We've all attended countless panel events, whether in person or via video conference. Some are riveting, some prove desultory. When you're on the dais, you definitely want to aim for the first category.
Serving as a panelist can be a productive way to broadcast your message. This is especially true if you lack confidence or are new to speaking in public. It gives you a means of getting your feet wet while not having the entirety of the spotlight shining on you at all times.
Bottom Line Outcomes
It is important to realize that panel participation involves more than just showing up and spouting a few words. How can you maximize your results? Let's talk about some of the nuances.
First of all, clarify your role with the event organizer (note the singular; keep your contact regarding expectations and logistics to one person to help you avoid misunderstandings). Get as specific an idea as possible regarding what they want you to talk about.
For instance, if a group asks me to cover public speaking, that's an overly broad topic. Will the audience benefit most from hearing about preparation? Performance? Assessing feedback? Perhaps they prefer that the remarks drill down on a particular aspect of one of those factors. Ask and keep asking until you get a clear picture of the desired topic.
Find out who your fellow panelists will be. Research their backgrounds. Go to their website. Check out their digital media presence. Set an online alert to see if anything about them pops up in the news. Bottom line, you need to determine their level of expertise and whether they support or oppose your stance.
Preparation Counts
When you arrive at the venue — again, either in person or remote — spend a few moments chatting with the other speakers. Are they friendly or do they have the knives out for you? Are they nervous? If so, how can you help assuage them? Are they overly loquacious, indicating that they may hog the microphone, intentionally or not?
A special note about remote events: Sign on early. This gives you time to iron out any technical kinks whether or your end or someone else's. Also, ask the organizer to give panelists a few minutes to warm up before they open the waiting room and allow the audience to spill into the event. The audience doesn't need to witness what goes on behind the curtain.
Do the best you can to start on time. Many organizers think it considerate to "give people a few minutes to log in" (if I hear that one more time, I am going to scream; I'll remember to mute my microphone). That is exactly the wrong attitude. It's considerate to start at the agreed upon time and not to punish those who sign on promptly. You may not be able to control when you start, but planting the thought in the moderator's ear ahead of time might help.
Get the Lay of the Land
Gain an understanding of the format. Are you expected to offer some baseline remarks? If so, how long should they be? And it never hurts to ask the moderator what they plan to do if someone overshoots their allotted time. While you may not be able to diplomatically do much about it the day of the event, mentioning it in advance might help goad the moderator into action.
Prepare yourself for questions, and inquire whether the moderator will read them or allow audience members to speak. As part of your preparations, game out what questions might arise and which part of your message best addresses each one.
Neither dominate nor disappear during the Q&A phase. You don't want to be seen as a bloviating hog or a shrinking violet. Say what you want to say, say it concisely, then allow the conversation to move on.
If you find yourself at loggerheads with a fellow panelist, use the good manners mom taught you. It's fine to disagree. Indeed, that can spark some insightful discussions. Keep in mind you're there to get across your point of view, so don't hesitate to be firm. Just do so in a civil manner.
Take advantage of these ideas the next time you serve on a panel. It can be a good means of getting your message out to your desired audience.
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