LEARN ABOUT THE PANEL DISCUSSION

Panel discussions at conferences are a useful way to trigger an exchange of viewpoints among experts, either with prepared statements or in response to questions from the audience. Because they involve on-the-spot interaction, they are more difficult to prepare for than presentations. Because they may involve divergence of viewpoints and possibly competition for speaking time, they are also more difficult to manage than the normal questions at the end of a presentation. For the same reasons, they are more challenging to moderate than a regular conference session.

Preparing for the panel

Figure out the goals of the panel. Make sure all of the participants know why the panel has been assembled well in advance, so they have time to prepare. Your panel may be trying to present practical solutions to a problem, host a complex, abstract discussion, or provide information on a topic. Let the panelists know whether the panel is a basic introduction to the topic, or whether they can expect the audience to be fairly well-informed and looking for more advanced advice or nuanced perspectives.

Decide how long the panel should last. For most panels, especially those taking place at a conference or other larger event, 45–60 minutes is the recommended length of time.[6] If the panel is a standalone event, or if it covers a particularly important and popular topic, a 90 minute panel may be appropriate.

Introduce the panelists to each other in advance. Have the panelists meet in person or attend a conference call together, a week or more in advance of the panel. Describe the format of the panel to them, and give them a chance to talk briefly. They may briefly determine who should field questions on which topic, but don't give them the specific questions in advance.

Try to avoid visual presentations. Unless absolutely necessary for the topic, avoid PowerPoint presentations and slides. They tend to slow down the discussion, keep audience involvement low, and often bore the listeners. Use a small number of slides, and only when information or diagrams need to be presented that cannot easily be explained in words alone.

Participating in the discussion

During the discussion itself, follow the moderator's instructions. As a rule, speak only when invited to, but feel free to give signals to the moderator when you would like to contribute to the discussion. When you are speaking, keep it short: A panel discussion is about exchanges, not monologues. Make explicit links to what other panelists have said whenever you add to or disagree with their contributions. When you are not speaking, listen attentively to what others are saying: Make written or mental notes. As much as possible, be a member of the team: Strive to advance the discussion, not your own interests.

Happy Learning!

Anamika Gupta

IAAN