I’m amazed at how many do so little preparation ahead of appearing as part of a panel discussion. Little wonder ‘panels’ are frequently flat, uninspiring or frankly boring.
At first glance appearing on a panel may feel easier than delivering a presentation or giving a speech alone.
But there are multiple moving parts and external factors you need to prepare for if your appearance is to be a success.
Here is a checklist to make sure you do yourself justice and help to make the panel a souring success not a flat failure.
1. Make contact with the moderator
Any half-decent moderator will have a carefully curated set of questions to help ‘script’ your panel discussion. If they don’t already, here is your chance to help them do their job well making your job easier at the same time. It is always easier to deal with questions from someone you know so time invested now will pay dividends later.
2. Look up your fellow panellists
Don’t view a panel as a competition. You want to shine (and people to notice you) but do this by understanding the agendas, views and backgrounds of other panellists. Being ready to build on what they say rather than seeking to demolish them will provide opportunities galore for you to get your points across.
3. Know who YOUR audience is
There are the people sat in front of you watching you perform but within this group may be just a handful who can help your business to achieve your aims. Be clear on who these key people are and what action you want to inspire – this will inform how you prepare your talking points.
4. Jot down in one sentence how you want to be remembered after the panel by your audience
In a panel discussion lasting 45 minutes you may only have time to speak for 6-7 minutes after introductions and other fillers. By being clear on how you want to connect with your audience you can begin to properly plan your performance.
5. Research statistics
As you have made contact with the moderator and know what questions are coming you can hunt out the key stats that will back up your opinions and point of view. Some people are naturally persuaded by data and logic. Being on top of detail like this adds credibility in the eyes of everyone else.
6. Prepare stories
Stories do not need to be long. Indeed, a story can be just six words short. Think tabloid not broadsheet as your time is finite. Stories connect with people and bring your arguments to life just make sure they are relevant to the audience in the room as well as your key audience.
7. Brevity is your friend
Never look to dominate a discussion. You are unlikely to come across as an intelligent source of knowledge but instead look like some kind of emotional intelligence deficient know-it-all if you hog the mic. By preparing properly for the discussion there should be no need to be verbose.
Follow these seven simple steps you increase the chances of being the star of a superbly engaging panel discussion.