Are you keen about your upcoming panel discussion but feel a little nervous? Do you worry about how you’d respond to the audience, create an engaging experience for them, and keep them involved? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
Being a great panelist takes more than just showing up and sharing your thoughts. It requires preparation, engagement, and a willingness to listen and learn from others.
Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or a first-timer, we have shared some tips to help you make a lasting impression. So, let’s get going!
1. Master Your Subject: Learn the Ins and Outs
As a panelist, you should be well-versed in your topic. This means researching beforehand to speak intelligently and confidently on the subject. Ensure you have a solid understanding of the topic, including its history, current state, and prospects. It will help you answer and provide valuable takeaways to the audience.
However, staying informed isn’t a one-time effort; it is an ongoing commitment. In today’s rapidly evolving world, trends and information change in the blink of an eye. Thus, make it a habit to keep your knowledge up-to-date by following industry news, reading relevant publications, and attending conferences and seminars. This dedication to staying current ensures that your insights remain relevant and helpful.
Being well-prepared also enhances your ability to respond confidently to unexpected questions and address potential issues related to the topic. Thus, we suggest you anticipate difficult questions or opposing viewpoints beforehand and develop strategies for handling them diplomatically and professionally.
2. Follow the Code of Conduct
Imagine that you’re sitting for a discussion with three other members. As you begin to speak, one of them instantly cuts through your viewpoint, bolsters his opinion, and goes on and on about it. The moment you commence again, he repeats the same and doesn’t let you finish.
Now, how would you view that speaker? Will you trust him as professional and credible or look at him as an immature and incompetent individual? Of course, it would be the latter.
Therefore, it is extremely crucial to treat your fellow panelists and audience members with respect and poise. Avoid interrupting others or speaking over them. Listen actively to what others have to say and respond thoughtfully. Being respectful also means being mindful of your gestures, language, and tone of voice.
Rather than using a high pitch or being loud, practice being soft-spoken yet firm, and avoid using slang or informal language. By taking care of the little things, you can create a profound impact and leave a lasting impression.
3. Engage, Interact, and Build a Rapport with the Audience
Engaging is vital to keep your audience invested throughout. Use humor, personal anecdotes, and real-life examples to make your points more relatable and compelling. Remember, it is important to make everybody feel like they are a part of the conversation.
To maintain interactivity, you can seek the audience’s viewpoints and ask them for their take on the topic. By valuing their contributions, you create a more inclusive session that resonates with those attending.
You can also use pre-designed presentation templates with relevant graphics and design elements to engage the audience.
Finally, express your gratitude at the end and thank your fellow members for their valuable contributions and the audience for their attention and participation. Ending on a positive note reinforces the atmosphere that you’ve maintained throughout the discussion.
4. Practice Active Listening
It is said that we listen to what we want to hear and filter through the rest of it. It is an awful habit that can take a toll on your professional career, especially if you are seen practicing it during seminars and sessions.
Thus, make efforts to listen actively and showcase it by using non-verbal cues such as nodding and maintaining eye contact with fellow panelists. Pay close attention to the content of others, make an effort to understand their key points and arguments, and respond more thoughtfully. This way, you can also use what others say as a springboard for your responses.
For instance, if another speaker shares a relevant point or offers a perspective that aligns with your views, acknowledge it and build upon it. This fosters a more collaborative discussion and showcases your ability to engage with others’ ideas.
Encourage balance in the conversation by taking note of quieter panelists and ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute. If you notice a colleague still needs to have the opportunity to speak, you can direct a question or invite their input.
5. Accept and Acknowledge Diverse Opinions
Being open-minded is one of the greatest qualities that you can have during any conversation, and the same goes for public events and seminars. You should listen to the opinions of others and be open to new ideas. Don’t be afraid to interrogate or challenge their views, but do so respectfully and constructively. Being open-minded also means being receptive to feedback, whether it’s from other speakers or the audience.
Well, panel discussions often include individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Embrace this diversity and actively encourage inclusive dialogue. Even though disagreements can arise during such discussions, how you handle them can significantly impact the overall tone of the conversation.
If you are at odds with somebody’s perspective, express your viewpoint positively, using evidence and reasoning to support your stance. Avoid personal attacks or being confrontational. A constructive approach to disagreement demonstrates maturity and credibility.
6. Be Concise and Adhere to the Time Limit
Time is often limited during conferences, so make sure your points are clear and concise. Avoid rambling or going off on tangents. Focus on the central issues of your argument and use simple and easy-to-understand language to convey your message. It will help keep the audience engaged and interested in what you say.
While it’s essential to provide context, avoid delving into excessive detail or unrelated anecdotes that can distract from your main message. Focus on what’s most relevant to the topic at hand and resist the temptation to explore unrelated subtopics.
Prioritize your key points and messages. Identify the most critical takeaways you want the audience to remember and emphasize them. By practicing prioritization, you can make the best use of your allotted time and leave a lasting impact.
Conclusion
To sum it up, being a great panelist requires preparation, engagement, authenticity, and confidence.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make sure that you stand out and add value to any panel discussion. Remember to research the topic, engage with the audience and other speakers, be authentic and genuine, and communicate clearly and confidently.
