
If you are asked to be a conference panelist, keep this list at hand:
- Prep. Then go with the flow.
- Be brief. Short is better. Don't be a bore.
- Be specific. Lofty is lovely, but not from a panelist. Keep it concrete.
- Be proactive. Disagree agreeably. Do it often, not always.
- Smile. Show your teeth. You're never fully dressed without your teeth showing.
- Get heard. Speak loud. Make your mic work. Sound systems generally suck.
- Talk to someone, panelist, moderator, or audience member. The audience wants to hear you engage in lively conversation.
- Don't wait. Jump in early and often. Mix it up.
- Bury your pride. Don't whine if you get intellectually mugged. It's good for the panel, entertaining for the audience, and probably good for you.
- Have fun. Right there. Right then. Light up the room.
I've adapted these tips with permission from Paul Kedrosky at paul.kedrosky.com/blog.
Feb 24, 2016