Panel Moderation Technique: The Audience as the Fourth Panelist

During a recent interview with Sarah Michel, VP of Connexity at Velvet Chainsaw Consulting, she mentioned a technique she uses when moderating a panel discussion: The Audience as the Fourth Panelist.

She said, “Make the audience your fourth panelist so you don’t forget about them! You need to be asking them [the audience] a question, just like you asked the other three panelists. After all, without an audience, there is no panel!”

What a brilliant technique to use when planning the format and when moderating a panel discussion. Think about how you are going to engage the audience along with the panelists. Thanks, Sarah!

For a full podcast with Sarah Michel on what makes panel discussions extraordinary at conferences, watch this:

Related Articles:

How to Prepare to Be a Brilliant Panelist

How to Create GREAT Questions for Your Panelists to Answer during Your Panel Discussion

Top Ten Mistakes Panelists Make

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.