No More Panelist Speeches During Panel Discussions!

Harry A. Overstreet, an American educator, first coined the term “panel discussion” in a short article “On the Panel” published in the October, 1934 issue of The Trained Nurse and Hospital Review.  In essence, Overstreet envisioned the panel as a “glorified conversation [with] all the delight of generous give-and-take. And if it is a genuinely good conversation, it sends people away with a warm feeling not only that their own ideas have been clarified but that their understanding of other points of view has been broadened.”

In that article, he emphasized “that no one, under any circumstances, is to rise and make a speech. To do so, he indicates, will be the one unforgivable offense.”

So why is it that the majority of panels have presentations in them?  If a panelist needs to give a speech, then allot that person (or persons)  time on the program before all the panelists assemble on the stage.  Then, when the panel discussion (note the word “discussion” – it’s not “panel presentation”) starts,  the panelists can launch right into the conversation with some well-thought-out questions.

And if someone rises to give a speech, then the moderator should swiftly and firmly intervene by redirecting the conversation to another panelist or out to the audience.

I think Harry had it right.  No more speeches during a panel discussion.  Make it a conversation that everyone can feel good about.  For helpful resources on becoming a better panel moderator and avoiding these unforgivable offenses, check out this step-by-step guide.

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How to Structure a Panel Discussion

How and When to Manage Audience Q&A

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.