that you'd like to share during your panel. Typically, you'll kick it off with welcoming comments, an overview of the process and your role, as well as panelist introductions. There are a few things you can do in order to start a panel discussion. Then, move on to a mini-introduction of each person. Instead, ask a related question, ask for a concrete example, or simply shift gears and ask your other . Audience chats with each other for 15 seconds. In the third row. Start out with an easy question or topic so that they can settle in and relax. There will be an introduction on the panelists and audience, with moderator-curated questions, followed by audience Q&A. Here are the steps you may follow to strengthen your moderating techniques so that you may guide effective and productive discussions: 1. Have a strong moderator . The moderator can also help shape the topic, the questions, and even the outreach materials designed to generate a larger audience. Ideally, your intentions for the panel align with the goals for holding the discussion. A panel discussion IS: The panelists are a group of people typically 3-4 experts or practitioners in the field, who share facts, offer opinions, and responds to audience questions either through questions curated by the moderator or taken from the audience directly. Start strong Create a dynamic opening and let your audience know why they're there. Poll the audience before the panelists even begin. If you're a panelist, go prepared to discuss. A panel discussion- the most frequently used public group discussion format-is a group discussion that takes place before an audience with the purpose of (1) informing the audi- ence about issues ofinterest, (2) solving a problem, or (3) encouraging the audience to eval- uate the pros and cons of a controversial issue. You can be civil but ask aggressive questions on issues that you think they can defend. Get Inspiration From a Popular Movie or TV Show When the time of your panel is almost up, make sure that you close the discussion meaningfully. Once you have a list of potential moderators, it . Here are nine steps that you can follow to plan and facilitate a discussion successfully: 1. Moderator asks the panelists to reveal their "answers" at the same time. Smart people will have showed up with questions, or prepare some as the panel goes on. A panel discussion- the most frequently used public group discussion format-is a group discussion that takes place before an audience with the purpose of (1) informing the audi- ence about issues ofinterest, (2) solving a problem, or (3) encouraging the audience to eval- uate the pros and cons of a controversial issue. 1. As a moderator, you will find in this article tips for two of the most widespread sessions - Q&A sessions and panel discussions - and you will learn how to: Use Slido to address delegates' most burning questions. "Tell me more," you could say, or "What do you mean by that?" or "Can you explain that in . Stories and examples can be real or imagined, as . A moderator introduces speakers. Most of the openers you could use for a non-panel presentation would work perfectly here, too. The easiest way to do this is to use the SpeakerHub search function. 1. Here are my top 10 tips to moderating a lively and informative virtual panel discussion: 1 Prepare. You'll also need to allow 30 seconds to one minute to wrap up the session. 3News Senior Health Correspondent Monica Robins will moderate the discussion: Understanding Addiction, Treatment & Recovery. "Understand" means a couple of things here. Be Amazing at Time Management. A moderator for your panel should be selected before the panelists. Don't be afraid to create controversy. A panel discussion- the most frequently used public group discussion format-is a group discussion that takes place before an audience with the purpose of (1) informing the audi- ence about issues ofinterest, (2) solving a problem, or (3) encouraging the audience to eval- uate the pros and cons of a controversial issue. As a moderator, you control the flow of the discussion. Here are 13 steps to help you plan a successful panel discussion that will generate interest in your event and engage attendees. An event moderator is the master of ceremony of the event. Panelists don't understand the format. If everyone there is invested in the topic and wants to promote it, you'll all have a good . Now you know what you are looking for, here is how to choose: Make a list of potential moderators. Differing perspectives on the same topic usually result in insight conversations. Let's say the event lasts 60 minutes in total, there are 5 panellists and a live audience. Start with prepared panel moderator questions and cover the areas each panelist wants to be asked about, plus any other key topics. Panelists have energizing reactions to their words. Each panellist will generally disagree with others on subjects, but that creates a well-balanced discussion of interesting topics for the broad audience. End on time. Don't make up your mind about the topic. Try a hand gesture which looks like you want to contribute, or look the panelist in the eye and take a deep breath as if you want to say something," advises Kursha. Moderators fulfil a multitude of purposes, including: Get your delegates to participate and learn more. First, some panelists don't understand how panel discussions are fundamentally different from presentations. A short but impactful panel discussion with panel members-the keynoter, main stage presenters, or invited