Powerful Panels
Kristin Arnold
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This podcast is full of tips and techniques to help moderators and panelists be absolutely brilliant during panel discussions at meetings, conferences and conventions.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
May 11, 2023
Invite a Friend to Your Panel Discussion
Having a friend or two in the room can be super helpful during a panel discussion. Here are a few ways your friends can help you be successful during a panel discussion.
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May 10, 2023
Panelist Speaking Order Advantages & Disadvantages
The order in which panelists offer their prepared remarks is a major factor in determining how they will be perceived. While each panelist will be speaking on the same topic, your pre-event meet-up should have ensured that your key points shed a different aspect or point of view in this segment of the program.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages to being the first, last or in the middle.
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May 10, 2023
Can an Introvert Be a Good Panelist?
With dominating extrovert panelists, what is an introvert to do to stack the odds in their favor?
To answer this question, I called my colleague and author of Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces, Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D, CSP. Here is what she had to say.
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Apr 13, 2023
The Last Question of a Panel Discussion
I highly recommend finishing the panel discussion on a high note with a very clear call to action. It is this “final thought” that creates clear takeaways for the audience and positions you and your company as a resource. Here are some things to consider.
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Apr 7, 2023
How Panelists Can Help With Promoting the Panel Discussion
Promoting the panel discussion is not just the responsibility of the event organizer. As a panel moderator or as a panelist, you can help promote the panel to a wider audience, encourage them to attend, engage with the attendees, and follow up after the panel discussion is over.
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Apr 6, 2023
How to Facilitate a Meaningful Audience Q&A Session During a Panel Discussion
At some point during a panel discussion, the panel moderator will turn to the audience and ask for questions. Most folks call this “Audience Q&A” where the moderator takes questions from the audience via text, question card, open microphone, or Oprah-style, depending on the event.
To facilitate a meaningful audience Q&A session, try these techniques.
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Mar 13, 2023
ChatGPT's Answer to Panelist Faux Pas
Since ChatGPT has hit the headlines pretty hard, I thought I would use artificial intelligence to write this week's blog on "biggest panelist faux pas."
Amazingly enough, here is what ChatGPT answered:
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Mar 6, 2023
Panelists - Don't Forget to Keep the Audience In Mind
It annoys me when panelists solely talk to the panel moderator and their fellow panelists - and never address the audience. After all, it is the audience that is benefitting from the panel's wisdom! Why not engage with the audience directly?
You may not be the panel moderator, but you still can involve the audience in small ways.
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Mar 3, 2023
Blatant Gender Bias at a Davos Economic Summit Panel Discussion
As a panel moderator, it is a best practice to use people's names. Everybody likes to hear their name AND it's a great cue for a panelist to know that a question is directed at them. But for goodness sakes, either call ALL the panelists by their first names or ALL the panelists by their official titles! Here's where things went wrong.
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Feb 20, 2023
Prepare to be a Brilliant Panelist with these Steps
Perhaps you've been asked to serve as a panelist in an upcoming panel discussion...and you may be wondering, "What do I have to do to be prepared?"
That's a GREAT question, as I have seen too many panelists do absolutely NO preparation. Okay, they might have read the descriptive email on the flight into the city or briefly chatted with the panel moderator. I affectionally call this the "show up and throw up strategy," where the panelists think they can get by with sheer brilliance.
Unfortunately, it rarely works that way. A brilliant, D.E.E.P. panelist is willing to do the work. And it's really not a huge lift, but can make a huge difference to the audience and their perceived value. Here's what you need to know.
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Jan 26, 2023
Should I Practice for a Panel Discussion?
A common question I am asked is “Should I practice for a panel discussion?” My pithy response is that it can’t hurt!
Seriously though, you should prepare answers for the questions you think the moderator will ask as well as a few curve balls that you think they might ask! Here's how.
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Jan 5, 2023
Where to Sit as a Panelist During a Panel Discussion
You may end up with a disorganized, lackadaisical moderator who says, "go ahead - sit wherever!"
If that's the case, get there early enough to walk onto the stage and claim the best chair in the house! Place your notes, clipboard, or another piece of personal property on the chair. Here's where you will want to sit.
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Dec 20, 2022
Panelist Preparation in Regulated Industries
For my panelists who come from heavily regulated industries (or super vigilant businesses…), you need to super prepare for this panel. You don’t want people to walk away with anything, or worse, fall asleep during the discussion! Here is how to pull it off.
