Powerful Panels

This podcast is full of tips and techniques to help moderators and panelists be absolutely brilliant during panel discussions at meetings, conferences and conventions.

Pick a Strong Topic, Premise, and Title for Your Panel Discussion 09/19/2023

Pick a Strong Topic, Premise, and Title for Your Panel Discussion 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. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/28071735

Last In Line To Speak During a Panel Discussion 09/18/2023

Last In Line To Speak During a Panel Discussion 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. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/28070871

Powerful Panels Podcast: National Speakers Association Panel Success 08/29/2023

Powerful Panels Podcast: National Speakers Association Panel Success Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold interviews strategic leadership advisor Liz Weber on her standout job as a panel moderator on a jam-packed success of a panel discussion at the National Speakers Association conference. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/27883863

How to Create an Inclusive Environment During a Panel Discussion 08/28/2023

How to Create an Inclusive Environment During a Panel Discussion I was recently asked about how to create an inclusive environment during a panel discussion. It's more than being welcoming and friendly. Here are nine things you can do to proactively create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/27554439

The Hypothetical Panel Discussion Format 08/14/2023

The Hypothetical Panel Discussion Format Ed Bernacki, Founder of The Idea Factory, shared this unique panel format he calls The Hypothetical Panel Discussion Format. Here is his explanation of the format from his ebook . /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/27553398

How to be a Panelist in a Panel Discussion More Frequently 08/07/2023

How to be a Panelist in a Panel Discussion More Frequently Far too many panelists DON'T critique themselves and debrief after a panel. Here is the work you need to do to help you be a panelist on a panel discussion more frequently. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/27553158

Change Your Mindset: Have Fun on a Panel Discussion 06/22/2023

Change Your Mindset: Have Fun on a Panel Discussion You do not need permission to “bring fun” to the panel. It is not like a lunchbox where you open the fun up and there it is. The key to having fun on the panel is all about your mindset. If you are having fun, others will have fun with you. Here are some ideas for you to infuse the panel with fun. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/27238854

Planned Spontaneity During a Panel Discussion 06/21/2023

Planned Spontaneity During a Panel Discussion The thing about “planned spontaneity” during a panel discussion is that it comes across as completely spontaneous to the audience. Here's one talk-show example of how to do something different, unusual…or even spontaneous! /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/26993571

The He Said, She Said Panel Format 06/08/2023

The He Said, She Said Panel Format During the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers () Convention last December, the two convention chairs organized a highly unique (and funny!) panel that galvanized the audience. The "He said, She said" format is particularly effective when you have a topic where there is no right answer. For example, in the speaking industry, there are myriad ways to run your business and just because it works for one person, doesn't mean it works for all. Here's how it works. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/27081450

How to Get Invited to be on More Panels 05/30/2023

How to Get Invited to be on More Panels Congratulations! You had a good experience being a powerful panelist and want to be invited to participate in more panels. Here are some ideas on how to be invited to participate in more panel discussions: /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/26993127

Get to the Panel Discussion Early 05/29/2023

Get to the Panel Discussion Early I like to get to the panel discussion early - at least an hour or so earlier than the panel’s start time for several reasons. What can you do during that hour? Here's what you need to know. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/26981337

Invite a Friend to Your Panel Discussion 05/11/2023

Invite a Friend to Your Panel Discussion Having a friend or two in the room can be super helpful during a panel discussion. Here are a few ways your friends can help you be successful during a panel discussion. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/26815101

Panelist Speaking Order Advantages & Disadvantages 05/10/2023

Panelist Speaking Order Advantages & Disadvantages The 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. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/26805120

Can an Introvert Be a Good Panelist? 05/10/2023

Can an Introvert Be a Good Panelist? With dominating extrovert panelists, what is an introvert to do to stack the odds in their favor? To answer this question, I called my colleague and author of Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces, . Here is what she had to say. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/26792844

The Last Question of a Panel Discussion 04/13/2023

The Last Question of a Panel Discussion I highly recommend finishing the panel discussion on a high note with a very clear call to action. It is this “final thought” that creates clear takeaways for the audience and positions you and your company as a resource. Here are some things to consider. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/26479533

How Panelists Can Help With Promoting the Panel Discussion 04/07/2023

How Panelists Can Help With Promoting the Panel Discussion Promoting the panel discussion is not just the responsibility of the event organizer. As a panel moderator or as a panelist, you can help promote the panel to a wider audience, encourage them to attend, engage with the attendees, and after the panel discussion is over. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/26477751

How to Facilitate a Meaningful Audience Q&A Session During a Panel Discussion 04/06/2023

How to Facilitate a Meaningful Audience Q&A Session During a Panel Discussion At some point during a panel discussion, the panel moderator will turn to the audience and ask for questions. Most folks call this “” where the moderator takes questions from the audience via text, , open , or , depending on the event. To facilitate a meaningful audience Q&A session, try these techniques. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/26470293

