“How do you like to share information when you know a lot about the topic during a panel discussion at meetings, conferences and conventions?” Professional Panel Moderator Kristin Arnold asked this question of Joe Calloway, Business Keynote Speaker, panel moderator, and member of the US Speaker Hall of Fame.
Video Transcript
Kristin: Joe, as a panel moderator, do you share information if you know a lot about that topic?
Joe: I’ve had my shot usually when I’m doing my presentation. Now, it’s their turn and I want them to be the stars of the panel, not me. Now, what I will do is, for example, a panelist makes a point about something she’s done that’s been very effective and I’ll say, “Kristin, remember 20 minutes ago when we were talking about Zappos? Zappos does exactly what you were just saying. It’s a big deal with them, so yeah, that’s a great idea.” Okay, so I might throw in just a little bit to blend in with, to help substantiate, or just to add a little outside color commentary to something the panelist just said, but when it’s a panel I’m not supposed to be the star of that, they are. And so, I just try and stay really, really aware of that.
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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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