panelists. Panel moderators may be responsible for selecting panelists to participate in the discussion. Panelists include Daniel Lettenberger-Klein, the executive director of . Start by establishing the rules of the conversation. Make sure all of the participants know why the panel has been assembled well in advance, so they have time to prepare. The purpose of the panel is to spark conversations, and sometimes you need a little lighter fuel. Panel discussions are a popular way to present information. Remind them again a few minutes . Intent. QUESTION: Thank you. At the Start of the . Accordingly, as you prepare for your next panel, make a list of all the key points, insights, best practices, etc. If the panel runs overtime, it's the moderator's fault. Use these tips to make your panel discussion well-run, informative for the audience, and a rewarding experience for the panelists and organizers. Don't be afraid to ask tough questions that may push the experts. Know your topic. Introduce the panelists but keep it brief. Moderators play a significant role in the success of a panel discussion. First, find someone who you think will be a good moderator . . So manage your time well, giving adequate time for each section and each panelist. 1. Moderator to identify a panelist, then provide a question that starts with "What If?". Be very realistic about time. Write it on the wall at the start and consider keeping it visible so participants can keep it in mind throughout. Choose The Best Moderator/MC. Give approximately 25 percent of the panel's total time to the Q&A. Too many panelists will negatively affect timing and the liveliness of the discussion (see below on timing). You can easily narrow down this search by selecting the topics on the right hand side. 0:15 SEGMENT ONE - The "What If" Game. When you ask a question, two answers is plenty, unless a third person is dying to jump in. Much like any other event, a panel discussion, too, requires research on the moderator's part. Choose 4 panelists (maybe 5) and no more. So it's essential to pick a specific panel topic to start with and set goals for your virtual event and business. As a panel moderator, asking insightful and interesting questions is one of your biggest responsibilities. You want your audience to know it is . You should prepare a one-minute subject overview and introduction and then allow 30 seconds to introduce each panellist. The panel session typically lasts . To help you facilitate an informative and helpful panel, it's important to prepare yourself properly before the event takes place. Your panel may be trying to present practical solutions to a problem, host a complex, abstract discussion, or provide information on a topic. Do Your Research. It is a very short question, just to ask you, Andrew Crockett, to answer the three questions you gave to the panel. 8.) Choose the right panelists. Prepare your audience: tell the audience from the start if there will be Q&A. (See below for details). 2. A successful panel needs a dedicated amount of time to account for unplanned discussions, key takeaways, and audience question-and-answer sessions. Have members of the audience stand up if they have a Twitter account or have been on a panel before. The panel discussion is a format for panel meetings used as part of an event or conference to moderate the conversation between panel members and viewers/attendees. If you know your podcast's topic inside and out, and are comfortable with recording, the only issue that remains to moderate a panel discussion podcast is to make sure that everyone is relaxed and respectful. Conclude the panel with a brisk question. 5 4 3 2 1 5 4 3 2 1 I am confident that I will . This shows your attentiveness as a panel moderator . If panelists have not yet been selected, round up "DEEP" people who can sufficiently address the topic: Diverse. [Laughter.] Follow these tips to moderate a lively and informative panel discussion: Select, invite and confirm interesting panelists. While the panelists are talkingespecially if there's a part of the panel where panelists deliver prepared remarkslisten very carefully and take notes. Try to take a collaborative role with the event organizer - this is the type of pitfall an experienced moderator can head off at the pass." 8. 1. Panelist will provide a short response (no more than a . 8. Step 1: Prepare the panel in advance. Moderator solicits 'shout-out' words from audience. Rather than field every question . He or she also makes sure the speakers stick to the time and the moderator asks and moderate questions. As the panel moderator, you should have a conversation with each panel member, in advance of the event. Then go back through that list, and for each item write down a concrete story or example you could share to make it "stickier.". 5 4 3 2 1 5 4 3 2 1 I understand what is expected of a panel moderator before, during, and after a discussion. There are a few things you can do to help keep the conversation flowing and flowing well: 1. Keep your eye on the time as a natural flow develops. 