Comments on: How To Kick Ass On A Panel

By: Ricardo Bueno

Ricardo Bueno — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:45:49 +0000

Melissa: first and foremost, I’m totally going to miss seeing you at REBlogworld! But then again, I’m totally stoked that you’re coming to LA in a couple of weeks for 140conf and let me tell ya, we’re going to have a great time (I’ll save some fun for that event).

In regards to your comment, I’m a big fan of: Edutainment. Educating whilst being a little entertaining. A speaker that can both educate and entertain an audience is going to be a great speaker (in my opinion). Heck, if you can make an audience laugh, you have their attention through and through. The rest is up to you to deliver the goods (some content/tips that they can walk away with an implement).

Now yes I agree that you can practice too much. To the point where you sound rehearsed and no that’s never a good thing. Trick is in finding that balance. Practice your notes, then rip ‘em up and say what you have to say. Do it until your presentation comes out naturally and heck, be a little spontaneous (it can be a good thing).

By: Ricardo Bueno

Ricardo Bueno — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:39:55 +0000

Darren: nothing wrong with a little spontaneity; I think it’s a good thing. But where it goes wrong is when the panel turns into nothing more than a “ramble-fest” as you suggested. It’s those panels that I find useless. Then again, I might be wrong. Personally, I think it’s good to toss in some preparation (know what you’re going to talk about, have a few main points outlined, etc.). Not so much so that you sound like you’re reading of a sheet when you talk but enough such that you can state your point, then move on and discuss something else.

Re: leaving people with practical/how to type of information, it’s those panels that I appreciate most. It’s great to discuss the theory behind something, but give me something I can actually implement, and I’m much more grateful which goes back to the point about “practice makes perfect.” In other words, identify a few good points that you intent to give the audience.

Thanks for stopping by to add some thoughts Darren!

By: Ricardo Bueno

Ricardo Bueno — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:35:00 +0000

Jeff: A great moderator makes for a great session. Helps keep the discussion in check and on point. You Mr. Turner, are a great moderator if I do say so myself.

By: Melissa DelGaudio

Melissa DelGaudio — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:48:34 +0000

When I’m watching/listening to a panel discussion, there are a few things that can make or break it for me. First, I need the panelists to know their stuff. I’ve seen plenty where it was clear that they didn’t (never a good thing). And, as Darren said above, I want to leave with the possibility of some practical application of what’s been discussed.

Being prepared is key. But I would caution against being OVER-prepared, as that can make answers sound rehearsed or canned, which really, really bugs me. When you’re over-prepared, the opportunity to be even a little spontaneous can get lost. Off the cuff discussions or unusual tangents onto which panelists thrust themselves can often be interesting & thought-provoking, not to mention fun!

And please, try to be at least a LITTLE entertaining. Panel discussions that make me laugh here and there are much more likely to hold my attention or make a lasting impression than the ones that are dry, boring or in which the participants just tell each other how awesome they are (yes, I’ve seen plenty of THAT, too). That variety is like real-life Ambien for me.

By: Darren Rowse

Darren Rowse — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:41:29 +0000

I think it probably comes down to personality and your own style a little – but I personally like to have done a fair bit of preparation for panels and like to know questions I’ll be asked in advance where possible so that I can have at least one solid and practical thing to say for each question or topic.

There is always a lot of spontaneity on panels but often they tend to become ramble-fests – so if you’ve got a few main points to share that can help you keep on track.

The other thing that I try to do is come with practical/how to type content rather than just theory. People want to go away and be able to implement something – not just know something new. As a result having a few tips in mind and also some examples to illustrate what you’re saying in a practical sense can be useful.

By: Jeff Turner

Jeff Turner — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:13:16 +0000

If your panelists are engaging speakers who know their stuff and your moderator has the ability to keep the focus of the panel on the stated goals, the tips and tricks listed above aren’t necessary. I’m finding that these are rare.

The panels at some of the conferences I’ve attended seem to have been little more than afterthoughts, with panelists sometimes added the morning of the event. It’s hard to get eveyone focused in that scenario.

I like the prep that is going into this year’s REBlogworld panels. I think it will show up in the results.