Your Public Best - Lillian Brown [90]
In the end, after considering all of the advice, it is important for you to think of your own public image and do what is right for you. Set your own goals, and be yourself—albeit a bit more polished, professional, self-assured, and finely tuned.
THE PANEL DISCUSSION
Moderating a Panel Discussion
As you spend more time in the public eye, you will probably be called upon to moderate a panel discussion at a seminar or conference or on radio or television. When this happens, do your homework in advance. For example, talk to each participant and be sure each knows the ground rules. The panel members must understand the time constraints and the basic format of the discussion. They need to know the order in which they will speak, the subject matter, and the points you expect each to cover.
If possible, have a rehearsal before you go in front of the audience, the microphones, or the cameras. Make yourself a little seating chart, which readily gives you the correct name, title, and affiliation of each panelist. Note on your chart the correct pronunciation of any difficult words or names.
As the moderator, it is your responsibility to keep things moving according to the time schedule and to moderate the content of the material to be covered. You may have to referee panelists with differing opinions, when both want to talk at the same time or an argument ensues. You, on the other hand, have to be fair, objective, and impartial.
During the discussion, pay attention to the speaker, and make notes in case you need to make changes in the general presentation. It goes without saying that you have to be well-informed on the subject so that if the discussion goes astray, you can bring it back on track.
Try not to interrupt or talk over a speaker. Don’t criticize, speak harshly to, or talk down to a panel member. It is also your job to be sure that the person who is crowded out of an exchange of ideas has an opportunity to be heard.
Know what your opening statement will be, the major points that should be covered before the time is up, and how you intend to bring the panel discussion to a logical conclusion.
If you want to see some real pros at panel moderation, tune in to the “MacNeil, Lehrer Newshour” on PBS stations most weeknights and watch these talented hosts in action.
Being a Panel Member
When you are participating in a panel discussion, it is important that you understand what the producer or moderator expects to accomplish. Ascertain the contribution he or she expects you to make, the subject you are to discuss, and how technical you should get so that you can do your homework. Chat with the moderator in advance to learn how and when you will be called upon. Understand the format, whether it is to be a telephone call-in, a teaching situation, a video-taped conference, or a confrontation-style debate.
A typical panel discussion might consist of your being one of five people who share a half-hour, fast-paced discussion program. Your portion may only be four minutes maximum that might be broken into five or six short statements. There will not be time to pontificate—no time to tell everything you know. A professor may be able to take nearly unlimited time in his or her classroom, but as a guest on a panel discussion program with time constraints, he or she will be lucky to have thirty uninterrupted seconds. In such a situation, it is obvious that you must prepare and formulate your key phrases in advance. Select phrases that are brief, to the point, and effective.
Know the names and correct titles of all of the other participants, and ask in advance whether you will be using first or last names or formal titles. Note them on a little card, in the order in which they are seated.
Observe time restrictions,