions you and your company as a resource.  Here are some things to consider.

Here is my favorite polling platform to use during a panel discussion.

You can also find a more comprehensive list of platforms, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each here.

Panel moderators should ask themselves, "Will anything the panelists prepare make the audience gasp with delight that they didn't know it, surprise that it provided a new insight, or even astonishment that they had not expected or seen it before?"  Here is the G.A.S.P. acronym to help you prepare to make your audience GASP.

I like to get to the panel discussion early - at least an hour or so earlier than the panel’s start time for several reasons. What can you do during that hour? Here's what you need to know.

Concluding or summarizing a panel discussion creatively or artistically can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Here are some engaging ideas.

The thing about “planned spontaneity” during a panel discussion is that it comes across as completely spontaneous to the audience. Here's one talk-show example of how to do something different, unusual…or even spontaneous!

As a panelist in a panel discussion, how do you know you've done a good job? What is the ultimate litmus test of panelist success? Here is something unexpected that you want to achieve.

Back in 2014, I decided to hyper-niche my facilitation skillset into the panel moderation world. Moderating a panel is, quite simply, a very specific type of facilitation.

So what's the difference between moderating and facilitating an event?

At some point during a panel discussion, the panel moderator will turn to the audience and ask for questions.  Most folks call this “Audience Q&A” where the moderator takes questions from the audience via text, question card, open microphone, or Oprah-style, depending on the event.

To facilitate a meaningful audience Q&A session, try these techniques.

I’ll tell you what tips off the audience that the panel moderator is NOT fulfilling their role of being “Neutral & Objective.”

Gamified polling turns passive listeners into active participants by leveraging the natural appeal of games. Done well, it boosts engagement, encourages lively discussion, and fosters community—making your panel the highlight of any event.