How to Push Panelists Beyond Platitudes and Into Practicality
Powerful Panels
A great panel isn’t about vague concepts; it’s about concrete takeaways. As a , it’s my job to make sure the audience gets value, not just verbiage. So, next time you’re moderating and a panelist offers up a fluff-filled response, don’t let it slide. Push for specifics. Your audience will thank you.
info_outline
How NOT to Have a Boring Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
With a bit of intentionality, you can take a panel from ho-hum to the highlight of the conference! Whether you're the panel organizer, moderator, or panelist, you have the power to create an experience where the audience leans in—engaged, entertained, and excited to be in the room.
info_outline
Turn up the Heat with the Hot Seat Challenge in a Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
This hot seat challenge technique is equal parts thrilling and insightful. Watching panelists think fast and answer under pressure makes for an engaging, can’t-look-away moment. It’s a fun way to inject spontaneity while uncovering unfiltered insights at your next panel discussion.
info_outline
Pardon the Interruption: A Fast-Paced Panel Format to Energize Your Discussion
Powerful Panels
The Pardon the Interruption format is an electrifying way to energize panel discussions, ensuring they remain compelling, engaging, and, most importantly, fun! If you’re looking for a way to captivate your audience while covering a breadth of topics, this could be the perfect format to try.
info_outline
The Hot Potato vs. Lightning Round: What’s the Difference (and Which Works Better)?
Powerful Panels
Panel moderators have a variety of tools to keep discussions engaging and lively, but not every format is perfect. Two popular options are the and the —each with strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break them down.
info_outline
Key Characteristics of a Good Panel Discussion Question
Powerful Panels
A good question in a panel discussion stimulates meaningful conversation, draws out valuable insights, and engages both the panelists and the audience.
info_outline
Gamified Polling in a Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
Gamified polling turns passive listeners into active participants by leveraging the natural appeal of games. Done well, it boosts engagement, encourages lively discussion, and fosters community—making your panel the highlight of any event.
info_outline
Seven Steps to Reward the First Questioner in a Panel Discussion
Powerful Panels
The goal is to create a friendly and inviting atmosphere to kick off the audience Q&A. Rewarding the first questioner at the beginning of the Q&A segment of your panel discussion is a great way to inspire great questions for the panelists.
info_outline
Pump UP the Volume The Power of Walk-Up Music for Panels
Powerful Panels
Think back to the last time you attended a concert or sports event. Remember that electric buzz of anticipation as the music started, signaling that something exciting was about to happen? That’s the magic of walk-up music—it sets the stage, stirs up energy, and makes people feel they are part of something special. So, why not bring that spark to your panel discussions? Walk-up music is a simple yet dynamic way to kick things up a notch. Here’s everything you need to know about why, how, and when to use it effectively.
info_outline
Your Biggest Panel Discussion Pet Peeve: 2024 Panel Report Findings
Powerful Panels
In the recently released , we asked about panel discussion pet peeves - and the number one pet peeve should not come as a surprise.
info_outlineThe order in which panelists offer their prepared remarks is a major factor in determining how they will be perceived. While each panelist will be speaking on the same topic, your pre-event meet-up should have ensured that your key points shed a different aspect or point of view in this segment of the program.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages to being the first, last or in the middle.