Powerful Panels Podcast: How to Prepare for a Panel Discussion

Summary

In this engaging discussion, master facilitator Kristin Arnold interviews Daniel N. Standig, CEO of Future Media, about his successful approach to panel moderation. Daniel shares insights on the importance of thorough preparation, understanding panelists' perspectives, and creating engaging content for the audience. He emphasizes the effectiveness of segmenting discussions, utilizing multimedia, and incorporating interactive elements to maintain audience interest. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of thoughtful planning on panel discussions, encouraging others to adopt similar strategies for maximizing audience engagement and delivering valuable insights.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thorough preparation is essential for successful panel moderation.
• 📋 Understanding each panelist's unique perspective enhances the discussion's depth.
• 🌐 Establishing a broad meta topic helps organize and guide the conversation.
• 🎥 Using video insights from target demographics (like Generation Z) engages the audience effectively.
• ✏️ Interactive activities, such as audience participation exercises, keep engagement levels high.
• 🔄 Segmenting the discussion into clear parts allows for focused exploration of specific topics.
• 💬 Providing a structured outline for panelists ensures they come prepared and engaged.
• 🎨 Creative techniques, like using paddles for agreement/disagreement, add visual interest to discussions.
• 👥 Focusing on what the audience wants to learn fosters a more relevant and impactful discussion.
• 🔗 These strategies can be adapted for various settings, making them versatile for different events.

Q & A

What is Kristin Arnold's role in the panel discussion?

Kristin Arnold is a master facilitator who is passionate about improving panel discussions.

Who is Daniel N. Standig, and what is his significance in the panel?

Daniel N. Standig is the CEO of Future Media and a key client of Kristin Arnold. He has experience moderating high-stakes panels, including a notable panel at the Worldwide Radio Summit.

What challenges did Daniel face when moderating panels before working with Kristin?

Daniel faced challenges such as poorly prepared panelists and a lack of engaging content, leading to unproductive discussions.

What approach did Daniel take to prepare for the panel at the Worldwide Radio Summit?

Daniel thoroughly researched the panelists, identified their unique perspectives, and structured the panel into segments to facilitate engaging discussions.

How did the preparation process differ for this panel compared to Daniel's previous experiences?

The preparation was more structured and intentional, focusing on creating an interplay among panelists rather than simply going round-robin.

What was the main topic of the panel discussion?

The main topic was how Generation Z perceives radio and interacts with brands and radio stations.

What techniques did Daniel use to keep the audience engaged during the panel?

Daniel used techniques such as video segments of Gen Z listeners, interactive whiteboard activities, and paddle voting to encourage audience participation.

How many people attended the panel discussion, and why is that significant?

Approximately a thousand people attended the panel, making audience engagement more challenging but also more rewarding when successful.

What was one of the key takeaways from Daniel's experience with panel moderation?

A key takeaway was that investing time in proper preparation can significantly enhance the quality and impact of panel discussions.

What advice did Daniel give regarding the preparation of panels?

Daniel advised going into panel preparation with structured questions and clear objectives to ensure that panelists are ready to contribute effectively.