Tactful Transitions to Move the Audience Through a Panel Discussion
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I’m a big fan of chunking up a panel discussion into bite-sized segments. For example, if you take a look at the traditional panel format, you can chunk it up into these pieces – each lasting 4-6 minutes:
- Welcome
- Introductions
- Moderator-Curated Questions
- Theme A
- Theme B
- Theme C
- Audience Q&A
- Instructions on how you’ll be doing this
- Solicit Questions/Panelist Answers
- Summary/Close
Once you have a solid structure in place, you can add more pizazz and make it livelier by thinking through the transitions between each segment – how you can move the audience from one segment to the next.
Types of Transitions Between Segments During a Panel Discussion
- Verbal Cue. Give the audience a verbal cue that you are going to move into a new segment. I like to use the phrase, “We’re going to shift gears here.” The audience will lean forward to find out what you will do next!
- Recap. Summarize the key points so far and bring it back to the core topic.
- Heads Up. Tell the audience that there are two minutes before the end of a section or two questions to go.
- Acknowledge the Flow. We’ve talked about this, this, and this. Now we are going to talk about…
- Simple Thank You. Thank the panelists for their comments and move on to the next question.
- Change the Tone.  If the previous discussion was heavy or intense, a light comment or humor can provide a mental break before shifting to the next topic.
- Reactions. Share your personal observation or reflection on what was said during that segment and move on to the next question.
- Suggest a Call To Action. Reiterate a key point to remember or an action to take based on the conversation. Move on to the next question.
- Preview the Next Question. Show your excitement, enthusiasm, and interest in the next question – and then ask it!
- Connect Two Dots. Summarize a key point from the discussion and relate it to the next question.
- Connect Multiple Dots. Comment on a thread of themes or differences of opinion you’ve been hearing throughout the event with a lead into the next point of view.
- Quote or Data Point. Introduce the next topic by referencing a statistic, quote, or research finding.
- Acknowledge the Time. Use time as a signal for moving on to the next top
- New Activity. Ask the panelists and/or audience to engage in an activity (shameless plug for my book: 123 Ways to Add Pizazz to a Panel Discussion for ideas!)
- Graphic Recorder. Direct the audience’s attention to a real-time illustration (often prepared by a graphic facilitator).Â
- Use a Metaphor. Identify a symbolic metaphor that ties to the theme e.g. a bridge or an iceberg)
- Use a Prop. Show an actual or symbolic prop that ties to the theme e.g. a large block.
Think through the transitions between segments during the panel discussion, but try not to over-prepare. You’ll want to be “in the moment” – using your active listening skills and being able to react to what has been said as you help the audience move from one segment to the next.
Related Articles
How to Create GREAT Questions for Your Panelists to Answer during Your Panel Discussion
How to Structure a Panel Discussion
How to Moderate a Virtual Panel Discussion
For more information about how to moderate a lively & informative panel discussion, check out our free 7-part video series on how to moderate a panel and other resources to help you organize, moderate, or be a panel member.
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