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Dec 12, 2022
Difference between a Panel Presentation and a Panel Discussion
A panel presentation is a more traditional approach to having a panel: The moderator introduces each panelist, does some moderated Q&A with the first panelist, then moves on to the second panelist, etc. I call this format a "presentation style" type of panel. It is clearly not a panel discussion as the panelists are not having a conversation among themselves.
Whereas a panel discussion includes time for the panelists to interact with each other - either from the onset or after the panelists' initial remarks/presentations.
Why does this matter? Find out here.
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Dec 1, 2022
Insert Yourself into a Panel Discussion
It's possible that you, as a panelist, may not be able to insert yourself into a panel discussion. Perhaps it is because you're an introvert, or you're sitting at the end of a long row of panelists, or you're the outsider and all the other panelists know each other well.
Regardless of the cause, the moderator is not balancing the airtime, and you simply can't get a word in edgewise. Not to worry, here are some easy things to do to insert yourself into a panel discussion.
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Nov 29, 2022
Tips to Use a Microphone During a Panel Discussion
If you are on a panel with more than 50 people in the audience, chances are you are going to have to use a microphone during a panel discussion. Whether you're a panel moderator or panelist, you'll want to know some tips to use a microphone during a panel discussion.
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Nov 28, 2022
21 Ways to Calm Your Nerves Before a Panel Discussion
A little worried about your upcoming panel discussion? Here's the good news: Stage fright or presentation anxiety is fairly common for new panel moderators or panelists, manifesting itself with dry mouth, sweaty palms, and an increased heart rate.
Here's even better news: There are specific techniques you can use to reduce that anxiety - and here's twenty-one ways to calm your nerves before a panel discussion.
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Oct 28, 2022
When to Have a Panel Discussion
So what is the optimal placement of a panel discussion in the program of a longer meeting, conference, or convention? The answer depends on what the objective is.
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Oct 28, 2022
Audience Reflection Panel Format
My colleague, Sarah Michel, used a creative “audience reflection panel format” at a recent conference. It went so well that her client wants her to repeat the format at next year’s conference! So what’s an audience reflection panel format? Find out here.
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Sep 30, 2022
Reasons to Say “No” to an Offer to Moderate a Panel Discussion
While there are many (at least 9!) reasons to say “yes” to the invitation to moderate, there are an equal number of reasons to say “no” to an offer to moderate a panel discussion.
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Sep 19, 2022
The Difference Between Moderating and Facilitating an Event
Back in 2014, I decided to hyper-niche my facilitation skillset into the panel moderation world. Moderating a panel is, quite simply, a very specific type of facilitation.
So what's the difference between moderating and facilitating an event?
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Aug 17, 2022
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Panel Discussion
When considering various formats for an upcoming meeting, consider the advantages and disadvantages of a panel discussion – a live (or recorded), in-person, virtual, or “hybrid” discussion about a specific topic amongst a selected group of experts who share differing perspectives in front of an in-person, virtual, or geographically dispersed audience.
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Aug 17, 2022
Consider Sending a Thank You Letter After Panel Discussion
It’s a lovely touch to write and send a thank you letter after a panel discussion. After all, they have taken the time to prepare some comments and share their expertise with your audience. If you’re the panel organizer, the least you can do is send a thank you letter to the panel moderator and panelists. If you’re the panel moderator, consider sending a thank you note to the panelists as well!
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Jul 18, 2022
What is a Panelist? The Panelist Definition
Panelist Definition: A panelist is one among a group of people, typically 3-4 experts or practitioners in the field, who share facts, offer opinions, and respond to audience questions either through questions curated by the moderator or taken from the audience directly either in person, virtually, or remotely. Here is some criteria they should meet.
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Jul 7, 2022
Sample Panel Discussion Invitation
You've identified your desired slate of D.E.E.P. panelists and now you need to send them a panel discussion invitation by email (or if you're old school, by postal mail!). To have a comprehensive yet crisp letter, consider including these elements:
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Jul 5, 2022
Favoritism During a Panel Discussion
I’ll tell you what tips off the audience that the panel moderator is NOT fulfilling their role of being “Neutral & Objective.”
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Jul 1, 2022
8 Reasons Why You Should be a Panelist
So you’ve been asked to be a panelist on a panel discussion and you and your colleagues are wondering, “Why you should be a panelist? Why stick your neck out there?” Here's why.
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Jun 21, 2022
How to Disagree Respectfully During a Panel Discussion
Although you have been selected to speak candidly about your perspective as a panelist, you may be wondering how to disagree respectfully during a panel discussion. It's bound to come up...you've done your research on your fellow panelists and you know you have differing opinions. Here are a number of strategies on how to disagree respectfully.
