August 3, 2023
stale panel discussion topic

What to Do With a Stale Topic in a Panel Discussion

It happens sometimes when you’ve been given a stale topic in a panel discussion. You sigh. Shake your head thinking, “The audience doesn’t want to hear […]
July 4, 2023
panel discussion format

The Hypothetical Panel Discussion Format

Ed Bernacki, Founder of The Idea Factory, shared this unique panel format he calls The Hypothetical Panel Discussion Format. Here is his explanation of the format […]
June 8, 2023
panel format

The He Said, She Said Panel Format

Note to Reader: This format can be done with any two opposing voices: Sales Said, Marketing Said; Management Said, Employees Said; Producers Said, Customers Said. Please […]
September 21, 2022
audience reflection panel format

Audience Reflection Panel Format

My colleague, Sarah Michel, used a creative “audience reflection panel format” at a recent conference. It went so well that her client wants her to repeat […]
July 5, 2022
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Panel Discussion

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Panel Discussion

When considering various formats for an upcoming meeting, consider the advantages and disadvantages of a panel discussion – a live (or recorded), in-person, virtual, or “hybrid” […]
March 30, 2022
Goodie Bag Panel Discussion Format

The Goodie Bag Panel Discussion Format

When you have a good sense of the various topics you want to cover, try this unique goodie bag panel discussion format: For each topic, select […]
March 15, 2022

Sample Script for a Panel Discussion in the Round

I recently put together this sample script for a panel discussion in the round, otherwise known as a “fishbowl” format. Thought it might be useful as […]
October 20, 2021
Demonstration Panel Format1

Demonstration Panel Format to Discuss Best Practices

During this week’s Powerful Panel Podcast, David Cruickshank shared his “demonstration panel format” which is a brilliant format to share and discuss best practices. Cruickshank mostly […]
June 3, 2021
Panel Discussion Questions

Panel Moderation Technique: The Audience as the Fourth Panelist

During a recent interview with Sarah Michel, VP of Connexity at Velvet Chainsaw Consulting, she mentioned a technique she uses when moderating a panel discussion: The […]
February 23, 2021

Plan Panelist Introductions that Benefit the Audience

Somewhere at the beginning of your panel discussion, the panelists need to be introduced.  You would think this is is a simple task. There are several […]
April 15, 2020

Take Your Panel Discussion on a Journey with this Storytelling Technique

No, I am not going to talk about the coronavirus. (thank goodness!), but I do want to tell you a story… Once upon a time….
October 30, 2019

Try “Layered Group Listening” in a Panel Discussion

   Panel Moderator Chip Bell shared a unique format he has used at Harley Davidson, Victoria’s Secret and other companies.  He calls it ‘Layered Group Listening’ […]
August 28, 2019

How to Pull Off a StreetPitch Panel Discussion Format

In today’s innovation-driven environment, everyone from executives to event organizers can appreciate novel ways of moving ideas closer to impact. From external sites like Kickstarter to […]
August 6, 2019

Try the Entertaining “Hat Debate Format” for a Panel Discussion

When your panelists have differing viewpoints, try this “hat debate format” inspired by Jordan Weissmann at The Slate:
July 9, 2019

Acing an “UnPanel” – A Panel Without a Moderator

I have watched several panels who declare themselves as an “UnPanel” – a panel of 4-5 people without a moderator.  And it always ends up with […]
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