4. Make the event speakers and panelists shine. "Temperature" But before we dive into the panel introductions, I want to take the temperature of the room. Talk to the producer or host about why they are having the panel and what they want everyone to get out . Provide a location (virtual, in-person, hybrid) to continue the conversation. Keep the discussion to the point, crisp but not all business-like as it can get boring for the audiences. Lack of time awareness is one of the most common challenges I've seen new panel moderators make. A bad moderator can turn an otherwise engaging conversation into a snooze fest. Get the audience involved early. During this prep session, you have two main goals . The goal isn't to try and trick anyone - it is to get . There will be no audience Q&A. Q&A Style. "Panelists, On the count of three, let's do the big reveal on your words". Then, raise the stakes, probing into more controversial areas. Then raise the stakes, probing into more controversial areas. You do this in order to connect the audience with the topic and the panelists - so the audience understands what's being . Prepare. You raised three questions, but you didn't answer them. Give them a great ROI. Research the topic, the panelists, and the audience beforehand, and consult the meeting chair and planner to learn more about the event format and how much latitude you have to be creative. You can find all of our moderators here. 5 4 3 2 1 5 4 3 2 1 I am able to keep a group focused on the topic at hand. The audience is investing their time and often money. Select interesting panelists. The panel discussion should provide a natural setting in which the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions, evalute replies and make constructive contributions. Prepare yourself for success by organizing the event ahead of time with the help of articles about different types of workshops, how to lead a workshop, and even how to assemble an essential bag of supplies. The right moderator can help with choosing quality panelists that reflect diversity, thoughtfulness and public speaking ability. You can do that by actively listening to the responses of your panelists and building follow-up question to take further on in the discussion. To successfully close a panel discussion, follow these steps: End in a meaningful way by posing a final question to your panelists that appropriately summarizes the discussion. ASSESS YOUR SKILLS AS A MODERATOR Page 4 MODERATE A PANEL DISCUSSION Pre-Project Statement Post-Project 5 4 3 2 1 I am comfortable directing a group conversation. Be sure to perform research that relates to the panel's key topics. End strong Find out how to end with the right questions and answers. You've been asked to moderate a panel discussion and you know the first few moments will make or break the success of the session. 2 Know your platform. Alright, let's get started. Prepare yourself and prepare the panelists, but do not over-prepare them. 1. Encourage panelists not only to answer questions directed at them but also to comment on one another's answers. This one's important enough to mention twice: Be 100% sure you have each panelist's name and company name correct. Give each panelist the chance for closing remarks. When panelists say something interesting, or confusing, you should jump in with a follow-up. For example, the event might focus on the benefits of a new technology service or discuss industry updates. He or she is there to make sure the speakers can do the best job and the audience gets the most out of the day or session. You can begin with an open that sets up the topic, its relevance, and key trends; cites a key problem that your panel will help solve; and/or identifies your panel's goals. Respect and Knowledge Always Outweigh Ego. Whatever the question may be, get the audience involved and interested. A good moderator can elevate a simple sharing session to an active and fascinating dialogue. Ask challenging questions. Start out your panel discussion with an easy question or topic so that they can settle in and relax. Oh, look. #5. We've learned a lot over the years as we've helped organizations make theirs better. . Lastly, as a good moderator it's your job to keep the panelist from going too far in the . Timing guidelines for a great panel discussion. Spend some time ahead of the panel thinking about why the discussion is happening. Identify your intentions. Whenever possible, choose well-known, well-respected panelists to generate excitement about the discussion. This is where you tease the topic and set the expectation that the audience is going to learn something new that could make them more successfulor whatever value proposition the panel discussion will bring to your audience. In this series, we're providing tips for planners, moderators, and paneliststo help you make sure the panel discussions you play a role in will live up to their potential. Panel #fails . Make sure the panel represents the demographic of the audience while ensuring a diversity of opinion and . 2. -Tom Webster, writer, speaker, and panel moderator. The moderator may start the procedure rolling by making a comment or by directing a question to a particular person. This will set the stage for the rest of the event. MR. CROCKETT: This is a good invitation for me to go beyond the moderator's role and speak, which I will promise to do. Figure out the goals of the panel. Professional panels typically have anywhere from two to five people, so try to select a diverse group. Get good resumes or LinkedIn profiles of all panelists to the moderator. moderating an online panel discussion can be a challenge. How many people are in a panel discussion? The moderator and organizers should develop a list of 4-6 pre-event interview questions. That's how you end up with a series of presentations instead of a discussion. Rather, come in with the perspective that you are intensely interested in the topic and want to gain insights by questioning the panelists.