Pop the Cork Technique for Audience Q&A

I just inhaled Chip and Dan Heath’s new book: The Power of Moments: Why Certain Moments Have Extraordinary Impact – primarily for the insights into our ability to create magical moments for our customers, our colleagues, friends and family (you can read my review here).

Oddly enough, I found a word of wisdom for panel moderators when conducting audience Q&A, particularly within a corporate setting where everyone in the audience works with each other. “When we have meetings, I typically have a ‘plant’ in the audience and give them a tough question to ask,” he said.

It’s always a question we know people are asking and talking about but afraid to actually bring to leadership.  I do this to ‘pop the cork’ and show that it’s safe.

He’s right to be concerned about people staying silent: One study found that 85% of workers felt “unable to raise an issue or concern to their bosses even though they felt the issue was important.”

So get the conversation started by planting a great, provocative question with someone in the audience.

Related Articles:

Powerful Panel Discussion Tip #108 with Joe Calloway: What to Do With a Panelist Who Won’t Shut Up

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

“Turn the Tables” in a Debate-Style Panel Discussion Format

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.