Powerful Panels
Episodes
From the Bookshelf: The Moderator's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for Facilitating Panels
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There aren't many books about panel discussions (other than mine!), so when Katrina Dudley's book, The Moderator's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide f...
Passing the Mic: How Event Emcees and Panel Moderators Can Shine Together
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, panel expert Kristin Arnold explains how emcees and panel moderators can partner effectively to deliver a seamless, polished event...
The Rookie Panel Moderator Mistake That Made Me Cringe
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, panel expert Kristin Arnold shares a rookie mistake that still makes her cringe: mispronouncing her panelists' last names during in...
What to do with hostile or confrontational questions from the audience
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, panel expert Kristin Arnold shares how moderators can confidently handle hostile, aggressive, or confrontational audience questions....
How to Read the Audience in Real Time During a Panel Discussion
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, panel expert Kristin Arnold reveals how great moderators read the room moment by moment. She shares practical techniques for scann...
Do Journalists Make Good Panel Moderators
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hiring a journalist to moderate your panel? They bring sharp questioning skills, but a panel isn't a press conference. A great moderator isn't there t...
Top 10 Trending Topics for Panel Discussions Q3, 2025
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Panels Shouldn't Be a Break; They Should Be a Breakthrough
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Too often, panels at conferences and events are treated as filler content. They give the audience a “break” between keynotes, or a convenient slo...
Navigating Sponsored Panels Like a Pro Without Losing the Audience’s Trust
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You’re preparing to moderate a panel only to discover it’s “sponsored.” Maybe even fully funded by one of the panelists’ companies and packe...
Lean into Curiosity: The Panel Moderator’s Superpower
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The most effective panel moderators aren’t just great timekeepers or expert facilitators...they’re relentlessly curious. At every stage of the pan...
Introducing Panel Design Cards – Your Secret Weapon for Remarkable Panels
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Panel Design Cards are a powerful new tool to help you quickly and creatively design panel formats that are engaging, memorable, and fun. These car...
Why Do We Tolerate Mediocre Panel Discussions?
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If the keynote got a “not bad,” we’d reevaluate the speaker for next year. If the AV was “not bad,” we’d call a tech meeting. If the food ...
What’s Your Moderator Style? Mirror a Famous Face to Lead Your Panel
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every panel needs a moderator—but how you moderate can vary wildly depending on the topic, tone, and your personal style. Are you a steady guide, a...
The Red Flag Panel Discussion Technique
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a hilarious segment on The Jennifer Hudson Show featuring the cast of Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, the cast played a rapid-fire game of “d...
Avoid the Circle of Awesomeness During a Panel Discussion
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If everyone’s agreeing, exclaiming how awesome we all are, no one’s learning. Here are six moderator-tested ways to keep your panel discussion out...
Start Your Panel Strong: 19 Creative Ways to Welcome with Impact
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A well-designed welcome is more than polite intros. It’s a strategic opportunity to spark curiosity, build rapport, and signal that this panel will...
Start Smart: 10 Key Decisions to Build a Powerful Panel
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The biggest mistake panel organizers make? Jumping straight into logistics without a clear foundation. Every effective panel discussion begins with th...
Panel Discussion Segment Starters: Launch into Each Panel Phase
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Segment Starters aren't just gimmicks. When used with purpose and finesse, they act as meaningful catalysts for connection, surprise, and depth. They ...
6 Essential Planning Documents for a Panel Discussion
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
These planning documents aren’t just paperwork—they’re your backstage blueprint to success. Use them strategically, and you’ll transform a goo...
8 Ways to Add Visual Variety to Your Panel Discussions
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Even the most riveting panel discussion can become monotonous if it’s just talking heads. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to spice things up v...
The Five Levels of Panel Moderators
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you stumbled into panel moderating by accident or are now getting paid to guide conversations on big stages, one thing’s for sure: moderati...
Plan for the Worst to Deliver Your Best: The Power of a Panel Discussion Pre-Mortem
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The concept of a “pre-mortem” was popularized by Gary Klein in a 2007 Harvard Business Review article. The idea? Instead of conducting a post-mor...
How Meeting Pros Can Convince Leadership to Invest in Better Panels
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to allocating budget and resources, panel training often gets overlooked. “It’s just a panel,” they say. But you and I both know ...
How to Push Panelists Beyond Platitudes and Into Practicality
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A great panel isn’t about vague concepts; it’s about concrete takeaways. As a moderator, it’s my job to make sure the audience gets value, not ...
