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Deliver a World-Class Panel Presentation

Anthony
18 August 2025 23:14:16 Comment(s)

World-Class Panel Presentations

Panel Discussions are one of the most effective ways to share real insights with organic conversations.    However, a majority of panels fail because they arrive on stage under-prepared.  The panelists share memorized answers to scripted questions, while their audience lstart to look for the nearest exit.


In this article, we will share how world-class moderators and panelists deliver outstanding audience experiences:

  • Personalized Introductions and Customized Questions
  • Rich and Organic Conversations
  • Precise Summaries and Key Takeaways

NOTE: This 30-minute framework is recommended for moderators with 2 or 3 panelists.  Having a 4th panelist will require a longer session (45 minutes), and higher level of moderator skills.

Open with Personalized Introductions

Moderators have 3 minutes to earn the trust and attention of their audience.  In the first minute, a skilled moderator will state the title of the session, share why the topic is important, and a deliver a Bold Promise from the panel.  This promise often begins with the phrase "By the end of this session, you will...."

The most common mistake in the introduction is when a moderator or panelist recites their biographies.  Titles and company names are already on the screen, so there is no need to read this slide to the audience.  This low-quality introduction hints to the audience that will witness a boring conversation amongst strangers.

A professional moderator will use these two minutes to give a personalized introduction for each panelist.   Personalized introductions demonstrate  pre-existing relationships that hint to an engaging conversation amongst friends.  Audience who witness these types of conversations experience deeper levels of connection with the panel.

Start with Customized Opening Questions

In the next 9 minutes, the moderator conducts an individual deep dive with each panelist.  In each 3-minute deep dive, each panelist showcases a core message, shares a related story, and provides a key insight to the audience.
 
During the panel preparation process, the moderator will work with each panelist to ensure that their core message is connected to the panel's theme.  Panelists use rehearsals to fine tune their message to be easily absorbed by the audience.  Also, each panelist must finish their opening answer within 3 minutes.

I call this section the "Opening Solos", borrowed from the world of jazz musicians.  These opening answers are the first opportunity for the audience to hear their voice and learn their content.   A panelist succeeds when their core message lands with the audience, and their answer provides rich content for the moderator to use during the interactive discussion section.

Manage Rich and Organic Conversations

After the panelists answer their opening question, the moderator is equipped with a set of core messages, related stories and takeaways to lead an interactive discussion.

  • Moderator Role: Advance the conversation with follow-up questions that prompt the panel for additional details, examples, or insights.  Actively listen to the contributions in order to draw connections to the panel's theme, or between panel members.  Finally, challenge assumptions or raise objections, using your voice to represent the doubts or concerns in the audience.

  • Panelist Role:  Actively listen to questions from the moderator and contributions from your fellow panelists.  Build upon the current conversation and create deeper connection to the panel's theme.  Use your contributions to elevate audience comprehension or facilitate audience engagement.

Close with Precise Summaries and Key Takeaways

A fully prepared moderator will finish the interactive discussion with 5 minutes left on the clock.  This allows time for each panelist to have closing remarks, and time for the moderator to formally close the session.

  • Panelist Role:  Take1 minute to do the following: (1) Restate your vision to spark the audience's desire for change.  (2) Remind the audience of the stakes and the urgency of now.  (3) Invite the audience to apply your actionable insight in their personal or professional lives.

  • Moderator Role: By skillfully managing time, you will leave yourself 2 full minutes to close the session.  Start by synthesizing your panelist's core messages, and then invite the audience to implement at least one key takeaway.  End with specific instructions on how to provide feedback and how to continue the conversation with the panel.   Most importantly, prompt the audience to give a round of applause to thank your panel.

Summary

In this article, we shared the best practices of world-class moderators and panelists.  In preparation for your next industry panel, we invite you to invest rehearsal time to successfully deliver the following audience experiences:

  • Personalized Introductions and Customized Questions
  • Rich and Organic Conversations
  • Precise Summaries and Key Takeaways

Build Your Message Portfolio

To build your Message Portfolio,, consider joining our Synchronized Communications MasterClass.   Over the course of 12 sessions, you will compose 4 core presentations to be fully prepared for your most important presentations and conversations.   In our presentation gym, you will learn to use the 7 voices of leadership to communicate trust, create connection and build relationships with your audience.

Schedule an appointment with one of our executive communications coaches, and learn how the MasterClass will prepare you to generate money, activate support and accumulate recommendations from all of your leadership presentations.

Anthony