10 Question Discussion Guide for the Book: 123 Ways to Add Pizazz to a Panel Discussion

Readers: Erin Albert, creative pharmacist, author, attorney, and edutainer posted this on LinkedIn and I thought it was brilliant!  With her permission, I am sharing this 10 Question Discussion Guide for my new book, 123 Ways to Add Pizazz to a Panel Discussion.  Thanks Erin, for sharing it with us!

When Kristin reached out to me to include one of my own tips – I frankly forgot that I wrote it. I typically find panels B-O-R-I-N-G, but if you read this book and employ some of the author’s strategies, you can have an unforgettable panel, including VIRTUAL panels, which we’re all going through STILL TO THIS DAY. (Can you hear me now?!? LOL!)

1 – Before you even read this book – think back to a handful of recent panels you’ve attended. Virtual and/or live.

• What was the BEST live panel? Why? _________________________________
• What was the BEST virtual panel? Why? _______________________________

2 – Think back to the bad ones too: why did they suck? _____________________________

3 – Now, tear into the book. It is laid out in 4 parts: 1. Prepping a panel, 2. Moderating a panel, 3. Keeping the audience interested and 4. Virtual panels. I actually hopped around when I read the book to areas that I saw needing improvement in panels of late I’ve watched.

• What is your favorite tip in each of the 4 sections? Why? ___________________

4 – What is ONE strategy or tactic you’d like to try in your next panel session? Why? ____________________________________________________________________________

5  – My favorite tip for right now is #122. If you like it too, who could you partner with on it and make it happen? _____________________________________________________

6 – On my personal tip, I had to find a custom vendor. But think about it: what memorable item could you customize and provide to participants? Panelists? Would it work in a virtual panel? If so, what could you use? ______________________________________

7 – To me, the most important section of the book was #3. Think of the audience as the final panelist. How might you engage them in the meeting? (Hint tips 98 & 99.)

8 – Download the bonus materials – which checklist will you use for your next panel?

9 – What is the NEXT panel event you’re attending? Note your favorite tips and see if the panel organizers make it happen – what worked? What did not? ___________________

10 – The hardest job in the room is the moderator. How can you be a better moderator with the tips here? __________________________________________________________

If you would like to download this guide or share it, here’s the link!