So you're going to be a panellist...?
You've said 'yes' to being on a panel
You might be feeling both nervous and excited.
Perhaps you've never been on a panel before, and you're wondering what to expect.
Maybe you've been on one before, and it was just... okay.
Either way, this post will help you to enjoy being a panellist and to add real value to the conference.
I've facilitated and participated in dozens of conference panels over the years, and far too many conference panels are forgettable and predictable. In fact, they're often not panels at all! They're just five smart people taking turns to deliver a mini speech while the audience surreptitiously catches up on emails.
The good news is that a few small tweaks can make an enormous difference to the quality of a conference panels.
What the audience wants from you
The best panellists provide three things:
1. A unique perspective.
What perspective do you bring to this topic that nobody else can? Embrace it.
2. The real story.
Don't try to be the hero with all the answers. Level with us about the hard stuff. The more relaxed and conversational you are, the better it is for everybody. (Including you.) Imagine you're chatting over a cup of coffee, rather than preparing for a presentation.
3. Disagreement.
It's boring when everybody agrees! If you see the situation differently to another panellist, say so. Audiences love it.
How I run panels
1. A quick game is a good game.
Short answers create energy.
We want this to feel like a conversation where we're building on each other's ideas, riffing off what other people have said and going off script. It's just more interesting that way.
Watch out for me leaning in or picking up the mic; it's a polite cue to wrap up your thought.
2. Be okay with not answering a question.
I never ask the same question of each panellist. It's dead-boring to hear five similar answers, one after another after another after another after another after another...
I'll bring in whoever has the most useful angle on each question. If I don't come to you on something, it isn't a snub on you or your expertise.
(Having said that, if you have a different perspective to share, feel free to butt in. Which brings me to point 3...)
3. I may interrupt you.
My job is to make the session worth the audience's time. If your answer is long and rambling, or two people have already covered the same ground, I'll jump in with a comment or a fresh question.
Three things to do beforehand
If drafting a bunch of speaking points will help you to relax, go for it. But you may also want to prep these three things as well:
1. One word, one point and one story
What's one big word that sums up your perspective on the topic?
For instance, if the topic is 'high-performance', your big word could be:
- wellbeing
- rest
- habits
- value
- authenticity
- reflection
Each of those words points to a very different point of view!
What's one short, sharp sentence that sums up your point of view on the topic?
If we continue our 'high performance' topic, a sentence could be:
- High-performance starts on the inside
- Rest is the forgotten fuel of high-performance
- Your performance is the sum of all your habits
What's your version?
If you had to tell one story that connects to the panel topic, what would it be?
People love stories. What's one that you could tell? It doesn't have to be anything flashy.
Knowing you've got one key big word, one key point and one story takes the pressure off everything else.
2. A question for one of your fellow panellists.
Look at who else is on the panel and think about what you'd like to ask them. And feel free to ask them!
3. Find your panellists early.
Please don't be the person who rocks up 2 minutes before the panel starts, and who has no idea who else is on the panel. Ask the conference organiser to introduce you - either over a videocall or on the morning of the conference.
Having said all that, just enjoy yourself!
As your MC, I'm here to make you look as good as possible. If you need any further guidance, feel free to get in touch. Let's make your session one of the highlights of the event.
Paul McGregor is a leadership speaker and conference MC based in Nelson, New Zealand. If you'd like to talk about him MCing your next event, get in touch here.