You know the drill. Four panelists. They move down the line and introduce themselves. They use their PowerPoint crutches. And 45 minutes later it's on to the next. Pile these up hour after hour and you’ve got a recipe for tedium. But how do you shake things up without seeming contrived?
The First 60 Seconds
The first 60 seconds of your panel are the hardest. Nail the first 60 and you’re legit. So make those 60 seconds about surprise and delight. Here are a few suggestions:
- Start with a single question to your panelists to be answered in a snap that makes for a conversation, not a recitation. For example: “In one sentence tell us your hope for the next decade.”
- Start with an audience quiz or poll. What amazing fact wouldn’t they ever guess about your subject matter? (For us recently it was a question from AARP’s Rick Robinson that asked, “If the 50-plus population in the U.S. were a country, it would be the world’s ___ largest economy.” (Answer: 3rd). Or ask their general sentiment about a topic. Then tell them that
you’re about to change their preconceptions.
- Start with a prop or photo and ask the audience “do you know what this is?”
- Start with a personal story. This is very TED-ish. Almost every TED Talk draws you into the speaker’s head with a personal vignette.
Own the Narrative
A strong narrative can keep the audience engaged for the entire panel.
- A moderator can and should explain why they’ve curated the panel a certain way For example, ”Jim can provide the background research, Jane shows you how this is applied to real life, and Susan looks at the future.” It shows you’ve thought hard about the story.
- Set a limit on the number of slides your panelists can use (and set a time limit for videos, too). Remind them to start planning with their brains, not their screens.
- Don’t ask each panelist the same question and run down the line. Tailor the question to let each point of view shine.
- Play the speakers off of each other. “Jimmy just said this. Jane, what do you think of that?” This approach is conversational and shows that you’re listening and thinking in real time. Don’t be afraid to have your panelists banter back and forth. Moderators should always be ready with questions and objections to a panelist's statement.
- It’s ok to check in with the audience during a panel. Not with just “are there any questions” but perhaps a show of hands or a “Let’s hear a yea or nay for Jim’s ideas.” It’ll wake them up and let them become participants. You are working with them.
And remember, if you’re planning an entire day of panels, vary the cadence: short one-on-ones, audience AMA (Ask Me Anything), a 15-minute keynote, or a 30-minute 3-person panel. The more varied your timing the more surprise and delight. |
