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Compared with the nerve-wracking prospect of giving a lecture, presenting on a panel may seem to be a safer option. After all, you’re responding to targeted questions rather than monologuing, and you’re not the sole focus of audience attention.

But there are often hidden challenges when it comes to navigating panel discussions. Here are four strategies you can employ to ensure your turn in the spotlight goes smoothly.

First, connect with the moderator beforehand. It’s almost always possible for you to email or otherwise reach out to the moderator before the event. You’ll be able to prepare far more effectively if you understand how they intend to run the session. For instance, will they call on specific people to answer particular questions, or will it be a free-for-all where you’re expected to jump in? Do they have a list of questions already prepared, and if so, can they share it with you? That information allows you to picture how the panel will run and steel yourself in advance if, for instance, you’re a bit shy and aren’t used to fighting for airtime.

To that end, you’ll also want to plan out your talking points. At various periods, I’ve been a frequent commentator on U.S. and Canadian television, and I’ve often been part of a panel of political pundits. As soon as I was invited on (usually with only a few hours’ notice), I’d dive into research mode and make a list of:

• relevant key statistics (it’s especially powerful if you’re able to cite 1–3 salient facts)
• questions I suspected the host would ask (the television booker would provide the general topic, such as “the latest campaign polls,” but not specific questions)
• major points I wanted to be sure to include

By preparing these materials in advance and having them top of mind, I was able to make a compelling case when I presented. The same principles and techniques apply to non-televised panel discussions, such as when you’re addressing a conference. Another side benefit is that knowing likely questions and key talking points enables you to be flexible and answer gracefully during open Q&A periods, if your conference allows for questions from the crowd.

Another tip for panel success is to try to speak first. This may not always be possible, as the moderator may address questions to particular individuals. But if they prefer an open format — “So, what does everyone think the most important trends in AI are?” — then it pays to be ready to jump in while others are still formulating their responses. That’s because the person who speaks first often sets the tenor of the debate, and you eliminate the risk that the person speaking before you will steal the key point you wanted to make. Finally, if there is a dominating presence on the panel who vacuums up a lot of airtime, this is one way to ensure you make a powerful impression on the crowd, because the audience is disproportionately likely to remember a smart opening remark.

Finally, it’s also important to monitor the balance of time. If you know that you tend to be verbose, especially under stress, consciously try to limit your remarks. Be aware of how many times you’ve spoken, as compared with others, and if you’re a serial offender, you may consider setting a timer on your smartphone or watch so that you can stop yourself at the 30-second mark to let others weigh in. Those who dominate panel discussions are less likely to impress others with their intellect and more likely to come across as bullies or know-it-alls.

If, conversely, you’re the one suffering at the hands of a monopolizer, it’s important not to get cowed into silence or submission. It’s natural to wish the moderator would step in to help — that is their job — but they may be untrained or ill-equipped. Instead, prepare mentally in advance for the possibility that you’ll need to assertively break into the conversation.

That may be unusual or uncomfortable behavior for you, but unlike in a typical office setting, where you can share your thoughts in other ways or over time, you have only this one opportunity to express your point of view. Even if you have to resort to waving your hand so that the moderator will call on you, or to interrupting the dominator yourself (“Chad, there’s a point we’ve been overlooking here”), in this instance, the aggressiveness is warranted. The audience will likely be cheering you on.

Presenting on a panel may sound like an easy lift compared with giving a solo talk. But much like in public speaking, there are potential minefields to be aware of. By following these strategies, you maximize the chances that your point of view will be heard and that your participation will be a success.

from HBR.org https://ift.tt/2N2u2AQ