Panel discussion

Panel discussion is a formal discussion before an audience for which the topic, speakers, etc., have been selected in advance. Panel speakers are usually experts on issues discussed, who can agree or disagree with each other. The audience is expected to actively participate by asking the panel speakers questions. The discussion is moderated by a leader (moderator).

Format (efl Classroom)

Length: 45 – 60 minutes

Number of panel speakers: 3-5

Question and Answer period: 20 – 30 minutes

Choosing the moderator and the topic(s)

A student who feels he/she is up to the challenge of this job (see below) should volunteer. If no one does, the teacher appoints one.

The topics/issues to be discussed are suggested either by the moderator or students and decided on by the class.

Choosing the panelists

Once the topic has been decided on, students who feel strongly about the issue and knowledgeable and/or ready to do a lot of research volunteer to be panel speakers. The panelists should have different points of view on the issue. The teacher can nominate a speaker or appoint one if there are not enough volunteers. The other students act as the audience.

Setting the date and inviting the audience.

The class decides on the date of the panel discussion and may invite students from other group as the audience.

Setting the stage

The panelists are sitting in a semi-circle in front of the audience with the moderator in the middle so that there’s eye contact between all the participants. The speakers' assumed names may be given on folded name tents or on a slide.

Holding the discussion

The moderator introduces the speakers and the actual questions related to the chosen topic(s). Time limit for each speaker on a given topic/question (if there are more than one) is announced (3-5 minutes).

Each speaker states their position/views on the subject within the time given.

Panelists are welcome to ask each other questions and challenge the others’ propositions.

Question and answer period

During this period anyone can ask a question by raising their hands. The moderator will see to it that everybody has a chance to ask a question and will ask different panelists to answer these. If the speakers’ views differ considerably they voice these in answer to the question.

If there are no questions from the audience immediately, the moderator (or teacher) should ask theirs.

‘Job descriptions’

The moderator is the central figure of a panel discussion. He/she

• prepares a list of questions for the panelists to answer during the discussion;

• introduces the speakers and tees up the discussion before bringing in the perspectives of the panelists;

• makes sure that each panelist has equal amount of ‘airtime’;

• politely cuts off or redirects speakers if they stray away from the topic;

• accentuates differences of opinion (not in an aggressive way) to make the panel more action-packed/lively;

• invites the audience to participate by asking questions;

• has a couple of extra questions in reserve in case the audience is slow in asking questions;

• thanks the speakers and the audience at the end of the event.

The panel speaker

• does research of the topic, collects the necessary data according to his chosen ‘role’;

• prepares a short talk to answer the questions supplied by the moderator;

• makes sure there’s more he/she can say than the talk covers;

• has an anecdote, joke or an experience to share with the audience;

• listens carefully to the fellow panelists, agrees or disagrees with their propositions;

• answers the questions clearly and to the point;

• does not hesitate to admit he/she may not have a ready answer.

The audience

• listen carefully to the discussion, taking notes;

• formulate their questions to either elicit more information or challenge the speaker;

• ask the questions and listen to the answers politely.

For more information on real life panel discussion see

http://www.scottkirsner.com/panels.htm