Avoid the Circle of Awesomeness During a Panel Discussion

I had to laugh out loud. Adam Spencer recently stated, “The death of great panel discussions is unanimous agreement. Far too many times I’ve seen a group of panellists trapped in what I call ‘the circle of awesome.’ A group of 4 people, each in furious agreement over every topic they are discussing. Effectively 40 minutes of conversation is equivalent to:

‘I think you’re awesome’

‘No, I think YOU’RE awesome‘

‘Wow – maybe we are all just awesome!‘”

Yep, I’ve seen this circle of awesomeness and it drives me insane. Not only among the panelists but with the audience during the Q&A session as well:

Questioner: “Before I get to my question, I just want to thank you for being here. I love your work…I think you’re awesome!”

Panelist: “Ah, gosh, thank you! Thanks so much for your great question! You’re awesome too!”

6 Ways to Avoid the Circle of Awesomeness

Here are six moderator-tested ways to keep your panel discussion out of the echo chamber and into the zone of insight.

1. Encourage Nuanced Disagreement. Spencer suggests you “actively seek out and cultivate respectful disagreement during preparation, encouraging panellists to identify areas where they can add nuance or present alternative viewpoints. Even small differences…can create the intellectual tension that keeps audiences engaged.”
2. Cast for Contrast. Avoid selecting panelists who are too similar. Instead, “cast” your panel with diversity in mind—both demographically and in viewpoint. This means intentionally including:
   • The Sage: Highly credible and wise.
   • The Relator: Someone the audience sees as “one of them.”
   • The Exotic: A unique, outside-the-box perspective.
   • The Wild Card: Unexpected and unpredictable, to keep things interesting.
3. Establish Ground Rules. To keep things crisp and avoid repetitive affirmations:
   • Be additive, not repetitive. If you agree, say so quickly and build on it.
   • No need for everyone to respond to every question.
   • Stay concise. No long backstories—save them for informal chats.
   • Respectful debate encouraged. Generate light, not heat.
4. Choose an Engaging Format. Move beyond traditional formats by trying:
   • Point/Counterpoint – showcasing opposing views intentionally
   • Hot Seats – where panelists must respond spontaneously to audience issues
   • Café Style – informal, conversation-style setups that encourage natural interplay
   • Riff a TV Show – replicating formats like “The View” or “Shark Tank” to inspire panel structure and energy.
   • Segment Driven – you are changing up the format and energy every 6-10 minutes
5. Plan for Intellectual Tension. Create curated questions that tease out divergence:
   • “Some say X, others say Y. What’s your take?”
   • “Is there a counterpoint to that idea?”
   • “Let’s push on that a bit…what might be a downside?”
6. Moderate the Audience Q&A. To prevent the audience from joining the circle of compliments:
   • Seed the first few questions with panel-friendly critique or challenge.
   • Use techniques like rewarding the first questioner, question cards, or online screening tools such as Sli.do to keep things sharp.
   • Use ground rules to get to the question immediately.
   • Politely redirect or summarize overly long “you’re awesome” statements into actual questions.

The Circle of Awesomeness might feel good in the moment, but it’s a trap. If everyone’s agreeing, no one’s learning. Great panels thrive on dynamic, respectful tension that challenges assumptions, invites fresh insights, and keeps the audience leaning in.

So, the next time you’re planning or moderating a panel, don’t settle for safe. Cast with contrast, prep for pushback, and invite the uncomfortable. Because real growth—and real engagement—happens in the space between “You’re awesome!” and “Let’s debate that.”

Related Articles

How to Structure a Panel Discussion

“Turn the Tables” in a Debate-Style Panel Discussion Format

How to Moderate a Panel

For more information about how to moderate a lively & informative panel discussion, check out our free 7-part video series on how to moderate a panel and other resources to help you organize, moderate, or be a panel member.

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