Presentation Skills: Holding Your Own with Other Experts—Part 2 of Presenting as a Panelist
When presenting as part of a panel, think of the situation as a Broadway play rather than a solo performance. How you interact with other panelists makes the difference between a long-running box-office hit and a one-night show.
Look for appropriate opportunities to piggyback the comments of other panel members. The most engaging panel presentations are those that simulate a dialogue, even a controversial conversation, rather than a series of three or four mini-speeches by individuals. To make it conversational, find a place to jump into the fray. Where do you agree—but for a different reason? Where do you disagree totally? Why? Where can you add an illustration? These opportunities add depth and color to the key points. But do be careful with your phrasing as you piggyback others’ comments. Avoid “interpreting” lead-ins such as, “I think what was Cesar was trying to say was….”
Set yourself up with an opening statement that allows you to hold the floor until you have opportunity to make your point without being interrupted in mid-thought. Because panelists are not typically facing each other, they have more difficulty with overlapping than in normal conversation. They miss the body language cues that tell them when the other person has finished talking. So you have to cue each other verbally to prevent interruptions.
Examples: “Let me point out three reasons for this situation as I see it: First, there’s the problem with X….” Another example: “In my opinion, safety should be our biggest concern. Let me elaborate on why I say that and then give you a quick story about the accident last week in Atlanta.” These upfront framework statements cue the other panelists and the moderator about the structure of your comments and how long you plan to hold the floor.
Volunteer to respond to a question or share your opinion when appropriate, but beware of shared airtime. TV talk shows are called “Mornings with Gene and Jane” for a reason. The show’s producers expect both to have the personality required to make the show a “go.” But let one person hog all the airtime, and either of two things happens: That person gets his or her own show—or gets fired. Likewise, panels are created because sponsors or hosts want to hear from all members of the panel—not just one prima-donna.
Don’t fall into the “me-too” pattern unless verbal agreement adds impact and further understanding. The single most wasteful habit in meetings—or panels—is having people “amen” each other. That is, they simply repeat what someone else has said in different words without shedding any new light on the subject. Remember: Just because a thought flashes across your mind doesn’t mean you have to voice it.
For other tips on preparation as a panelist, see Part 1: Never Wing It. For tips on body language as a panelist, read the final post in the series: Part 3: Give Up Grand-Stranding as a Panelist.
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