Insert Yourself into a Panel Discussion
Insert Yourself into a Panel Discussion
November 1, 2022
Where to Sit as a Panelist
Where to Sit as a Panelist During a Panel Discussion
November 23, 2022
Difference between a Panel Presentation and a Panel Discussion

I used to think the term “panel discussion” was synonymous with “panel presentation.” After all, most people use the terms interchangeably. While the word “panel” unites them, (see definition of a panel here), they are two distinctly different approaches to a session that has a group of experts sharing their wisdom.

podcast

So what’s the difference between a panel presentation and a panel discussion?

A panel presentation is a more traditional approach to having a panel: The moderator introduces each panelist, does some moderated Q&A with the first panelist, then moves on to the second panelist, etc. I call this format a “presentation style” type of panel. It is clearly not a panel discussion as the panelists are not having a conversation among themselves.

Whereas a panel discussion includes time for the panelists to interact with each other – either from the onset or after the panelists’ initial remarks/presentations.

Why does this matter? A recent coaching client was asked to be a panelist in a panel discussion – only to find out in the panel meet-up that there was not going to be any discussion between panelists. No audience Q&A. Nothing. Nada.

He sounded disappointed. Why not give him a speaking slot to present his ideas rather than having a panel discussion?

Related Articles

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Panel Discussion

Difference Between Moderating and Facilitating an Event

Reasons to Say “No” to an Offer to Moderate a Panel Discussion


For more information about how to moderate a lively & informative leadership 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.

Share This:
Kristin ArnoldKristin Arnold
KRISTIN ARNOLD, MBA, CSP, CPF|Master has been facilitating meaningful conversations between executives and managers to make better decisions and achieve extraordinary results for 25+ years. She's a leading authority on moderating panel discussions and passionate about finding the perfect olive to complement a vodka martini.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Contact Us
Skip to content

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