How to Facilitate a Meaningful Audience Q&A Session During a Panel Discussion
Release Date: 04/06/2023
How Meeting Organizers Can Actually Use Panel Feedback
Powerful Panels
The 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.
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The GASP Litmus Test for Panel Discussion Content
Powerful Panels
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.
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Creative Ways to Summarize a Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
Concluding or summarizing a panel discussion creatively or artistically can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Here are some engaging ideas.
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Panel Report Recommendation #1: Audience Engagement in a Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
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.
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Deliver on Your Panel Discussion Title Promise
Powerful Panels
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.
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Powerful Panels Podcast: Producing Panels
Powerful Panels
Events producer and "Chief Solutions Officer" Tim Woodring shares behind-the-scenes info on how he generates and catalyzes ideas with corporate clients to produce powerful panels. As co-sponsor of the 2024 panel report with Unbridled, he discusses how anyone, any panelist, any moderator, can influence a panel to improve.
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Powerful Panels Podcast: What Makes a Panel Sticky?
Powerful Panels
Meetings and events professional Brian Walter shares how to make panel discussions memorable, brilliant, and buzzworthy! He's talking about strategic questions that help panelists divulge the behind-the-scenes details everyone wants to hear.
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How to Sit Properly in a Chair During a Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
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.
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What's the Ideal Duration of a Panel Discussion?
Powerful Panels
The ideal duration of a panel discussion can vary depending on the goals for the event, the panel in particular, the , and the audience's expectations. Here is what to consider.
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How to Overcome Writer's Block for Panel Questions
Powerful Panels
By using these seven strategies, you can overcome writer's block and create thoughtful, engaging questions for your panel discussion.
info_outlineAt 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.