How can you create a panel discussion that encourages attendee participation?

Sometimes the topic needs to be created with the audience in mind, rather than the other way around. It needs to be presented impartially, especially if it's a topic that evokes emotion in the audience. During our events we often have a panel discussion on stage then break into smaller groups where the less extrovert are more inclined to share, this allows for more people to engage at the same time around that theme..

I feel the success of any panel event begins with the planning. As a moderator, I plan the path of the conversation into blocks, and I let the panel know the general flow. I always suggest a brief pre-interview to understand the style and tone of each panelist. But, the number one way to encourage audience participation (I prefer engagement to participation) is to have a conversation and avoid "Question/Answer Question/Answer to Question/Answer" or lectures. By asking and encouraging your panel to "jump in" whenever they have something to contribute and not wait for a moderator's prompt, you are adding energy to the event that encourages engagement.

Boost vested interest in your events by involving prospective participants in event creation. One way to do the is by surveying your prospective participant base asking what topics they'd like to hear about, who they'd like to hear from and, most importantly, what questions they have about the topic. Then, send a follow-up survey polling the prospective participants on which questions resonate most with them - and go with that list at the event.

1. Promote guest profiles beforehand: Pre-event, highlight the guests who are slated to attend, so attendees can think of conversation starters and questions beforehand. 2. Structure the panel keeping conversation flow in mind: This includes seating, guest placement and the question cues. The goal is to make sure every panelist gets the chance to speak, and not keep the conversation stuck between a few people. 3. Choose a topic that can create a discourse: No brainer topics can limit the potential for active debate. Topics that have a 'two sides to the coin' perspective can make panelists comfortable enough to pick a side and defend it.

I always had great success with doing live teardowns or deconstruction panels as a way to keep the audience awake and the panelists on their toes. You can ask people to submit their inputs before the panel to give yourself and others more time to think but back and forth debate over practical issues are a winner.

I have found that you can have the best speakers and still have a bad panel discussion. I found that the MC is the magic in this formula. Some experts are really introverted, and they just want to go back to the office and do research. The MC must be able to get the information that the audience wants out of them. Let the MC and the speakers meet before going on stage, and the MC must provide leadership. Ask speakers what they love to talk about and what they would rather avoid.

The key to a successful panel discussion lies in choosing your speakers wisely. When attending a panel, the first thing people look at is the speakers. Opt for industry leaders who possess in-depth knowledge about the topic; this establishes trust with your audience, ensuring they leave with added value. Additionally, you attract individuals interested in these speakers, expanding your network for future events. The positive word-of-mouth from your audience enhances event credibility and engagement.

Something that has worked well for me is having a range of speakers. From cutting edge experts to a layman who has experience with the service, product, technology or information being discussed. The audience will run the gamet from experts to newcomers so having someone on the panel each group can relate to will increase interest and participation.

understanding the audience is critical . select speakers according to the audience, if the audience is youthful it may need a speaker who can use innovations, technological advancements and social networking experiences to inspire them. If its an audience od researchers and scholars someone is a wide knowledge base and much references is appropriate. Jokes are part of speaking, someone who don't joke to stimulate learning and memory is not a good speaker

Willem has hit the nail - a good host/MC can make or break a panel, bring reluctant speakers out of their shells and tone down the over-exuberant panellists. A good MC will also be able to feel when it's time to back off and let the discussion run, after all, it's the panellists the audience has come to see not the MC

I like to give a general outline to panelists but I believe the questions need to be heard for the 1st time during the event. This provides for spontaneous replies and a realistic view of how each panelist thinks plus relays their actual depth of knowledge.

I always like to have a round table discussion with the panelists together a couple weeks before the actual event. It helps shape the questions and flow when I have them all together and can observe their energy, how they interact with one another, and what their responses will be. We can find good stories or points to highlight. And often the panelists end up inspiring each other and are more energized and excited about the upcoming event because of that!

Inserting provocative questions into the presentations and getting responses from the audience via keypads make your panel more interactive. You can also allow the audience to ask questions to the panelists via an app to get more contributions.

If you are going to allow members of the audience ask questions, I recommend having someone in the audience who can ask the first question to break the ice if no one immediately raises their hand.

As panel moderator, it is very risky not to have prepared the questions you wish to ask, and explain to the participants the "rules of the game", namely what is expected of their intervention, which are the audiences present, the objectives of the meeting... Using non-violent communication techniques and knowing how to demonstrate assertiveness are elements making it possible to maintain a high level of exchanges even if different opinions are expressed with energy during speeches.

Promoting your panel discussion effectively is crucial for maximizing attendee participation. Craft engaging and informative content about your panel discussion, including details about the topic, speakers, and format. Utilize Email Marketing; send targeted emails to your mailing list, emphasizing the key aspects of the panel discussion. Also, include a clear call-to-action, encouraging recipients to register, submit questions, or share the event with their networks. Harness the power of social media platforms to create posts and updates about your panel discussion. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility and create a sense of community around the event. Consider creating a countdown on social media to build anticipation.

Além das dicas do artigo, vale adicionar: - fazer parcerias com veículos e organiza??es que tenham interesse no mesmo assunto. - pe?a que os palestrantes compartilhem em suas redes que ir?o participar do painel - escreva um artigo sobre o tema e publique no linkedIn e outras redes sociais, ao final, convide o leitor a participar da discuss?o, divulgando as informa??es do painel. - grave e publique vídeos curtos (seus e dos speakers) convocando o público à participar.