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Jun 16, 2022
7 Ways to Promote Your Product or Service at a Panel Discussion
Panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares creative ways panelists can promote a book or other product or service tastefully at a panel discussion.
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May 17, 2022
14 Ideas to Keep Your Panel Discussion Script on Stage
Should you bring the whole script? Read from the teleprompter? Bring some notes? Here is how panel moderators can strategically keep their script onstage.
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May 12, 2022
Pepper Notices into Your Panel Discussion
Surprise and impress your meeting organizer by offering to pepper in notices, announcements, and promotions into your panel discussion.
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May 6, 2022
Is the Panel Discussion All About the Audience?
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold responds to a comment she received about the audience and the role of a panel discussion.
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Apr 11, 2022
A Simple Hack to Make Your Panel Discussion More Interesting
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a simple strategy to help panelists feel valued, engaged, and trusted.
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Mar 22, 2022
Making the Best Panel Moderator Decisions
While I have some preferences on how to moderate a panel discussion, there is no ONE way. It all depends on the topic, the venue, the panelists, and of course, the moderator’s own personal style.
My best advice is to make ALL of these small choices on behalf of the audience and the promise stated in the program materials. Listen for more.
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Mar 15, 2022
Timing on the Script for a Panel Discussion
I like to think of a panel discussion in chunks of time or "segments" and allocate the time appropriately.
Let's use an example from this sample script for a panel discussion where the panel is only 45 minutes long.
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Feb 21, 2022
Making Numbers Count on a Panel Discussion
When sharing a number(s) with the audience, it is much more than the telling of the number or statistic. The number(s) is important, but it’s the understanding of the situation, the emotion it generates, and the feeling the audience is left with that really matters.
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Feb 16, 2022
What to Wear on a Zoom Panel Discussion
Now that we have talked about what to wear on a panel discussion, let's chat about what to wear on a ZOOM panel discussion (or another videoconferencing platform!)
While the factors to consider when selecting the perfect outfit are the same for in-person as well as participating remotely, there are a few distinct differences that I wanted to highlight. After all, your profile is being projected as a "Hollywood Square" vs. a full view of the entire stage! (Actually, these tips also work for anyone who is a remote panelist as well!)
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Jan 13, 2022
What to Wear on a Panel Discussion
Ever wonder what to wear on a panel discussion? I do - all the time! The answer is not as simple as it may seem. Although I would love to give you a textbook answer, there are several factors you need to consider first.
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Dec 7, 2021
How to Promote Yourself During a Panel Discussion
Wondering how the heck you can subtly promote yourself during a panel discussion? You don’t want to be too pushy or too salesy BUT there is a reason you said “yes” to the request. Perhaps you are looking for more visibility, awareness of a new product/service, or organization (whatever “it” is!).
Regardless of the reason you want to shamelessly promote yourself or your company, DON’T do it! There are ways to get the point across without you having to shamelessly promote “it.”
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Nov 24, 2021
How Panelists can Respond to Pesky "Gotcha" Questions
As an expert panelist or during any other interview, you can proactively prepare for cage-rattling questions, recognize the gotcha question, and reframe your response so that you can come out looking like a champ!
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Nov 18, 2021
Get Rid of the White, Draped Table at Panel Discussions!
Don't default to the traditionalists. You can easily spice up the room by getting rid of that darn long table during your panel discussion. It acts as a barrier between the panelists and the audience. Instead, create a warmer climate with these strategies.
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Nov 15, 2021
Panel Discussion Topics
Panel discussion topics are more than just one or two words.
To provide a focus for the panel moderator, panelists, and the audience, craft a topic statement (not to be confused with a panel title) that includes these three elements.
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Sep 27, 2021
Tactful Transitions to Move the Audience Through a Panel Discussion
Here is how panel moderators can break up panel discussions into bite-size chunks in order to provide basic structure and help the audience follow along.
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Sep 24, 2021
How to Gracefully Interrupt a Panelist Who Talks Too Long
"Cutting off" has such a bad connotation to it. So here are a few different panel moderator strategies to "redirect" the conversation (vs. cut off the panelist) during a panel discussion.
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Aug 20, 2021
Avoid the Hot Potato or Ping Pong Effect During Panel Discussions
Although both of these techniques have their strengths, Ping Pong and Hot Potato are NOT effective as the only two questioning techniques a panel moderator should use. Both of these techniques keep the focal point on the moderator when it should be on the conversation between the panelists. Use them sparingly and purposefully during your next panel discussion.
