How can a panel moderator make an executive look absolutely fabulous in front of an audience during a panel discussion at meetings, conferences, and conventions? Kristin Arnold, Professional Panel Moderator asked this question of Patricia Fripp, Executive Speaker coach and member of the US Speaker Hall of Fame.
Video Transcript
Kristin: What do you do to make your executives look fabulous in front of the audience?
Patricia: All right, well, first of all, the biggest question that my executive clients ask whether it is going to be on panels or sitting on a high stool being interviewed, which is a great technique for people who do not think they are good speakers. Most people can be good conversationalists but they cannot always give speeches, especially if they do not think that they have time to prepare. So I would always recommend, sit them on a high stool and this really works when you have two executives, one is a great speaker and the other is not. And you do not want one to look bad and one to look good, because both are exaggerated. The good one looks even better, the not so confident or eloquent looks worse.
So, I always tell my clients and I have in fact, in that case be the moderator emcee role. And I will ask them questions that the company, that the employees send in. But, I also like to meet them, know a little about them and I would say I am going to ask you some personal questions, before the company asks. Because one, your employees are not going to be comfortable enough to ask you personal questions. They are going to ask you about your businesses and their role in the future, but I want the audience to see the person behind the position. You work hard for a position you respect. You really work hard for a person you like.
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!
