How does a panel moderator makes sure the panel stays on topic during a panel discussion at meetings, conferences and conventions? Professional Panel Moderator Kristin Arnold asked this question of Joe Calloway, Business Keynote Speaker, panel moderator, and member of the US Speaker Hall of Fame.
Video Transcript
Kristin: Joe, what do you do to make sure the panel discussion stays on topic?
Joe: Well, you know, the ones I do within that presentations are pretty short. I mean, they’ll be a maximum of 15 minutes. So, you got three people for 15 minutes and I think the trick there is for me to do a good job of moving quickly from one person to another, mixing it up, keeping it on point and me being willing, if somebody starts to wander a little bit, I look for a place to say, “Listen, I love what you’re talking about and this is the perfect place for me to jump to Jerry over here.” In fact, I’ll just shift it back on point because when you’ve got 15 minutes you’ve got to. I mean there’s no choice.
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Kristin Arnold, professional panel moderator, and high stakes meeting facilitator is on a crusade to make all panel discussions informative, interactive, and interesting. Specifically, she wants to help YOU become a better panel moderator. Why? Because 95% of annual meetings have panel discussions – and according to the 2014 Panel Report, it’s a fifty-fifty proposition they are any good at all! Expectations decrease dramatically when your attendees walk in and see the traditional draped head-table with microphones on short stands. There are sooooo many other ways to have a stimulating conversation! So let’s increase the probability of success for your next panel discussion with these resources.
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