Everyone loves a good debate -especially if there is a strong sense of an even-handed process facilitated by a skilled moderator, there are opportunities for the audience to get involved in the conversation, AND that they get to vote as to who wins!
1. Opening remarks. The panel moderator opens with a few words about the topic, process and voting procedures. The moderator will then introduce the panelists by name and with a short one or two-line introduction, which can be either humorous or serious. The moderator then calls on the first panelist to begin the debate.
2. First panelist speaks for the proposition for a predetermined period of time (I suggest no more than 4 minutes).
3. The moderator thanks the first panelist and calls upon the next panelist.
4. The second panelist speaks for the opposition for a predetermined time.
5. The moderator thanks the panelist and then opens the debate from the floor. This is the opportunity for the audience to join in the debate. A certain amount of time will be allocated to this and each speech will be limited to an agreed maximum length of time.
6. The moderator ends the floor debate and calls upon the next panelist.
7. The third panelist speaks for the proposition for a predetermined period of time.
8. The moderator thanks the third panelist and calls upon the next panelist.
6. The fourth panelist speaks for the opposition for a predetermined period of time.
7. The moderator thanks the panelist and calls for rebuttal remarks for a predetermined amount of time (typically half of the length of the first round of remarks – if at all. This is an optional step!). Typically, the rebuttals are made by the first and second panelists.
8. The moderator then calls an end to the debate and calls for the voting to begin.
9. Audience votes by a show of hands or another polling procedure.
Sounds pretty simple….as long as you follow the structure without being too draconian! Oh, and there are a few other tidbits you need to be aware of:
Finally, keep in mind that the goal of the debate is to inform AND to win the votes of the audience. This involves more than making the best logical arguments. A few well-placed jokes, anecdotes and flat out pandering to the audience can often win votes and make it more interesting to attend!
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Kristin Arnold, professional panel moderator and high-stakes meeting facilitator, shares her best practices for interactive, interesting, and engaging panel presentations. For more resources like this, or to have Kristin moderate your next panel visit the Powerful Panels official website.