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Aug 18, 2021
Good Panel Discussion Questions
Take the time to carefully craft good panel discussion questions that meet at least four of these six attributes!
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Jul 9, 2021
5 Ways to Balance Panelist Airtime During a Panel Discussion
One of the core values for all panel moderators is the notion of “fairness.” Pay attention to which panelists are contributing and for how long. Here are five active steps to balance it out.
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May 28, 2021
Pitiful Panel Discussions: The Panelists’ or Moderators’ Fault?
Panel discussions don't live up to their potential - a fabulous, spontaneous discussion between really smart people to create valuable takeaways for the audience. You can blame the moderator for many of the ills (check out the 2014 Panel Report for the details), but you can also blame the panelists - to no fault of their own.
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May 17, 2021
Expand Panelist’s Initial Remarks into Cohesive Ideas
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares how panel moderators can use the initial remarks from panelists to expand and build a cohesive story throughout the panel discussion.
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May 5, 2021
Play "Spin the Wheel" to Avoid a Repetitious Panel Discussion
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a creative way to keep the panel discussion exciting with a game show activity.
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Apr 21, 2021
How to Select Diverse People to Ask a Question During a Panel Discussion
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares how panel moderators can ensure they call on audience members from diverse backgrounds during a panel discussion.
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Feb 11, 2021
Foster a Sense of Intimacy in the Virtual World
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of strategies to create intimacy during virtual meetings, virtual panel discussions and hybrid panel discussions.
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Jan 11, 2021
14 Ways to Add Visual Variety to a Virtual Panel Discussion
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold provides a number of ways panel moderators and event organizers can plan to spice up their panel discussion with visual variety.
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Jan 8, 2021
Live Virtual Panel Discussion Vs. a Recorded Panel Discussion: Pitfalls, Risks, Pros, Cons
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares the differences between a live virtual panel discussion and a recorded panel discussion.
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Dec 7, 2020
Types of Debate Moderator Biases with Presidential Debate Examples
High-stakes meeting facilitator, professional panel moderator, and presidential debate rules analyst Kristin Arnold provides insights on the types of bias that debate moderators can have.
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Dec 1, 2020
Moderators: Figure Out Your Handout Strategy
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares how panel moderators can use and distribute handouts or takeaways during a panel discussion.
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Nov 23, 2020
Creative and Audience-Engaging Ways to Conclude a Panel Discussion
Kristin Arnold, professional panel moderator and high-stakes meeting facilitator, shares her best practices for ending a panel discussion.
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Nov 16, 2020
Do a Formal Critique to Improve Panel Moderation Skills
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of strategies to critique yourself after moderating a panel discussion to improve for the next time.
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Oct 12, 2020
Use the Full "Camera Stage" to Spark Interest and Variety
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares how panel moderators and virtual presenters can use the "camera stage" to it's fullest potential during virtual meetings and panel discussions.
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Oct 5, 2020
Prompt Brilliant Panelist Discussion with the "What If" Game
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares how to create brilliant panelist questions using the "What If" game.
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Sep 10, 2020
How Even the Least Funny Panel Moderators Can Use Humor
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of strategies for panel moderators to use humor during a panel discussion.
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Sep 4, 2020
4 Ideas to Engage the Audience Before a Virtual Panel Discussion
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of strategies to ensure the audience is engaged even in the moments before a virtual panel discussion starts.
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Aug 17, 2020
Creative Ways of Getting Virtual Audience Feedback
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of strategies to obtain feedback from a virtual audience during a virtual panel discussion
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Aug 3, 2020
Alter Your Appearance to Excite Your Panel Audience
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares how you can "dress the part" when moderating a panel discussion to bring excitement and intrigue.
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Jul 14, 2020
Everything Panel Moderators Should Discuss With Their Meeting Organizer
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of items panel moderators should discuss with their meeting organizer before a panel discussion.
To make your life easier, follow along with this planning worksheet to help you have a fabulous conversation with the meeting organizer for your next panel discussion!
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Jul 7, 2020
How to be a Brilliant Remote Panelist
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares how panelists can prepare to be brilliant during a virtual panel discussion.
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Jun 8, 2020
The Seamless Way to Incorporate a "Remote Panelist" Into Your Panel Discussion
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of strategies to seamlessly incorporate a remote panelist into a panel discussion.
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Jun 2, 2020
Panel Moderators: Prepare Your “Cutoff Phrases” Ahead of Time
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of helpful phrases panel moderators can use to intervene on the panelist that talks too much.
