A popular conference session format, panel discussions are great opportunities for panel speakers to share insights and new perspectives without the pressure of standing up on their own in front of an audience.

While the pressures of solo speaking may not be as prominent, becoming a brilliant and memorable panel speaker is still a unique skill in itself.

Without thorough preparation, there is a risk of blending into the background as other panellists take centre stage and overshadow your contributions.

So, how can you avoid that?

Here is a comprehensive guide to empower you to become a brilliant panel speaker:

Prepare thoroughly

It goes without saying that you need to familiarise yourself with the topic you’ll be discussing, and be crystal clear on what your standpoint is on the subject.

Know who your fellow panel speakers are, as well as the overarching theme and objectives of the conference.

What are the current industry trends and hot topics which relate to your discussion topic?

What evidence can you apply to substantiate your arguments?

I would also recommend listening to the conference sessions before yours, as they might raise relevant points for you to refer back to.

Essentially, the more you know, the more confidently you can contribute to the conversation.

Know your key messages

Identify the key points you want to convey during the discussion.

What is your unique perspective on the topic?

Write down the messages you want to convey concisely. This will help you to articulate your thoughts during the discussion.

Listen actively during the panel

Effective communication in panel discussions is not just about speaking; it’s also about listening.

Demonstrate active listening by engaging with your fellow panellists’ points, responding thoughtfully, and building upon their ideas organically.

A dynamic and collaborative discussion enhances the overall impact of the panel.

Display confident body language

Your body language speaks volumes!

Maintain confident and open body language throughout the discussion.

Be careful not to cross your arms as this can indicate you’re being defensive and closed off.

Ensure you are making eye contact with the audience, your fellow panel speakers, and the moderator.

A poised, open, and engaged physical presence works wonders to reinforce your credibility as a speaker and an expert on the topic at hand.

Be ready for challenges

Be prepared for challenging questions or differing opinions — it won’t be a very exciting panel discussion without them!

You can anticipate potential points of contention beforehand and be ready with thoughtful responses.

Always handle such challenges with grace and diplomacy for a constructive discussion.

From an audience’s perspective the most absorbing panel discussions are those that spur healthy debate so don’t shy away from offering a point of view that contradicts other panel speakers’ opinions.

Engage with the audience

It’s a nice touch for any speaker to connect with the audience by addressing questions, comments, or concerns that have been raised.

If time permits, participate in Q&A or make yourself available during the networking breaks to further engage with audience members and demonstrate your interest to their perspectives on the topic you’ve spoken about.

Learn from every panel experience

Reflect on your performance after each panel discussion. It is the best way to continuously improve, refine your skills, and develop your impact as a speaker.

Seek feedback from colleagues, the chairperson, fellow panel speakers, or the event organisers.

If you’re looking for guidance on case studies or keynote presentations at conferences then check out this.

If your panel or presentation is in a virtual format then click here for online presentation tips.

This is also a really useful Forbes article for panel speakers.

Thank you for reading and I hope you found this helpful!

Tilly x