How important is it to have diverse panelists on a panel discussion at meetings, conferences, and conventions? Professional Panel Moderator Kristin Arnold asks Glenn Thayer, Master of Ceremonies and conference moderator to share his perspective.
Video Transcript
Kristin: Glenn, how important is it that the panelists are visually diverse?
Glenn: Or perspective. Because sometimes people get caught up in the diversity and go, “We’ll need to have a woman. We need people of color. We need people that are different ethnicities,” and I’m like, “No, no, not necessarily. You need different perspective.” And a lot of times, many many times, that perspective is either ethnic or it’s gender, I mean there may be other perspectives depending on the topic you’re talking about. If you’re talking something like technology, Okay, great you do need the diversity if you’re able to have it. You also need that diversity of perspective. I think that is what’s key.
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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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