How NOT to Have a Boring Panel Discussion
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With a bit of intentionality, you can take a panel from ho-hum to the highlight of the conference! Whether you're the panel organizer, moderator, or p...
Turn up the Heat with the Hot Seat Challenge in a Panel Discussion
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This hot seat challenge technique is equal parts thrilling and insightful. Watching panelists think fast and answer under pressure makes for an engagi...
Pardon the Interruption: A Fast-Paced Panel Format to Energize Your Discussion
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Pardon the Interruption format is an electrifying way to energize panel discussions, ensuring they remain compelling, engaging, and, most importan...
The Hot Potato vs. Lightning Round: What’s the Difference (and Which Works Better)?
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Panel moderators have a variety of tools to keep discussions engaging and lively, but not every format is perfect. Two popular options are the Hot Po...
Key Characteristics of a Good Panel Discussion Question
15 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A good question in a panel discussion stimulates meaningful conversation, draws out valuable insights, and engages both the panelists and the audience...
Gamified Polling in a Panel Discussion
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gamified polling turns passive listeners into active participants by leveraging the natural appeal of games. Done well, it boosts engagement, encourag...
Seven Steps to Reward the First Questioner in a Panel Discussion
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The goal is to create a friendly and inviting atmosphere to kick off the audience Q&A. Rewarding the first questioner at the beginning of the Q&A segm...
Pump UP the Volume The Power of Walk-Up Music for Panels
01 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think back to the last time you attended a concert or sports event. Remember that electric buzz of anticipation as the music started, signaling that ...
Your Biggest Panel Discussion Pet Peeve: 2024 Panel Report Findings
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the recently released 2024 Panel Report, we asked about panel discussion pet peeves - and the number one pet peeve should not come as a surprise.
What Moderators Should Never Say Avoiding the Most Common Pitfalls
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a panel moderator, your words carry a lot of weight. The audience is looking to you to set the tone, guide the discussion, and keep things engagin...
8 Ideas to Help You Get Asked to Be a Panelist
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Serving as a panelist is a fantastic way to share your expertise, engage with your industry, and build your visibility. To get there, you’ll need a ...
How Meeting Organizers Can Actually Use Panel Feedback
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 2024 Panel Report shows that while 70% of organizers say they collect feedback, 60% admit it rarely influences their panel design - if at all. W...
The GASP Litmus Test for Panel Discussion Content
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Panel moderators should ask themselves, "Will anything the panelists prepare make the audience gasp with delight that they didn't know it, surprise th...
Creative Ways to Summarize a Panel Discussion
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Concluding or summarizing a panel discussion creatively or artistically can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Here are some engaging ideas...
Panel Report Recommendation #1: Audience Engagement in a Panel Discussion
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 2024 Panel Report reinforces the notion that audiences demand more engagement and interaction. Panels are no longer a passive "lean back and list...
Deliver on Your Panel Discussion Title Promise
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t get me wrong; a compelling title is crucial. It grabs attention and draws in the audience. However, it’s important that the content lives up...
Powerful Panels Podcast: Producing Panels
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Events producer and "Chief Solutions Officer" Tim Woodring shares behind-the-scenes info on how he generates and catalyzes ideas with corporate client...
Powerful Panels Podcast: What Makes a Panel Sticky?
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meetings and events professional Brian Walter shares how to make panel discussions memorable, brilliant, and buzzworthy! He's talking about strategic ...
How to Sit Properly in a Chair During a Panel Discussion
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sitting properly in a chair during a panel discussion helps you project confidence and earn the audience’s respect. They will lean in and listen ...
What's the Ideal Duration of a Panel Discussion?
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The ideal duration of a panel discussion can vary depending on the goals for the event, the panel in particular, the number of panelists, and the audi...
How to Overcome Writer's Block for Panel Questions
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
By using these seven strategies, you can overcome writer's block and create thoughtful, engaging questions for your panel discussion.
Effective Strategies for Moderators Navigating High-Tension Panel Discussions
14 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Handling aggressive behaviors or inappropriate questions during high-tension panel discussions requires a blend of pre-planning, clear guidelines, res...
Litmus Test for Inclusive Language on a Panel Discussion
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Use this "litmus test" for speakers, moderators, and panelists to determine if they are truly inclusive and focused on the audience.
Get People to Sit in the Front Row for a Panel Discussion
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It happens ALL THE TIME - the dreaded front-row buffer zone. As your attendees walk into the meeting room, they settle somewhere in the middle, bac...
