How do you get your panelists to spill their secrets in a compelling way? Ask your question in such a way that rather than just giving an answer, they are compelled to answer in the form of a story or an anecdote.
For example, you can ask a question like:
When you ask a “story-question” correctly, the panelist can’t do anything BUT tell you a story about the time when they……
And a smart panel moderator will ask great follow-up questions to tease out the subtleties that the audience is craving.
What’s even better is that because the panelist shared a real-world story, we’ve got a bit of vulnerability creeping onto the stage. And with that vulnerability, the audience sees the panelist as a human, sees themselves reflected in the story, and likes the panel even more!
Turn your panelists into a hero by asking a “story-question” during your next panel discussion.
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Your First Question Could Ruin a Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion Tip #148 with Joe Calloway: Giving the Panelists a List of Questions
Use the “Card Swap” to Create Intriguing Audience Questions
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.