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May 11, 2020
Don't Forget the VIRTUAL Audience During a Hybrid Panel Discussion
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of techniques to incorporate the F2F and the virtual audience during a hybrid panel discussion.
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May 7, 2020
Take Your Panel Discussion on a Journey with This Storytelling Technique
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of strategies for telling colorful stories during a panel discussion.
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Apr 27, 2020
How to Moderate a Virtual Panel Discussion
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of strategies to moderate a virtual panel discussion.
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Apr 20, 2020
How to Create GREAT Questions for Your Panelists to Answer During Your Panel Discussion
Kristin Arnold, professional panel moderator and high stakes meeting facilitator, shares how moderators can draw up questions for panelists that encourage a robust conversation.
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Mar 11, 2020
The Definition of a Panel Discussion
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold provides the definition of a panel discussion.
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Mar 4, 2020
4 Popular Panel Discussion Formats
Kristin Arnold, professional panel moderator and high stakes meeting facilitator, shares four of the most popular formats for panel discussions and conferences, conventions, and meetings.
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Feb 12, 2020
The Moderator's Role in Panel Discussions
So what does a moderator actually do that makes the panel worthwhile? High-stakes meeting facilitator and professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of reasons why a panel discussion needs a panel moderator.
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Feb 10, 2020
10 Common Mistakes Panel Moderators Make...And How to Avoid Them
Kristin Arnold, professional panel moderator and high stakes meeting facilitator, shares the most common mistakes panel moderators make and how panel moderators can learn and improve.
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Jan 16, 2020
What if You Realized You Were A Male Panelist on a Manel?
High-stakes meeting facilitator and panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares how a recent panelist declined to take part in a "Manel" and referred to a female colleague who could take his place.
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Jan 9, 2020
Yes, President Trump - Moderators Matter: How Moderators Influence the Debate
High-stakes meeting facilitator and professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares how moderators do have bias and how it can affect a panel discussion or presidential debate.
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Dec 18, 2019
Provocative and Polarizing Questions for Your Panel Discussion
High-stakes meeting facilitator and professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares polarizing, provocative, and controversial questions to ask panelists during a panel discussion.
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Dec 16, 2019
How to Dress Up a Panel Discussion on the Cheap
High-stakes meeting facilitator and professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares how to set up the panel discussion stage for success, with virtually no budget.
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Nov 22, 2019
Panel Moderators: You MUST Have an Emergency Action Plan
High-stakes meeting facilitator Kristin Arnold shares why panel moderators need an Emergency Action Plan when moderating a panel discussion at meetings, events, and conferences.
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Nov 22, 2019
BEWARE of the "Stacked Panel" At Your Next Conference
High-stakes meeting facilitator and professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of reasons why conference attendees should beware of a "stacked panel" at their next event.
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Oct 22, 2019
7 Ways You Can Get Your Message Out During a Panel Discussion
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of ways panelists can ensure they get their message across during a panel discussion.
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Oct 18, 2019
10 Commandments of Panel Discussion Microphone Runners
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of tips for microphone runners to do their job well during a panel discussion.
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Sep 23, 2019
Try the Entertaining "Hat Debate Format" for a Panel Discussion
Professional panel moderator shares an interesting way to categorize panelist's viewpoints and present their ideas in an entertaining way, based off The Slate's format idea after the last presidential debate.
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Sep 23, 2019
Make Your Mark as a Moderator with Opening Remarks
KRISTIN ARNOLD, MBA, CPF, CSP is a high-stakes meeting facilitator and professional panel moderator who shares a number of ways panel moderators can open their panel discussions.
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Aug 22, 2019
Acing an "UnPanel" - A Panel Without a Moderator
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares how to pull off an "unpanel" or a panel discussion with no moderator.
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Aug 8, 2019
How to Use BINGO During a Panel Discussion
KRISTIN ARNOLD, MBA, CPF, CSP is a high-stakes meeting facilitator and professional panel moderator who shares how to play BINGO during a panel discussion.
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Jun 14, 2019
Ask the Audience for a Verbal Response During a Panel Discussion
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares a number of ways panel moderators can engage the audience by asking for a verbal response.
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Jun 6, 2019
Using Examples Vs. Illustrations to Spark a Powerful Panel
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold provides a number of ways panel moderators and panelists can use excellent examples and illustrations during a panel discussion.
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Apr 18, 2019
Have a Spirited Debate, Not a Heated Debate During a Panel Discussion
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold shares how panel moderators can encourage spirited debates that do not get into heated arguments during panel discussions.
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