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The Last Question of a Panel Discussion

Nick Morgan wrote a fabulous book called Give Your Speech, Change the World.  I believe the same thing holds true with panel discussions. Whatโ€™s the point if you donโ€™t want the audience to think, feel, or do something as a result of your time together?

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With any luck, the panel moderator will tell you their final question and/or how they intend to close the panel.  So take some time to think about a final takeaway, insight, or idea you want to leave with the audience.  I’m a big fan of asking the audience to do something.

Your panel moderator may ask you for:

  • An actionable suggestion or “call to action” – based on what the panel discussed.
  • ONE thing you want the audience to think, feel or do as a result of this discussion.
  • If you had to summarize what we discussed here, what would be your headline?
  • An idea that we did NOT mention that we should haveโ€ฆ.
  • What you learned on this panel that you did not know before.
  • The question you are most often asked after talking about what we just talked about.
  • What bugs you the most about this topic.
  • The best way to contact you for more information.

I highly recommend finishing the panel discussion on a high note with a very clear call to action.  It is this โ€œfinal thoughtโ€ that creates clear takeaways for the audience and positions you and your company as a resource. 

At this point, you have done a great job sharing valuable information and insights and you or the moderator have positioned you appropriately.  Donโ€™t blow it by being too pushy and promotional right at the end with this last question of a panel discussion.  If they are interested, they will reach out to you.

Related Articles

How to Moderate a Panel Discussion

How Panel Moderators and Panelists Impress the Audience and Leave a Lasting Impression

17 Different Types of Panel Discussion Questions


For more information about how to moderate a lively & informative leadership panel discussion, check out our free 7-part video series on how to moderate a panel and other resources to help you organize, moderate, or be a panel member.

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Kristin ArnoldKristin Arnold
KRISTIN ARNOLD, MBA, CSP, CPF|Master has been facilitating meaningful conversations between executives and managers to make better decisions and achieve extraordinary results for 25+ years. She's a leading authority on moderating panel discussions and passionate about finding the perfect olive to complement a vodka martini.

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