How to balance the role of the panel moderator when the moderator is very familiar with the subject matter during 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 do you balance your role as panel moderator when you are very familiar with the subject matter?
Glenn: You don’t have to have a panel. If you know a whole lot about it, there’s three other people, you might have four people having a discussion or four people having a conversation and it’s like watching The View, or watching one of these talk shows where you have four or five people around the table and it’s a conversation. And that’s pretty much what you do. Talk and everybody else is involved in the conversation and they were actively watching and listening but they have a voice in that conversation. As long as you’re utilizing some type of technology in some way for them to ask questions.
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!