When a Panelist Cannot Answer Your Question
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unfortunately, this scenario can happen to a panel moderator: You ask a probing or challenging question to a panelist and .... they got nothin'. They...
Fun Panel Questions that Inject Energy
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The ideal duration of a panel discussion can vary depending on the goals for the event, the panel in particular, the number of panelists, and the aud...
How to Insert a Panel Discussion within a Speech
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold interviews CPAE Speaker Hall of Famer Joe Calloway on brilliant techniques to insert a panel discussion wi...
Using Little-Known Facts and Statistics in a Panel Discussion
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I have always shied away from using little-known facts and statistics during a panel discussion because it just takes more time to prepare. But these ...
What To Do When a Panelist is Missing
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of your panelists is missing. The panel is about to start and either they never showed up to the venue or they are now missing in action (MIA). I...
How to Moderate the Verbal Grenade on a Panel Discussion
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I was recently asked what to do when a panelist's opening comment is a volatile hypothesis - that they hadn't talked about during the planning sessio...
How to Manage a Standing-Room-Only Panel Discussion
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Having a standing-room-only crowd for your panel discussion is fabulous - especially if you manage it appropriately! Here is what you will need to kee...
Pick a Card Technique for Panel Discussions
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Use this simple technique for panel discussions to entice your audience to lean into the Q&A segment.
How to Moderate an Edu-taining After-Dinner Panel Discussion
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After-dinner panels need to be more edutaining – educational/informational/inspirational AND entertaining. Here are best practices to ensure your af...
Powerful Panels Top Ten Trending Topics for Panel Discussions – Q1, 2024
24 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the first quarter of 2024, these are the top ten trending topics for panel discussions at business events in priority order based on social media...
The 3 Most Powerful Words to Use in a Panel Discussion
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here are seven reasons why these three words are the most powerful words to use in a panel discussion.
Use More Inclusive Language on Your Panel Discussion
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this day and age, you may be alienating a part of your audience. Why do that? There ARE other ways to address your audience AND use more inclusive ...
The 10 Players in a Panel Discussion
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A panel discussion involves more than a panel moderator and panelists. Consider involving these 10 players in a panel discussion:
What to do When You Have Too Many Panelists
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Even though you tried to influence the meeting organizers to limit the number of panelists, you might have been unsuccessful. You can't change it. So...
The Ultimate Litmus Test of Panelist Success
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a panelist in a panel discussion, how do you know you've done a good job? What is the ultimate litmus test of panelist success? Here is something u...
Personalize Your Clipboard for a Panel Discussion
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A few things to consider to personalize your clipboard as a panel moderator for a panel discussion that won't break the bank.
4 Instances Where a Moderator Should Contribute Content to the Panel Discussion
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are some unique instances where the panel moderator should dip their toe into the content to get the conversation on track and back on track. On...
Best Q&A Polling Platform
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here is my favorite polling platform to use during a panel discussion. You can also find a more comprehensive list of platforms, along with the advant...
20 Ways to Use AI/ChatGPT to Prepare for a Panel Discussion
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yes indeed - you can use AI/ChatGPT to prepare for a panel discussion. In this blog post, I will not only give you some ideas on how to use AI/ChatGPT...
Can You Plan Too Much for a Panel Discussion
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
During one of my coaching sessions with a panel moderator, my client asked, "Can you plan too much for a panel discussion? Seems like there is a lot ...
How Moderators Can Handle an On-stage Panelist Crisis
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What can a panel moderator do when a panelist has an on-stage, unexpected crisis? Here is how to handle it with grace and professionalism.
When to Hire a Professional Panel Moderator
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When the stakes are high and you really need to hit a home run, you’ll want to hire a professional panel moderator to do the following . . .
Can I Get Paid to be a Panel Moderator?
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Depending on how badly the organization wants someone to moderate a panel, you may or may not get paid to moderate a panel, but you can get compensate...
9 Factors to Consider When Organizing Your Panel Discussion
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do if you don't have a clear vision for your panel? What if all you have known is the traditional style panel format, how would you even ...
When to Have a Panel Discussion
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I was chatting with Event Strategist Devon Montgomery Pasha about when to have a panel discussion - and when not to. We both agree that panel dis...
Panel Discussion Recovery Lines What to do When the Unexpected Occurs
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After you have moderated panel discussions for a while, you realize it is simply a matter of time before some “incident” will occur in the middle ...
