10 Tips for a successful panel

𝗔 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴!

“𝘚𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘭-𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵!,” a peer within the financial sector told me quite accurately.

Last week, I had the opportunity to moderate a panel jointly organized by AFFQ and AFP. To my surprise, we were showered with compliments afterwards. I received so many kind words despite the fact that I simply supported the preparation and moderated the discussion. 

So I thought I'd share with you some of 𝟭𝟬 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 I've picked up during my 20 years of communications experience with leading companies in the financial and sustainable investment sectors.

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻.

Whether you are organizing, moderating or speaking at a panel soon, I hope you'll find it useful.

1. Add value

   
   

You need to identify who will be in the audience and what would interest them. Don’t rush through this question: it’s crucial to ensure the panel’s success.

2. Select the panelists with care

   
   

Beyond the person's profile, their engagement and enthusiasm should also be taken into account. A motivated panelist will make the preparation more enjoyable and the discussion

more engaging.

3. Clarify angle and tone

Take the time to connect with the organizers and panelists, identify the topics they’re passionate about, and understand their preferences regarding the format.

4. Preparation is key

   
   

Have at least one preparation call with the speakers and put the key points in writing. A final meeting just before the event helps everyone refresh their memory.

5. Too much preparation kills the spark

A ‘perfect’ panel can be boring! Instead of a word-for-word script, just note keywords and key data points.

6. Connect with fellow panelists

By taking the time to meet your peers in person, you’ll build a chemistry that will make all of you shine on stage.

7. One hour to go : Smile !

One hour before the panel, you might feel a bit uncertain and dive into your notes to make sure you don’t forget anything. Do the opposite: smile and connect with the participants in the room!

8. Enjoy the moment

Speak sincerely (don’t just recite). What people will remember is the emotion.

So, allow yourself to be surprised and focus on enjoying the process.

9. Tips for moderators

Ensure fair participation, summarize key points mentioned and highlight similarities or contrasts between them. Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch and share your reactions.

It will add some color to the panel.

10. Enjoy the compliments

    
    

Accept compliments gracefully and take the opportunity to continue the conversation with the participants. You can do a full debrief later.