11 tips for Panellists

3 years on since the start of the pandemic and we are seeing the pace of events back to pre-pandemic levels. Not only is there now a strong appetite for in-person events but there is no let up on online events either. Quite often, these events incorporate panel discussions where experts share their insights and practical views. After having done so many events during these past 3 years - as a panellist as well as a moderator, I find that the quality of a panel depends largely on how the panellists (and moderator) conduct themselves during the session. This is ultimately what the audience experiences and remembers.

It is with this in mind that my colleague Yuki Qian and I drew up a list of tips for panellists that we hope might be helpful.

1.The introduction - long introductions of the panellists' background which are 'read' by the emcee or moderator at the start weigh down the running of the panel and often sound mundane. Instead, ask the organizers to limit the introduction to just your title and current role (trust that the audience would have read or have access to your profile). This allows the panel conversations to kick into high gear immediately. Note that as you speak to the issues being discussed, the audience will naturally associate your points of view with your current role. If you want to make certain points from a different context or earlier role, please make that clear.

2. Consciously speak to your points in 1-2 minutes per question. While you would have been invited as a panellist because of your deep experience and expertise, be ‘concise’ when delivering their points. This means being brief yet succinct. This 'art' can be developed with practice. Subconsciously, many panellists break this rule despite 'trying' to be brief and end up eating a lot of time up. Many moderators in turn are afraid to interject, which compounds the problem. Therefore, being concise is really important. It allows other panellists a fair share of speaking time (respect and inclusivity), keeps the energy and flow of the discussion high and allows more questions to be addressed (audience equity). From my experience, the audience are less likely to stay engaged if they find a panellist is either speaking too long or is uninteresting.

3.?Complementing your points of view with an interesting story adds appeal.?Stories catch the attention of the audience.?As you answer some of the questions, use short stories or facts to illustrate your point. This helps to deliver your message and make an impact to the audience. That said, you do NOT need to have an interesting story for every one of your points. ??

4. Know your audience: which markets or geographies are they from, years of experience, business sectors etc? This helps you to tailor your messaging to the audience. If your audience are practical-minded folks, pepper them with facts, figures and stories that emphasise the point.

5. Consider diversity and inclusivity elements as you frame your thoughts and choice of words. Today's audiences are woke and they will pick up on inclusive language or more importantly, the lack of it.

6. Engage with the audience (applies to webinars only): Online audiences generally love to be involved and feel part of the conversation. A few ways that you can engage with the audience include ask questions to the audience through the chat function while the panel discussion is ongoing; and watch the feedback and comments in the chat box from time to time. This is a great opportunity to gauge the reaction of the audience to a topic that you are really passionate about. Adapt to it as you feel best. Suggest to the organizers to include a poll question well in advance if you believe it will increase audience engagement.

7.?Make a strong statement (e.g. a concise quote/ saying/ slogan) that your audience will remember. The statement can be used to either spark the audience early on OR to end your talk.?This dynamic statement will make the audience remember you.?If you wish to make this point early on to get people thinking, that is also a good strategy - you can put that phrase or quote in the chat function (after you have verbally made it) and ask the audience what they think.

8.?Imagine that there is only one point (conclusion) that you want the participants to take away from you. What would that be and how would you tie the various points of your sharing to this main point?

9.?Trial run (webinar only): Ask for a trial run in advance so that you can get used to the kind of technology you’ll use. Make arrangements for any audio-visual equipment and Wi-Fi. Sit in the exact spot where you will deliver your talk. Familiarising yourself with all this will eliminate a few unknowns and set your mind at ease.

10. Arrive 30 minutes early (webinar only): Getting logged in early allows you plenty of time to settle in and physically adapt to your space. After you have settled in, you will still have plenty of time to grab a drink and get settled. Mute your phone(s).

11. Have fun! Don’t worry about style of speaking, how good you sound or even English proficiency. The audience is not there for an English lesson. And yes, body language is way more important! ?? Have fun and enjoy a bit of banter and camaraderie with your moderator and fellow panellists.