20 Ways to Use AI/ChatGPT to Prepare for a Panel Discussion

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Yes indeed – you can use AI/ChatGPT to prepare for a panel discussion. In this blog post, I will not only give you some ideas on how to use AI/ChatGPT to help prepare for a panel discussion, but I will also share prompts I have used to get the best results. As you query AI/ChatGPT, keep these things in mind:

ChatGPT is an 80% solution (at best!). You will still need to take the output and customize it even more for your specific situation.
Be as SPECIFIC as you can. The more information you share about the panel, the better the AI can respond. A good practice is to START with a paragraph with the details of the panel, and then keep referring to that panel in your thread of questions.
Adjectives are important. Adjectives describe the feeling and tone that AI/ChatGPT will use, so use them with some intentionality. In the prompt examples, I have put some of my favorite adjectives in italics. Feel free to swap them out or amplify them to get the right tone.
After you read the output, if it hits the mark, simply copy, paste, and upgrade. If it doesn’t hit the mark, tell the AI what you didn’t like and/or what you wanted to see differently. Keep probing until you are relatively satisfied with the output.

Here is how you can use AI/ChatGPT in preparation for your panel discussion:

Research Assistance

Topic Insights: AI/ChatGPT can provide background information, recent developments, and key points on the panel discussion topic.
- “Provide an overview of the [specific industry/technology/topic] that seems to be the hot topic of discussion with [the personas who will be in the audience].”
Industry Trends: AI/ChatGPT can offer insights into current trends and innovations.
- “Provide an overview of the latest trends in [specific industry/technology/topic].”
- “What are the current challenges and opportunities in the [industry/technology/topic]?”
- “What is on the bleeding edge of innovation in the [industry/technology/topic] that [the audience personas] should be paying attention to?”
Suggest Panelists. AI/ChatGPT can recommend a moderator and/or panelists who might be available to be on your panel.
- “Who might be a good moderator to hire/ask to moderate an upcoming panel discussion on [topic]? I am really looking for [cite expertise, qualification etc.]. My limitations are [geography, budget, etc.].”
- “Who might be good panelists to ask to be on an upcoming panel discussion on [topic]? I am really looking for [cite expertise, qualification etc.]. My limitations are [geography, budget, etc.].”
Background Research: Assistance with researching the background of panelists, including their recent work, publications, and viewpoints.
- “Summarize the key accomplishments and areas of expertise for [Panelist Name].”
Question Development: Generating insightful questions tailored to each panelist’s expertise and experience.
- “Generate insightful questions for a panel discussion with experts in [specific field/technology/topic] that the [persona audience] will care about.”

Publicity and Promotion Ideas

Panel Titles: AI/ChatGPT can help you brainstorm potential titles for your panel discussion.
- “Provide 10 different intriguing/funny/witty/provocative titles for an upcoming panel in which [provide as much info as possible].”
- Regenerate that list a few times
Promotional Copy: Ask AI/ChatGPT to write the promotional copy for your panel discussion.
- Write a 250-word description of the upcoming panel discussion to inspire [the audience personas] to attend this session. The panel will be about [provide as much information as possible].”

Coordination Emails, Letters, and Agendas

Panelist invitation letter/email:
- “Using this template as a starting point, write a pleasant, conversational email/letter invitation to [panelist name] that will entice them to be a panelist on the upcoming panel [provide as much information as possible].”
Agenda for the initial meeting with all the panelists:
- “Using this template as a starting point, what should I discuss/be on the agenda for our first meeting together [over Zoom]?”
Agenda for meet-up right before the panel starts:
Using this template as a starting point, what should I talk about/be on the agenda for the final panelist meet-up at the venue 30 minutes before the panel starts?”
Follow-up thank you letter to the moderator and panelists:
- “Using this template as a starting point, write a thank you letter to [Panelist name] for graciously sharing their time to be on our panel.”

Format and Structure Ideas

Panel Format Suggestions: Offering ideas on different and/or innovative formats for the panel discussion, like debate, Q&A, or interactive sessions.
- “What are some effective formats for a panel discussion on [topic]?”
- “Suggest some unique, innovative, creative, and engaging formats for a panel discussion on [topic] to make it more engaging and memorable.”
- “How can I integrate technology to enhance audience engagement in a panel discussion?”
Audience Interaction: Ideas for engaging the audience, such as interactive polls, Q&A sessions, or social media integration.
- “What are some interactive strategies to engage [this persona audience] during this panel discussion?”
Timing and Segmentation: Advice on structuring the panel discussion’s timeline and segmenting topics for a coherent flow.
- “Here is my draft agenda for the panel discussion on [topic]. What is your advice and recommendations on timeline, segments, and flow of questions – and anything else you think I should be aware of?”
Welcome Script: Ask AI/ChatGPT to write your opening remarks to kick off the panel discussion.
- Please write a script for me to kick off the panel discussion. I want it to be light-hearted, but crisp and concise, introducing the topic and the premise of the panel discussion.”

Contingency Planning

Handling Difficult Situations: Strategies for managing challenging scenarios (or your worst nightmare!), like unresponsive panelists or off-topic discussions.
- “What are the best ways to handle a panelist dominating the conversation during a panel discussion?”
- “What are the best ways to engage an unresponsive panelist during a panel discussion?”
- “What do I do when a panelist goes off-topic?”
Technical Backup Plans: Suggestions for technical issues or other emergencies that might arise during in-person, virtual, or hybrid panels.
- “Suggest backup plans for technical issues in a virtual/hybrid panel discussion.”

Post-Panel Follow-Up

Summarization: Assistance in summarizing key points and takeaways from the panel discussion.
- “Here is the transcript/link to the audio or video recording. Please summarize the key points and takeaways from the panel discussion.”
Blog Posts: Assistance in picking out key messages for social media use and reinforcement.
- “Here is the transcript/link to the audio or video recording. Please identify key messages and the person who said them to be used on social media.”
Feedback Collection: Ideas for collecting and analyzing feedback from participants and audience members.
- “What are some effective methods for collecting and analyzing feedback after a panel discussion?”

Using AI/ChatGPT as a starting point, you can enhance your preparation process, ensuring that your panel discussions are not only informative but also engaging and smoothly conducted. Remember, while AI/ChatGPT can provide a wealth of information and suggestions, the final decisions and execution depend on your expertise and judgment! (And yes, I did use ChatGPT to help develop this list – but it was not as comprehensive as THIS list!)

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For more information about how to moderate a lively & informative 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.