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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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_outlineI was recently asked what to do when a panelist's opening comment is a volatile hypothesis - that they hadn't talked about during the planning session.
Other than being surprised, here are some ways to respond to this verbal grenade to maintain control of the conversation and ensure it remains constructive and on track.