Panel Discussions: Succeeding at Moderating and Speaking

Panel Discussions: Succeeding at Moderating and Speaking

Panel discussions can be huge opportunities for your company to gain exposure and influence.

The challenge for many panel participants is condensing their remarks into a concise message, focusing their audience on key talking points, and speaking with confidence and charisma. All within a limited timeframe.

The challenges for moderators are even more complex.

Moderators are responsible for everything from introducing the panelists, to guiding the conversation, managing time, and organizing Q&A. Moderators must be extremely well-prepared with topics, engaged in the conversation, and capable of pivoting smoothly from one topic to another as the discussion evolves.

This training program gives your team the knowledge and skills to succeed in their panel discussions, whether they are speaking as a panelist, or organizing and moderating.

Key training concepts include:

For panelists:

-Honing your message and talking points

-Concise speaking

-Nonverbal communication: body language, vocal tonality, hand gestures, and more

-Making connections in the moment with other panelists

-Assertive communication and being an active participant in the conversation

For moderators:

-Preparation and communication with the panelists before the event

-Developing and refining the questions and conversation topics

-Planning for different types of audiences

-Impromptu speaking, making connections in the moment, and thinking on your feet

-Handling talkative panelists, and controlling the conversation

-Knowing when and how to interrupt politely and smoothly

-Audience participation and Q&A

Participants engage in multiple drills and exercises, and receive personalized feedback to improve their skills throughout the training program.

Participants are recorded on video for observation and reflection. Their presentations are transcribed and analyzed for word choice, persuasiveness, speaking speed, and other metrics.