When you're invited to participate in a panel discussion, it's an excellent opportunity to boost your personal brand, represent your organization, and advance your cause. The key to success lies in preparation, engagement, and delivering value to both the audience and your fellow panelists.
Know The Audience
Get as much information as you can about the attendees. You don't want to assume knowledge that isn't there or provide examples that aren't relevant to their experience.
Ask the organizers about the audience's professional backgrounds, experience levels, and what they hope to gain from the session. This insight will help you tailor your language, choose appropriate examples, and address their specific needs and interests.
Research Your Fellow Panelists
Always familiarize yourself with your co-panelists' names and work. You'll be able to reference their expertise and engage more effectively with them when you understand their perspectives ahead of time.
Review their recent publications, speaking topics, or company initiatives to identify potential areas of agreement or thoughtful disagreement. This preparation allows you to build on their points naturally and create a more dynamic, interconnected discussion.
Prepare Talking Points
The panel is your opportunity to connect with the audience and share a compelling message. While you should answer the moderator's questions directly, ensure you're conveying meaningful ideas. If the event has a theme, incorporate it into your key points.
Develop three to five core messages you want to communicate, regardless of the specific questions asked. Practice transitioning smoothly from any question back to these key points so you stay on message while remaining responsive to the conversation.
Practice A Concise Introduction
Depending on the moderator's style, you may be asked to introduce yourself. Keep it brief but provide enough context for attendees to understand your expertise. Your title and organization name alone aren't sufficient—explain what you do and why it matters.
Craft a 30-second introduction that highlights your most relevant credentials for this particular audience. Practice it until it sounds natural and conversational, not rehearsed.
Memorize Stats or Stories
A compelling statistic or anecdote will help your audience remember your points long after the event ends. Choose data or stories that directly support your main message.
Select one powerful statistic and one memorable story that you can deploy at the right moment to illustrate your expertise or drive home a critical point. Make sure both are current, accurate, and emotionally resonant with your audience.
Engage Your Audience
Reference the audience directly, speak to shared challenges they face, and invite participation through applause or a show of hands. This creates connection and keeps them invested in the conversation. Use inclusive language like "many of you have probably experienced" or "I imagine some of you are thinking."
Simple engagement techniques like asking for a show of hands or requesting applause for a fellow panelist's point can energize the room and make the session feel interactive rather than lecture-like.
Keep It Brief
Nobody appreciates a filibuster. Keep your answers concise so the event stays on schedule, other panelists get their chance to contribute, and the audience has time to ask questions. Aim for responses that are 60-90 seconds long, which gives you time to make a complete point without dominating the conversation. Watch the moderator and other panelists for cues about pacing, and always leave room for others to build on your ideas.
Conclusion
Being an effective panelist is about making a strong first impression, inviting meaningful follow-up conversations, and helping your event hosts deliver engaging programming. Remember the old adage: people will forget what you said, but they'll remember how you made them feel.
When you combine thorough preparation with genuine engagement and respect for your fellow participants, you create value for everyone in the room. The best panelists leave audiences feeling inspired, informed, and eager to continue the conversation long after the event ends.
.png){kind=icon}