Virtual Panel Discussion Technique: “Pass the Ball”

To create a brilliant virtual panel discussion, you gather a handful of smart people and pray for scintillating conversations to spontaneously happen.

When your panelists know each other well, you can use this “pass the ball” technique to …

Keep the conversation flowing between the squares on the screen:

1. Panelist A starts the conversation by asking a question to another panelist (let’s call that person Panelist B).
2. When Panelist B finishes answering the question, Panelist B calls on another panelist to continue the response to the question. (Let’s call that person Panelist C).
3. Panelist C provides more scintillating insight.
4. If “done” answering the question, then Panelist C asks a new question to another panelist. And so the ball gets passed around.

The key to using this “pass the ball” technique is that all the panelists:

• Are aware of this technique and how to pass the ball.
• Agree on a common signal that they want to add to the conversation. It can be something as simple as a raised hand, however, I think that feels a little juvenile, so I recommend leaning into the camera to indicate that you want to catch the metaphorical ball. Leaning back is also a cue that you think we should move on to the next question.
• Have a bank of questions that they want to ask each other.

This virtual panel discussion technique is super easy to explain and to do – even without a panel moderator!

For more resources on moderating panel discussions, visit the Knowledge Vault. To have Kristin moderate your next panel, visit the Powerful Panels official website.

Related Articles:

How to Moderate a Virtual Panel Discussion

How to Create GREAT Questions for Your Panelists to Answer during Your Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion Tip #185 with Jeffrey Hayzlett: Finishing Panel Discussions

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