e-Business Workshop

Setting up a Panel Discussion

Panel discussions need effective facilitation to allow each speaker a similar amount of ‘air time’ and to ensure speakers keep to the subject rather than simply promoting themselves or speaking off topic.

Timing should be adhered to. It is a subtle skill to allow speakers time to make their point, but move the discussion along within a set time frame. Questions often need to be seeded in advance, so audience participation in ensures, but the chair/facilitator should be prepared to add topics and questions of their own.

The chair also needs to be observant in identifying questioners with an effective system set up of roving microphones. Questioners must be managed so their questions are succinct and on topic and as with the panel, are not simply vehicles for self- promotion or descend into a rant. Subtle skills in managing awkward questions is another important element.

For panel speakers,an obvious requirement is that they are articulate and quick thinkers, knowledgeable about the subject and good at responding to whatever comes up.

Selecting panel speakers requires tact and recognition of how to choose complementary speakers so there is a spectrum of approach which should lead to more stimulating and informative debate.