Panel Discussion Definition

A panel discussion is a specific format used in a meeting, conference, or convention.  It is a live, in-person or virtual discussion about a specific topic amongst a selected group of experts who share differing perspectives in front of an audience.

The main purpose of a panel discussion is for the panelists to share their wisdom and provide insights to create real value and takeaways for the audience. It’s an “up close and personal” discussion amongst the panelists and with the audience.  It’s the part of the story that you can’t find on Google, YouTube, or TED.

So let’s take a deeper dive into the panel discussion definition and what it IS and is NOT:

A panel discussion IS:

• A panel discussion is typically facilitated by a skilled  “panel moderator” who guides the panel and the audience through a lively conversation about a specific topic.
• The panelists are a group of people typically 3-4 experts or practitioners in the field, who share facts, offer opinions, and responds to audience questions either through questions curated by the moderator or taken from the audience directly.
• The panel session typically lasts for 60-90 minutes.
• It can be produced to be in front of a live audience or recorded for replay, shown in-person or remotely, with the moderator and panelists in one location or attending remotely, and with the audience in one physical room, or “virtually” (otherwise known as “geographically dispersed”).

A panel is NOT:

• A set of presentations, one after another.  The panel format allows for a brief introduction and then discussion among the panelists and audience.  If the majority of the panel agenda is centered around presenting information, then just give each panelist a speaking slot with a Q&A after each speaker.
• A one-on-one interview with each panelist.  Many untrained moderators simply ask questions of each panelist, one after another, rather than build the dialogue into a conversation.  Unless you create interplay among the panelists, create a format that includes an “up close and personal” interview with each speaker.
• Just Q&A from the audience.  When the focus is completely on answering the audience’s questions, you have a forum or “town hall” meeting.

Not that any of these formats are bad; they are simply different than a panel.  Just call it like you see it, be it a panel, presentation, interview, or forum.

Use a panel discussion when you believe the group of panelists will generate something more interesting than any one individual panel member could generate on his/her own.

Related Articles:

The Origins of the Term “Panel Discussion”

How to Moderate a Panel Discussion

Example of a Panel Moderator’s Agenda

Formats and Types of Panel Discussions

KRISTIN ARNOLD, MBA, CSP, CPF | Master, professional panel moderator, and high stakes meeting facilitator is on a quest to make all panel discussions lively and informative. Check out her free 7-part video series on how to moderate a panel and other resources to help you organize, moderate, or be a panel member.