When to Hire a Professional Panel Moderator
Powerful Panels
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 . . .
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Can I Get Paid to be a Panel Moderator?
Powerful Panels
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.
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9 Factors to Consider When Organizing Your Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
What do you do if you don't have a 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.
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When to Have a Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
I was chatting with Event Strategist about when to have a panel discussion - and when not to. We both agree that panel discussions can be a powerful format for knowledge sharing, attitude shifting, and building connections. However, to create a truly impactful panel discussion, we need to ask some critical questions FIRST.
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Panel Discussion Recovery Lines What to do When the Unexpected Occurs
Powerful Panels
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 () 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...
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Repurpose Your Panel Discussion Content
Powerful Panels
Just because your panel discussion is over doesn't mean you can't continue the conversation! Events and media consultant reminded me how important it is to repurpose your panel discussion content.
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A Dozen Common Misconceptions about Panel Discussions
Powerful Panels
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.
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Have a Vision for a Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
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.
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Pick a Strong Topic, Premise, and Title for Your Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
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.
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Last In Line To Speak During a Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
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.
info_outlineIt'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.