How to Be a Better Panelist: Kristin Arnold

Show Notes

How to Shine On a Panel
How to Moderate a Panel Discussion to Hold Attention

Episode 325 (Kristin is based in Arizona) (Repeat of #64)

In this coversation with Kristin Arnold we explore:

• how executives can add value without a sales pitch


• why a short preparation call matters


• how to build three clear and memorable points


• when to rehearse and how to shorten examples


• how panelists can support a natural conversation


• why moderators need to guide rather than dominate


• how to manage long answers and topic drift


• when technical support helps a virtual panel


• how a lightning round creates a useful close


• how feedback and direct requests can lead to more invitations

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About our guest, Kristin Arnold:

Kristin is a professional meeting facilitator and leading authority on moderating panel discussions.

She is the author of six books including "123 Ways to Add Pizzazz to a Panel Discussion."

Learn more about the book here www.PanelPizzazz.com

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Key Learning Points from this coversation:

• Clarify the panel’s purpose and audience before you choose your message. Offer useful insight rather than a sales pitch.


• Attend the preparation call yourself. Learn the moderator’s conversational style, agenda, format and flow.


• Prepare three audience-focused points. Give each point an example or story and a memorable soundbite.


• Condense your examples and practise concise answers. Match answer length to the topic, panel size and available time.


• Treat the panel as a conversation. Agree on how to add a perspective, support another panelist and signal that you want to speak.


• As moderator, research the audience, panelists and topic. Guide the process and resist becoming an additional panelist.


• Set time expectations in advance. Use agreed signals and intervene gracefully but firmly when an answer runs long.


• When the conversation drifts, ask a curious question that brings the panel back to its promised topic.


• For virtual panels, arrange technical support so the moderator can concentrate on the conversation. Use slides selectively.


• Close with a lightning round that gives the audience one useful takeaway from each panelist.


• Review a recording to identify strengths and improvements. Ask moderators, organizers and fellow panelists about further opportunities.

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Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self.

In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.

 

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George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviours. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.

 

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