As you rise in your career and your visibility grows, you’ll likely be called upon to participate in a panel discussion. It’s a powerful way to share your ideas and become recognized in your field, but there’s no question that preparing to speak on a panel can be stressful — you have to figure out what to say, practice being concise, and worry about overlapping with your colleagues.
How to Moderate a Panel Discussion
Four strategies for creating a better experience.
December 19, 2018
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Summary.
As you rise in your career and your visibility grows, you’ll likely be called upon to participate in a panel discussion — or to moderate one. This can be a challenge even for experienced professionals. It’s true that you’re not answering any questions yourself, and you know them all in advance, but there are still unpredictable elements. You have to choreograph the interaction of multiple opinionated leaders, keep everyone on topic, and probe for deeper insights. Here are four strategies to ensure that when you’re moderating, you create the conditions for an insightful exchange.
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New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Presentation Skills Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Presentation Skills. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Inspire your audience with confidence and poise.