Most panels, in-person or virtual, are not done very well. A panel should be a stimulating conversation between individuals who bring passion and different insights on the topic. The audience can become engaged and join the conversation.
Unfortunately, that scenario doesn’t happen often enough. Instead, the panel looks like 4-5 speakers taking turns with the mic, responding to the same soft question down the line.
Here’s the good news — you can still stand out and bring the audience value if you put your heart into the preparation and these seven ideas:
1.) Reach out to your moderator.
Ask the moderator of the panel for a list of questions and find out everything you can about how they plan to run the session. For example, will they call on specific people to answer particular questions, or will everyone take a run at the same question?
2.) Research your other panelists, and connect.
When you learn who will be on the panel with you, research their bios on LinkedIn. A good moderator will schedule a prep call; if not, put one together yourself and gain some comfort with the group.
If you’ve explored the topic in advance, it’s easier to “assign” areas of expertise. Panel discussions are more lively when panelists speak about their areas of expertise.
3.) Prepare like it’s a solo presentation.
Because you’re not responsible for the entire production, it’s tempting to think, “It’s just a panel, and I can wing it.” Then the audience suffers from boring content, and you don’t show up as your best self.
Prepare your comments as though you’re giving a solo presentation. Craft a compelling opening and closing statement, and have 2-3 salient points on hand and stories or examples to support your points.
4.) Keep it concise.
Panels tend to be unwieldy because it’s hard to manage the allotment of time. Some panelists will hog the floor, ramble, and waste time while others wait.
Distinguish yourself by being succinct; the audience will notice and enjoy your comments. Share the floor by asking someone else a good question or throw it back to the moderator. When you answer a question, make a concise point and then stop.
5.) Be energetic and watch your body language.
All eyes are on the panelists throughout the session, and it’s a terrible look if you zone out and start checking your notes while others are speaking. Listen with interest, so don’t repeat comments. Build on the remarks of others.
When you speak, project and smile, and talk to the audience and the other panelists — instead of staying locked on the moderator.
6.) Speak first, if possible.
You may not be able to control this, but try to speak first. If the moderator goes with an open format — “I’d like to hear the panel’s thoughts on the most important trends in American Manufacturing” — then it pays to be ready to jump in with a sturdy comment while others are still formulating. The person who speaks first sets the tone, and the audience is always likely to remember an intelligent opening remark.
7.) Step in on behalf of the audience.
If the panel suffers at the hands of a know-it-all monopolizer, be assertive and step in. You can do this in a calm and commanding way, and the audience will love you for it. For example, “Mark, a point we may be overlooking is…”.
Finally, stick around for questions. After the program, make yourself available to audience members who have questions. New business and new employees can come from speaking events.
Presenting on a panel is not a check-the-box chore at an industry event. If you prepare and get your head right, you can bring value, build trust and widen your influence.
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