How to Sit Properly in a Chair During a Panel Discussion

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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 across a chair…and he was probably drunk at the time. I don’t think you want to emulate Ted Turner, but how do you sit in a chair properly during a panel discussion? It’s actually an interesting question that most people don’t think about but your audience is judging the book by its cover.

Sitting properly in a chair during a panel discussion helps you project confidence and earn the audience’s respect. They will lean in and listen to you when you have a poised presence.

General Tips on How to Sit Properly in a Chair During a Panel Discussion

Posture: Sit up straight with your back against the chair. Avoid slouching, as it can make you look disengaged or unprofessional. Some chairs/sofas can be quite soft, so avoid sinking into them. Sit towards the edge of the cushion to maintain a more upright posture.
Feet Position: Keep your feet flat on the ground. This helps maintain a stable posture and prevents you from fidgeting. If while placing your feet on the floor and the back of the chair is too far away, ask for a pillow so you don’t slouch back, or just sit tall!
Hands: Rest your hands comfortably on your lap or on the table in front of you. Avoid crossing your arms, as it can come off as defensive or closed off.
Lean Forward Slightly: Leaning forward slightly shows that you are engaged and interested in the conversation. However, avoid leaning too far forward, as it can appear aggressive.
Avoid Fidgeting: Minimize movements such as tapping your fingers, shaking your leg, or playing with objects. This will be distracting to the audience.
Maintain Eye Contact: Look at the audience and your fellow panelists when speaking or listening. (Don’t just look at the panel moderator – this is a panel discussion, not a ping-pong match!)
Smile and Nod: Show that you are listening and engaged by smiling and nodding appropriately. This indicates that you are paying attention and value the contributions of others.
Be Mindful of Your Space: Respect the personal space of your fellow panelists – especially when seated close together!
Attire: Think about what the audience will see directly in front of them (it could very well be your crotch – so I suggest keeping your knees together!) Wear clothing that is comfortable yet professional, free of rips, stains, or holes.

Sitting in a director’s chair or high bar stool during a panel discussion presents unique challenges.

Sturdy Base. Make sure the chair is sturdy and secure before sitting. Wobbly chairs can be distracting and uncomfortable.
Back Support. Sit with your back straight against the backrest. Director chairs often have a canvas back, so ensure it’s taut and provides adequate support.
Feet Position: Keep your feet either on the footrest or crossed at the ankles for stability. Avoid crossing your legs at the knees, as it can throw off your balance. Dangling feet can be uncomfortable and make you feel unstable.
Arm Position. If the chair has armrests, use them to support your arms comfortably. Avoid gripping them tightly, which can convey nervousness. If there are no armrests, let your arms rest naturally in your lap or on the table in front of you.
Posture. Sit upright, but relax your shoulders. Leaning slightly forward can show engagement, but avoid hunching over.
Stability. Keep both feet on the footrest or the ground if possible. Crossing your legs at the ankles can provide additional stability.
Avoid Swiveling. If the bar stool swivels, resist the urge to turn or twist. This can be distracting and give an impression of nervousness.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as confident, professional, and engaged while sitting on any kind of chair or sofa during a panel discussion.

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