Powerful Panels Blog

October 7, 2024

Sample Panel Agenda to Send to Panelists

I just returned from the Global Speakers Summit in Bali where I moderated a panel with four Global Speaking Fellows (GSF). I thought it went really […]
October 2, 2024
Audience Engagement in a Panel Discussion

Panel Report Recommendation #1: Audience Engagement in a Panel Discussion

The 2024 Panel Report reinforces the notion that audiences demand more engagement and interaction. Panels are no longer a passive “lean back and listen” format. Report […]
September 26, 2024

The 2024 Panel Report: The State of the Panel Discussion

Panel discussions are often a go-to play in events, yet the research I conducted in 2014 found that 63% of panels were rated as just okay […]
September 12, 2024

Panel Discussion RACI Chart: Clarify Roles and Responsibilities

In the soon-to-be-released 2024 Panels Report, we discovered a variety of tasks and decisions involved when you plan/design a panel discussion: We also discovered there is […]
September 4, 2024
Panel Discussion Title

Deliver on Your Panel Discussion Title Promise

I recently came across a panel discussion titled “The Complete Guide to Supporting CFOs – from Initial Recruitment to Achieving Growth Milestones.” My first reaction was, […]
August 21, 2024
Inclusive Language on a Panel Discussion

Litmus Test for Inclusive Language on a Panel Discussion

Moderating a panel discussion is one of the most stressful responsibilities you may have on a stage, especially if you do not moderate routinely. It’s easy […]
August 12, 2024
trending topics for panel discussions Q3 2024

Powerful Panels Top Ten Trending Topics for Panel Discussions – Q3, 2024

For the third quarter of 2024, these are the top ten trending topics for panel discussions at business events in priority order based on social media […]
August 9, 2024
How to Sit Properly in a Chair During a Panel Discussion

How to Sit Properly in a Chair During a Panel Discussion

The very first panel discussion I can remember was back in the late 1970’s with Ted Turner talking about the America’s Cup.  He was weirdly draped […]
July 31, 2024
duration of a panel

What’s the Ideal Duration of a Panel Discussion?

The ideal duration of a panel discussion can vary depending on the goals for the event, the panel in particular, the number of panelists, and the […]
July 16, 2024
Ideal Question to Ask During a Panel Discussion

The Ideal Question to Ask During a Panel Discussion

I am often asked, “What is the ideal question to ask during a panel discussion.” Of course, the answer is, “it depends.” It depends on the […]
July 9, 2024
Overcome Writer's Block

How to Overcome Writer’s Block for Panel Questions

I was recently asked about what to do when the moderator has “writers block” on what questions to ask during a panel discussion. While I have […]
July 2, 2024
panel discussion warm up

Simple Panel Discussion Warm Up

My colleague, Chad Littlefield is on a crusade to create connection before content at meetings. His theory is that we should start with the opportunity to: […]
June 26, 2024
high tension panel discussions

Effective Strategies for Moderators Navigating High-Tension Panel Discussions

Rachel Sheerin, my colleague at the National Speakers Association (NSA) recently asked our Members Only Facebook group, for advice on managing situations “where people are being […]
June 19, 2024
Insert a Panel Discussion within a Speech

How to Insert a Panel Discussion Into a Speech

Many years ago, I was gobsmacked to see CPAE Speaker Hall of Famer Joe Calloway insert a panel discussion in his speech! Wait; What? You can […]
June 11, 2024
get people to sit in the front row

Get People to Sit in the Front Row for a Panel Discussion

It happens ALL THE TIME – the dreaded front-row buffer zone. As your attendees walk into the meeting room, they settle somewhere in the middle, back […]
Contact Us
Skip to content

Our privacy policy has been updated. By clicking, 'I agree,' you consent to the terms therein. I Agree