Study
Steps 1. 1
Identify the goal and purpose of your panel discussion. Establish what you want to achieve by conducting the discussion, and what general questions will be answered. Focus on 1 or 2 main topics to direct the panel discussion in an organized way. 2. 2
Invite experts to become panelists. * Choose knowledgeable, well-educated experts or individuals involved in the focus of your panel discussion. Invite local coordinators and community partners to participate in panel discussions that involve projects within your community. A panelist does not have to have an impressive degree or years of experience to offer insightful discussion during the presentation. * Invite panelists at least 3 or 3 weeks prior to the discussion to allow them time to prepare. 3. 3
Select and invite a moderator. * Choose a moderator who does not have a conflict of interest with the subject matter of the panel discussion. * Pick a moderator who will keep the conversation moving, adhere to and enforce the guidelines and rules of the panel discussion, and can act as an emcee for the event. 4. 4
Determine the rules for the panel discussion. * Establish the guidelines for open discussion, if that's how you wish the panel discussion to proceed. Open discussion panel forums usually begin with a question and conversation ensues between panelists based on their comments. Guidelines often include a time limit for each discussion item. * Create time limits for limited discussion methods. Many times each panelist will be allowed a certain amount of time to answer each question as asked by the moderator. Discussion between panelists does not occur in this type of format. * Determine how questions from the audience will be handled. Some formats allow questions during the panel discussion. Others provide time after the panel discussion for audience members to ask questions of the panelists. * Distribute the rules of the
Identify the goal and purpose of your panel discussion. Establish what you want to achieve by conducting the discussion, and what general questions will be answered. Focus on 1 or 2 main topics to direct the panel discussion in an organized way. 2. 2
Invite experts to become panelists. * Choose knowledgeable, well-educated experts or individuals involved in the focus of your panel discussion. Invite local coordinators and community partners to participate in panel discussions that involve projects within your community. A panelist does not have to have an impressive degree or years of experience to offer insightful discussion during the presentation. * Invite panelists at least 3 or 3 weeks prior to the discussion to allow them time to prepare. 3. 3
Select and invite a moderator. * Choose a moderator who does not have a conflict of interest with the subject matter of the panel discussion. * Pick a moderator who will keep the conversation moving, adhere to and enforce the guidelines and rules of the panel discussion, and can act as an emcee for the event. 4. 4
Determine the rules for the panel discussion. * Establish the guidelines for open discussion, if that's how you wish the panel discussion to proceed. Open discussion panel forums usually begin with a question and conversation ensues between panelists based on their comments. Guidelines often include a time limit for each discussion item. * Create time limits for limited discussion methods. Many times each panelist will be allowed a certain amount of time to answer each question as asked by the moderator. Discussion between panelists does not occur in this type of format. * Determine how questions from the audience will be handled. Some formats allow questions during the panel discussion. Others provide time after the panel discussion for audience members to ask questions of the panelists. * Distribute the rules of the