Le contenu doit parler aux bonnes personnes, n'hésitez pas à demander à votre réseau de partager la nouvelle de votre table ronde, par le biais d'une publication. Plus l'enthousiasme sera grand au niveau de votre réseau, plus vous élargirez le cercle des personnes intéressées. Mettre en avant les intervenants avec des photos souriantes et pas floues, interagissez avec votre public avant la table ronde pour susciter l'intérêt. A la fin, remerciez votre audience et prévoyez une astuce, un livre blanc ou un contenu inédit.

Dicas valiosas para promover eficazmente um painel de discuss?o! Criar conteúdo atrativo, usar e-mail marketing com chamadas para a??o claras e aproveitar as redes sociais com hashtags relevantes s?o estratégias essenciais. A contagem regressiva nas mídias sociais cria expectativa. ótimo artigo para produtores de eventos.

Eine professionelle Moderation ist meiner Meinung nach entscheidend für eine gelungene Podiumsdiskussion. Eine gute Moderator:in stellt dir richtigen Fragen und animiert die Speaker auf der Bühne auch effektiv miteinander zu diskutieren. Bei einer schlechten Moderation wird die Podiumsdiskussion schnell zum Interview. Ausserdem finde ich es immer wichtig, auch das Publikum mit seinen Fragen mit einzubeziehen. Mit technischen Hilfsmittel wie beispielsweise Mentimeter ist das ganz einfach m?glich.

Se o objetivo é aprofundar e promover o engajamento, pense em poderosas perguntas abertas - elas s?o a chave para boas discuss?es. Além disso, podemos destacar: - promover a diversidade de opini?es - em hipótese alguma fazer propaganda de produtos e servi?os e n?o permitir que os palestrantes o fa?am. - mantenha o ritmo dinamico, se for necessário, interrompa um fala mais longa de um palestrante.

Pour continuer à captiver son auditoire, la table ronde doit être rythmée avec des questions posées, rebondir sur les propos de l’intervenant, regarder régulièrement le public

When you have a great topic and engaging people on the panel, it should just flow! Same token, the host/ emcee should be ready and have prepped the panel. Host should also have back up material and questions in see things go south ??

Es muy importante ser asertivo en la comunicación de los puntos o temas a tratar o discutir para evitar las divagaciones en asuntos que no corresponde directamente al tema en cuestión. Así mismo es fundamental pedir a los panelistas la misma claridad en la comunicación de sus puntos de vista para lograr que cada participación sea de máximo beneficio y aporte general (todos aprendemos de todos) dentro de los tiempos establecidos.

For large conferences or meetings, today's technology allows the audience to send their questions through cell phones, apps, or other means as they watch the presentation, which a team member can vet and prioritize to be asked at the end. In my experience, this works out so much better -- you never have that dreaded moment when nobody wants to ask a question (you can always have some pre-written questions on hand just in case), you don't have to worry about running to get someone the microphone or if anyone can hear them, and you aren't trapped by bad, confusing questions that may just be a long personal anecdote or rant. You want to end the session on a high note.

If using Zoom or an online platform, make a point to drop provocative questions in that chat to get the listeners involved. Make sure to give a variety of questions - some yes/no questions; some open ended ones. A variety of questions will encourage both the timid and the outspoken to participate.

O "meeting design" deve favorecer a intera??o. Palcos muito altos e palestrantes fisicamente muito destacados da audiência podem ser intimidantes. Prefira formatos onde o "attendee" seja um "participant". Outras dicas s?o: - o moderador deve estar preparado com boas perguntas iniciais para quebrar o gelo. - utilizar tecnologias interativas que permitam enquetes e perguntas an?nimas.

For in-person panel discussions, I like to have a couple of predetermined questions on standby to help get attendee participation started. Additionally, because I often get attendee input before the event for help guiding the topics they want to hear about, they are encouraged to come with questions in mind ahead of time so this sets the event up for high levels of participation.

Una de las tácticas que generan la participación de los asistentes es la naturalidad que debe tener el moderador para manejar la participación de todos, con la cordialidad y el respeto por las opiniones de cada participante, dando la oportunidad a cada uno de expresar sus ideas de manera clara y consistente, sabiendo encontrar el punto de interpretación de cada opinión y llevarlo al tema con un sentido de aportación que pueda ser elogiado. Esta recompensa anima a la participación masiva.

Make sure there's enough time for networking before and after the panel, maybe a bit longer version of a lunch and learn. Not only do participants want to connect with panelists, but those in the room especially if there's a specific audience.

Remember to give your panelists time to connect with each other! In addition to hosting one session with them together prior to the event where everyone gets to meet each other and touch on their stories and discussion points, I like to invite them after the event, within a couple weeks, to go to lunch and I get their feedback about the event but also they have a chance to connect more with one another. Several friendships and business connections have grown that way!

When selecting speakers, avoid using "I" specialists. An "I" specialist is someone who only talks about themselves. "I have done this, and I have done that, and I am so great". People tune out, and they deliver little or NO value at all.

Choose engaging, relevant topics to spark interest and discussion. Select diverse panelists to offer varied, insightful perspectives. Structure the panel with interactive elements like live polls and Q&A sessions. Engage attendees pre-event to gather input on desired topics and questions. Utilize a skilled moderator to stimulate discussion and audience involvement. Implement technology for real-time questions and polling. Facilitate small group discussions for deeper engagement. Provide background materials on topics and panelists beforehand. Ensure a comfortable venue that fosters interaction. Encourage post-panel discussion on social media or in networking areas.

Encouraging audience participation can be such a fun experience, for both the participants and us event organizers! One great way to do this is by offering cool incentives like gift cards or a chance to enter a prize drawing. These incentives not only grab the audience's attention but also give them that extra push to join in, share their thoughts, and contribute valuable insights. By creating an interactive and rewarding environment, we can cultivate a lively and thriving community, where ideas and experiences are shared and celebrated!