When should a moderator contribute his/her own content during a panel discussion at meetings, conferences, and conventions? Professional Panel Moderator Kristin Arnold asked this question of the late Warren Evans, professional speaker, futurist and member of the Canadian Speaker Hall of Fame.
Video Transcript
Kristin: Warren, as a panel moderator, do you ever contribute your own content to the discussion?
Warren: I will contribute in a couple of situations. One is when I have something very, very specific to add that I think is of terrific value for that audience to know, whether it’s a piece of history, a piece of information, or perspective that I know they’re not going to get from anywhere else on there. And the other, of course, is when the panelists just slowly run out of gas. We get the clutch in; we hit a flat stretch of ground here. We’re just slowly wondering when the next caffeine hit’s going to come, then I will jump in partly just to stir things up and make it interesting.
Looking for More?
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.
And, you can always go back to the playlist for more Powerful Panel Discussion Tips!
