Make Your Next Panel Discussion More Compelling Success depends on strong preparation, concrete examples, and good connection with your audience. The moderator should acknowledge all members of the panel and express gratitude for their participation, and reinforce the productivity of the discussion.
A successful panel discussion will follow a set agenda, specifically a set order of specific events. Also, consider things like access to the stage. Unfortunately, it is so easy for panelists to focus on each other and their moderator, which relegates the audience to the role of spectator.
Although the moderator will manage this on the day, giving some guidance in advance focuses speakers on the limited time available and helps to keep them on point.
First, you have had the luxury of preparation and likely prior conversation with the other panelists. In so doing, you run the risk of having a very disengaged and unsatisfied audience.
The faster the pace of the discussion--and the more interaction between panelists and with the audience--the more successful the panel will be. The story concludes with Jobs not only getting the parts but also a summer job at Hewlett-Packard, working on the frequency counter assembly line.
The moderator can use an anecdote or example from current media to hone in on the main points of the coming discussion.