How to be a Great Panelist

Media partners and associations are always looking for knowledgeable industry representatives to invite as guests and experts in webinars and other speaking opportunities like panels, podcasts and round tables. There are a lot of reasons to participate among them being:

to demonstrate thought leadership, showcase a personal brand, promote your company, technology or just to have fun and be part of the conversation.?

So how can you come to the table, be a great panelist and make the most of this opportunity?

Be ahead of the curve

Don’t be afraid to contact the organizer if you’re interested in being a guest. There are times when I have had cancellations and later hear that a colleague, friend or customer was interested in participating.

Invest in a good microphone?

I happen to use the Shure SM7B but there are lots of good microphones and anything is better than a laptop-integrated mic. I shy away from wireless technologies because of the delay and complexities of bluetooth technology. Use a wire—they work.

Upgrade your camera?

When committing to webinar/podcast marketing, consider investing, adding or upgrading your camera. I use a Logitech HD 1080P. It's a super easy plug and play solution.

Consider Lighting.?

Lighting is really important, and I know that we cannot always have the perfect lighting situation especially if you are working from home. I probably would only use a ring light if I could bounce it off a wall and make it look less pronounced, especially if you wear glasses. Bouncing lights off a wall creates a great indirect light source.

Some recommendations I make to my expert guests are:

• Have lunch early and have a glass of water handy.
• Reboot your laptop the morning of the webinar and turn off all notification software.
• Phone on airplane mode.
• Pick a quiet place; a smaller room or office is better than a conference room that has lots of echo. Furniture and rugs are great and they absorb sound.?
• If you plan to use notes, just make bullet points so you don’t sound like you’re reading a script.
• Support other guests and speakers with commentary, keep it conversational.
• Wear a logoed shirt or place yourself near? a background with your company logo if you’re able.

A few other tips for success:

• There is usually a practice session– make sure that you attend and make any notes.
• Promote the webinar pre and post webinar on social media channels.
• Tell stories and give examples of applications and even if you have made mistakes. People love stories and we all have made mistakes.
• Create a blog about the webinar and place it on your website, on LinkedIn, etc. It extends the life of the opportunity and makes your effort even more worthwhile.
• AND don’t forget to have fun!

If you are interested in webinar marketing, to be a sponsor, to bolster your brand or step up your lead generation, reach out to me. I have? researched and moderated over 150 webinars and 125 podcasts ~ I can help.