Professional Panel Moderator Kristin Arnold asks Mark Sanborn, leadership keynote speaker, panel moderator, and member of the US Speaker Hall of Fame to share his perspective on bringing the panelists together BEFORE the panel discussion at a meeting, conference, or convention.
Video Transcript
Kristin: Mark, do you ever bring the panelists together to talk with each other prior to the actual panel discussion?
Mark: I have, yeah it’s a well typically if I do that— on site I always try to do that. At least meet and shake hands and say hello. I don’t necessarily think that there is a lot of benefit in a run through other than understanding the logistics of where people are going to sit. But I do occasionally do a conference call. I mean in a way that could save some time because instead of calling, for instance, three different people you get all three people on the call and say what you have to say only once. So, if you can, if time or logistics allow there is certainly no downside into getting the panel together in advance.
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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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