What is a Panel Discussion?
Panel discussions are essential to any conference, and we could go as far as saying they’re the pinnacle of all events.
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They are perhaps the most interactive of all the sessions, yet can be the most boring if not curated correctly.
Essentially a panel discussion includes:
- A moderator or presenter and a panel of experts from within the specified field.
- Discussing and dissecting the questions with one another.
- Experts sharing their opinions, experience and expertise from various perspectives, in response to questions from the moderator.
Its main purpose? To ignite a discussion or even a debate.
What are the Different Types of Panel Discussions?
When you think of a panel discussion, you envision a host and four or so people sitting in a row answering questions and deliberating what the host has asked them. Most of the time, they include an audience who often asks questions too.
These events can either be be provocative, inspiring, debate-led or dull and boring.
The main difference is whether they are insightful and engaging, or dull, with a few experts sharing their opinions without substance. It’s the latter that can make the audience easily clock watch.
In terms of style, we mentioned above the typical “look and feel” of a panel, but they can take on any style the event organiser wants.
Although the number of panellists shouldn’t be too large, after all, you don’t want the event to go on for hours to enable everyone to have their say.
Generally, panels usually have between 3-5 experts, with one host.
Regarding the structure of the panel discussion, there are a few ways it can be hosted.
What are the Most Common Formats of Panel Discussions?
Structured Format
Providing a presentation style to a panel discussion will help each expert on the panel with undisturbed time to express their research/views.
This style can follow with an audience Q&A session once the presentation has finished.
Open Style Panel
For more of a discussion panel format, an open-style panel can facilitate the presenter/moderator to discuss with the panellists; and encourage audience engagement throughout the entire panel.
This style can be more inclusive for all at the discussion, with minimal segregation between presenter/panel/audience.
Bear in mind the presenter will have to be able to encourage the movement of the discussion, so all areas can be covered adequately, and have good time-management skills.
Q&A Style
More of a popular style of panel discussion, a Q&A style panel will have the host open the discussion with a brief introduction of themselves, the panellists and the topics that will be covered.
The moderator will then ask questions they’ve already planned for, including questions from the audience. For the finale, there will be a closing summary of the topics discussed and a final word from the panel.
Initial Remarks Panel
Similar to the above Q&A style, the initial remarks panel style will have the panellist introducing themselves and providing their viewpoint on the topic in question.
This is followed by the host’s chosen questions and a Q&A session from the audience, which will fit better into an event that is more limited on time.
To round it off, the host will close the discussion with a summary of what has been discussed.
Virtual Panel Discussion
Although virtual panel discussions may seem more notorious now than before, this doesn’t mean you have to shy away from the pre-conceptive ideas of how a panel should be formatted.
Ultimately, these events can be organised in any way, shape or form. Those watching as attendees can still ask questions (depending on the software you use for the event). The attendee can virtually raise their hand, letting the moderator know there is a question from the audience.
If anything, the moderator can have perhaps more control over the time frame for each panellist’s answer and minimise the chance of panellists talking over one another.
From this point of view, a virtual panel discussion could naturally fall into a well-structured event, basing its format on an Initial Remarks Panel or a Structured Panel Discussion.
The only downside to a virtual panel discussion is that you can’t read your audience.
Are they getting into this, are the cogs turning, and are they hungry for more?
It is also far too easy for an attendee of a virtual discussion to become bored, fatigued, or simply log out of the event.
So it’s imperative to keep the discussion going with the audience in mind – keep them engaged and encourage questions from them.
How to Prepare for a Panel Discussion?
As this can be the pinnacle of any conference, meticulous planning of a panel discussion is crucial.
From choosing the right moderator, the suitable variety of panellists, the correct topic of discussion, preparing the right questions, and everything in between; there is a lot to plan for the perfect execution of a fantastic panel discussion.
But where should preparation start?
Pin down the purpose of the panel discussion (why are you planning this)
You’ll want the panel discussion to focus on a specific topic so it can be truly explored and dissected.
Therefore, work out why you want to host the discussion; what value is it that you’re trying to add?
Is it to gain a new perspective/discuss the latest findings on your topic of choice? Or are you wanting to bring attention to the latest industry updates and trends from experts in the field?
The key to determining the purpose is, of course, knowing your audience. What do they want to know, what are their thoughts on specific topics within your industry, and what challenges are they facing and needing help with?
You probably already know how to find out what your audience wants, but if not, you can always send out a quick form with a few questions asking for their thoughts and opinions.
It is a great way to gain insight into what topics can be covered for the panel discussion, helping you reiterate your event’s purpose, and making the attendees feel more included. It is also an excellent way to get them more interested in the event.
How to Host a Panel Discussion?
When hosting a panel discussion, there are many things to consider to ensure you get the right atmosphere and results.
From finding the right panellists and presenter to helping the audience get a great discussion, there is a lot that goes into planning and hosting the discussion.
How to Choose the Right Panellists?
Getting the right panel is crucial to the whole event, so careful planning is needed to get the engaging and stimulating conversation you want from your panel.
You do not want to end up with your discussants in a heated debate that could turn into academic warfare!
Think about what each panellist you have in mind can bring to the table and how their opinions and perspectives could affect the discussion and the other panellists’ personalities and views.
You want to create a good mix of experience levels within your panel; for example, you could include half professors and half researchers within the field.
This can be an excellent way to help researchers develop within their field, as well as be able to discuss their opinions with those experts.
It’ll help get a broad range of opinions and perspectives discussed from different areas within a specific field.
Be mindful to ensure the researchers get their chance to speak and are not left behind. Sometimes the focus can gravitate toward the experts only. (Something for the moderator to bear in mind).
Involving guests from various backgrounds, countries, and professions is a fantastic way to get that broad range of perspectives into the discussion, allowing the attendees to gain insight from multiple sources.
How to Choose the Right Moderator?
Another crucial factor in the panel discussion is to get the right moderator; some would say the key to a successful panel discussion is the moderator.
Ideally, you want someone who understands the topic but carries a neutral opinion, so there is no natural sway to speak to panellists with the same or similar opinion. They MUST have excellent time management skills too.
After all, they will be in charge of running the event, ensuring everyone has the time to share their expertise, that the audience gets time to ask their questions and leave enough time for the panel to respond.
Plus, they need to keep the discussion flowing, take care not to linger too long on a particular question, and to definitely not talk about themselves and their experience, which is an easy trap to fall into.
The presenter will need to be able to calm any debate that could escalate yet keep the discussion interesting to the audience.
FAQs
What is a panel discussion?
A panel discussion is a structured conversation where experts share insights on a specific topic, moderated to engage the audience.What are the types of panel discussions?
Types include Q&A panels, debate-style panels, symposiums, and virtual panel discussions.How do you prepare for a panel discussion?
Research the topic, know the audience, prepare key points, and anticipate potential questions.How to host a successful panel discussion?
Choose expert panelists, set clear objectives, plan engaging questions, and manage time effectively.What is the role of a moderator in a panel discussion?
The moderator guides the conversation, ensures equal participation, and keeps the discussion on track.How long should a panel discussion last?
Typically, it lasts 45-60 minutes, including audience Q&A.What makes a panel discussion engaging?
Diverse viewpoints, interactive Q&A, real-life examples, and active audience involvement.How do you select panelists for a discussion?
Choose individuals with expertise, diverse perspectives, and good communication skills.What are common mistakes in panel discussions?
Poor moderation, lack of preparation, dominating panelists, and ignoring audience engagement.How can you engage the audience during a panel discussion?
Use live polls, encourage questions, and include interactive segments.
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