What are your ideas on whether it’s okay to show a slide that introduces the panelists during a panel discussion at meetings, conferences, and conventions? Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold asked this question of Boston Globe journalist and panel moderator, Scott Kirsner, who also wrote the highly rated Harvard Business Review article on How to Moderate a Panel Like a Pro.
Video Transcript
Kristin: Rather than introducing the panel, can we just show a slide that shows everyone their photo and information?
Scott: Yeah, pictures and names and like I tend to get a little bit obsessive about like well if they’re listed on the slide have them sit in that order on the stage so that people aren’t confused and trying to connect the dots of which people is where. You know inevitably like three guys in blue suits with red ties on the stage, so like help the audience out with the seating arrangements.
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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.
And, you can always go back to the playlist for more Powerful Panel Discussion Tips!