ChatGPT's Answer to Panelist Faux Pas 03/13/2023

ChatGPT's Answer to Panelist Faux Pas Since has hit the headlines pretty hard, I thought I would use artificial intelligence to write this week's blog on "biggest panelist faux pas." Amazingly enough, here is what ChatGPT answered: /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/26122665

Panelists - Don't Forget to Keep the Audience In Mind 03/06/2023

Panelists - Don't Forget to Keep the Audience In Mind It annoys me when panelists solely talk to the panel moderator and their fellow panelists - and never address the audience. After all, it is the audience that is benefitting from the panel's wisdom! Why not engage with the audience directly? You may not be the panel moderator, but you still can involve the audience in small ways. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/26122164

Blatant Gender Bias at a Davos Economic Summit Panel Discussion 03/03/2023

Blatant Gender Bias at a Davos Economic Summit Panel Discussion As a panel moderator, it is a best practice to . Everybody likes to hear their name AND it's a great cue for a panelist to know that a question is directed at them. But for goodness sakes, either call ALL the panelists by their first names or ALL the panelists by their official titles! Here's where things went wrong. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/26121753

Prepare to be a Brilliant Panelist with these Steps 02/20/2023

Prepare to be a Brilliant Panelist with these Steps Perhaps you've been asked to serve as a panelist in an upcoming panel discussion...and you may be wondering, "What do I have to do to be prepared?" That's a GREAT question, as I have seen too many panelists do absolutely NO preparation. Okay, they might have read the descriptive email on the flight into the city or briefly chatted with the panel moderator. I affectionally call this the "show up and throw up strategy," where the panelists think they can get by with sheer brilliance. Unfortunately, it rarely works that way. A brilliant, panelist is willing to do the work. And it's really not a huge lift, but can make a huge difference to the audience and their perceived value. Here's what you need to know. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/25740642

Should I Practice for a Panel Discussion? 01/26/2023

Should I Practice for a Panel Discussion? A common question I am asked is “Should I practice for a panel discussion?” My pithy response is that it can’t hurt! Seriously though, you should for the questions you think the moderator will ask as well as a few curve balls that you think they might ask! Here's how. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/25740231

Where to Sit as a Panelist During a Panel Discussion 01/05/2023

Where to Sit as a Panelist During a Panel Discussion You may end up with a disorganized, lackadaisical moderator who says, "go ahead - sit wherever!" If that's the case, get there early enough to walk onto the stage and claim the best chair in the house! Place your notes, clipboard, or another piece of personal property on the chair. Here's where you will want to sit. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/25304790

Panelist Preparation in Regulated Industries 12/20/2022

Panelist Preparation in Regulated Industries For my panelists who come from heavily regulated industries (or super vigilant businesses…), you need to super prepare for this panel. You don’t want people to walk away with anything, or worse, fall asleep during the discussion! Here is how to pull it off. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/25304571

Difference between a Panel Presentation and a Panel Discussion 12/12/2022

Difference between a Panel Presentation and a Panel Discussion A panel presentation is a more traditional approach to having a panel: The moderator introduces each panelist, does some moderated with the first panelist, then moves on to the second panelist, etc. I call this a "presentation style" type of panel. It is clearly not a panel discussion as the panelists are not having a conversation among themselves. Whereas a panel discussion includes time for the panelists to interact with each other - either from the onset or after the panelists' initial remarks/presentations. Why does this matter? Find out here. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/25304379

Insert Yourself into a Panel Discussion 12/01/2022

Insert Yourself into a Panel Discussion It'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 , 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. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/25190490

Tips to Use a Microphone During a Panel Discussion 11/29/2022

Tips to Use a Microphone During a Panel Discussion If you are on a panel with more than 50 people in the audience, chances are you are going to have to use a microphone during a panel discussion. Whether you're a panel moderator or panelist, you'll want to know some tips to use a microphone during a panel discussion. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/25154982

21 Ways to Calm Your Nerves Before a Panel Discussion 11/28/2022

21 Ways to Calm Your Nerves Before a Panel Discussion A little worried about your upcoming panel discussion? Here's the good news: Stage fright or presentation anxiety is fairly common for new panel moderators or panelists, manifesting itself with dry mouth, sweaty palms, and an increased heart rate. Here's even better news: There are specific techniques you can use to reduce that anxiety - and here's twenty-one ways to calm your nerves before a panel discussion. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/25154490

When to Have a Panel Discussion 10/28/2022

When to Have a Panel Discussion So what is the optimal placement of a panel discussion in the program of a longer meeting, conference, or convention? The answer depends on what the objective is. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/24835827

Audience Reflection Panel Format 10/28/2022

Audience Reflection Panel Format My colleague, , used a creative “audience reflection panel format” at a recent conference. It went so well that her client wants her to repeat the format at next year’s conference! So what’s an audience reflection panel format? Find out here. /episode/index/show/powerfulpanels/id/24835761

Powerful Panels

TOPICS