Repurpose Your Panel Discussion Content
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Just because your panel discussion is over doesn't mean you can't continue the conversation! Events and media consultant Julius Solaris reminded me ho...
A Dozen Common Misconceptions about Panel Discussions
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As I coach panelists to prepare for an upcoming panel discussion, there are a dozen common misconceptions about panel discussions that I think we need...
Have a Vision for a Panel Discussion
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When you start talking about the vision for the panel discussion and what it might look like, you'll see the implications for your choices for the mod...
Pick a Strong Topic, Premise, and Title for Your Panel Discussion
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many meeting organizers select a topic, and reach out to a couple of panelists who can talk on the subject. Ask one of them to moderate it and then m...
Last In Line To Speak During a Panel Discussion
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It does not happen too often, but you could be the last in line to speak after the other panelists have detailed all of your prepared points. Yes, it...
Powerful Panels Podcast: National Speakers Association Panel Success
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold interviews strategic leadership advisor Liz Weber on her standout job as a panel moderator on a jam-packed...
How to Create an Inclusive Environment During a Panel Discussion
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I was recently asked about how to create an inclusive environment during a panel discussion. It's more than being welcoming and friendly. Here are ...
The Hypothetical Panel Discussion Format
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ed Bernacki, Founder of The Idea Factory, shared this unique panel format he calls The Hypothetical Panel Discussion Format. Here is his explanation...
How to be a Panelist in a Panel Discussion More Frequently
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Far too many panelists DON'T critique themselves and debrief after a panel. Here is the work you need to do to help you be a panelist on a panel di...
Change Your Mindset: Have Fun on a Panel Discussion
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You do not need permission to “bring fun” to the panel. It is not like a lunchbox where you open the fun up and there it is. The key to having f...
Planned Spontaneity During a Panel Discussion
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The thing about “planned spontaneity” during a panel discussion is that it comes across as completely spontaneous to the audience. Here's one talk...
The He Said, She Said Panel Format
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
During the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) Convention last December, the two convention chairs organized a highly unique (and fun...
How to Get Invited to be on More Panels
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Congratulations! You had a good experience being a powerful panelist and want to be invited to participate in more panels. Here are some ideas on ho...
Get to the Panel Discussion Early
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I like to get to the panel discussion early - at least an hour or so earlier than the panel’s start time for several reasons. What can you do during...
Invite a Friend to Your Panel Discussion
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Having a friend or two in the room can be super helpful during a panel discussion. Here are a few ways your friends can help you be successful during...
Panelist Speaking Order Advantages & Disadvantages
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The order in which panelists offer their prepared remarks is a major factor in determining how they will be perceived. While each panelist will be ...
Can an Introvert Be a Good Panelist?
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With dominating extrovert panelists, what is an introvert to do to stack the odds in their favor? To answer this question, I called my colleague an...
The Last Question of a Panel Discussion
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I highly recommend finishing the panel discussion on a high note with a very clear call to action. It is this “final thought” that creates clear...
How Panelists Can Help With Promoting the Panel Discussion
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Promoting the panel discussion is not just the responsibility of the event organizer. As a panel moderator or as a panelist, you can help promote th...
How to Facilitate a Meaningful Audience Q&A Session During a Panel Discussion
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
At some point during a panel discussion, the panel moderator will turn to the audience and ask for questions. Most folks call this “Audience Q&A”...
ChatGPT's Answer to Panelist Faux Pas
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Since ChatGPT has hit the headlines pretty hard, I thought I would use artificial intelligence to write this week's blog on "biggest panelist faux p...
Panelists - Don't Forget to Keep the Audience In Mind
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It annoys me when panelists solely talk to the panel moderator and their fellow panelists - and never address the audience. After all, it is the audi...
Blatant Gender Bias at a Davos Economic Summit Panel Discussion
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As a panel moderator, it is a best practice to use people's names. Everybody likes to hear their name AND it's a great cue for a panelist to know that...
Prepare to be a Brilliant Panelist with these Steps
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Perhaps you've been asked to serve as a panelist in an upcoming panel discussion...and you may be wondering, "What do I have to do to be prepared?" T...
Should I Practice for a Panel Discussion?
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A common question I am asked is “Should I practice for a panel discussion?” My pithy response is that it can’t hurt! Seriously though, you shoul...
Where to Sit as a Panelist During a Panel Discussion
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You may end up with a disorganized, lackadaisical moderator who says, "go ahead - sit wherever!" If that's the case, get there early enough to walk...