When should the panel discussion be on the main stage of an event during a meeting, conference, or convention? Professional panel moderator, Kristin Arnold asked this question of Kate Delaney, Emmy Award-winning journalist and America’s #1 female sports commentator and talk show host.
Video Transcript
Kristin: Kate, when do you think it is appropriate to have a panel discussion on the main stage versus the more traditional format?
Kate: So if the content is relevant to the group I think that it’s good to have it on the main stage, but to try to at least control a few of the things. Have the right seats so it’s not ridiculous. And if somebody is a runaway panelist where they’re dominating, then as the facilitator being able to politely cut them off. And I know any of you listening have probably dealt with that because you don’t want that either, then you don’t get to hear everybody else.
If you get the right facilitator, the right people, ooh, that is…you could pull that out, that is good stuff.
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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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