Professional Panel Moderator Kristin Arnold asked Dr. Chip Bell, professional speaker and panel moderator what his preference is for who introduces the panelists during a panel discussion at conferences, meetings, and events.
Video Transcript
Kristin: Chip, how do you like to introduce the panelists?
Chip: They do, always, they do. I think that’s important, and I think here again, if it’s a conversation, if you were at a fireside chat literally, you’re at a fireside chat you wouldn’t say, “As the moderator of this fireside chat, I’d like to introduce you to Joe. Joe’s background is that of XX so and so.” You wouldn’t do that, you’d just say, “Tell us a little bit about yourself, Joe.”
Well, in the same way, I believe in the panel it’s helpful, it’s better, to create the conversation and let them introduce themselves and usually what you do is what’s important for you as the moderator, is to frame that introduction so that they are consistent. So everybody knows you want to know three things, four things, whatever, and so here they are. And so you don’t have somebody who is giving a 10-second introduction and someone who takes three days to end to tell us about themselves. And there goes your time. And so I think framing it, you know, give us a paragraph about you and tell us these three things.
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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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