Preparing for a Panel: How to Feel Confident and Land Your Point

Being invited to participate in a panel discussion is both an honour and a responsibility. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or a first-timer, thorough preparation can transform your panel appearance from good to exceptional. Let's explore how to make the most of this opportunity and deliver value to your audience.

Before the Big Day

The foundation of a successful panel appearance lies in thorough preparation. Start by diving deep into the topic at hand. This isn't just about brushing up on the basics – it's about understanding recent developments, identifying potential controversies, and forming well-reasoned perspectives on key issues. Think of it as building your intellectual toolkit.

Understanding the panel format is equally crucial. Is it a formal discussion or a more casual conversation? How long will it run? Knowing these details helps you pace your contributions and prepare appropriate content. I've seen many panellists struggle simply because they didn't align their preparation with the event's structure.

Crafting Your Message

Here's where many panellists miss the mark – they try to cover too much ground. Instead, identify 3-4 key messages you want your audience to remember. These should be your North Star throughout the discussion. Support these messages with relevant examples or personal experiences. After all, stories stick better than statistics.

Think of your contributions like mini-TED talks: concise, engaging, and ideally lasting no more than 60-90 seconds. This approach keeps the audience engaged and ensures other panellists have their fair share of speaking time.

The Human Element

Panel discussions aren't solo performances – they're collaborative conversations. Research your fellow panellists' backgrounds and expertise. Understanding their perspectives helps you identify opportunities for meaningful dialogue or respectful disagreement. It's these interactions that often create the most memorable moments.

Arrive early to meet your fellow panellists and the moderator. These informal pre-panel conversations can help establish rapport and lead to more natural interactions during the discussion. Plus, it's just good professional etiquette.

Stage Presence Matters

Your physical presence plays a crucial role in how your message is received. Choose clothing that makes you feel confident and matches the event's formality. Remember, you'll likely be seated on stage, so consider how your outfit will look from the audience's perspective.

Body language speaks volumes. Maintain eye contact with both the audience and other panellists, smile genuinely, and show enthusiasm for the topic. These non-verbal cues can be as impactful as your words.

Active listening is perhaps the most underrated skill in panel discussions. When others are speaking, truly engage with their points rather than just waiting for your turn to talk. This allows you to build on their ideas and create a more dynamic discussion.

The Professional Touch

Bring water and concise notes for reference – but avoid reading directly from them. Your notes should serve as guideposts, not a script. The most engaging panellists speak naturally and authentically.

After the panel, follow through on any commitments you made during the discussion. Whether it's sharing resources or connecting with audience members who asked questions, these follow-up actions demonstrate professionalism and help build lasting relationships.

Remember, being on a panel isn't just about sharing your expertise – it's about contributing to a larger conversation that provides value to your audience. With thorough preparation and thoughtful execution, you can make a lasting impact that extends well beyond the event itself.

The next time you're invited to participate in a panel, approach it as an opportunity to not just share knowledge, but to engage in meaningful dialogue that enriches both the audience and your fellow panellists. After all, the best panel discussions aren't lectures – they're dynamic conversations that leave everyone in the room feeling more informed and inspired.

Want to learn more? Litmus helps people and teams feel in their element and communicate in a way that’s anything but neutral. 

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