At various events and conferences, a panel of experts is often invited to share their thoughts with a group. This can be a great opportunity for people from a variety of backgrounds to share their stories and answer questions. Since the panel often includes people with different sets of expertise from varying companies, it’s important to have a moderator that can facilitate the discussion. As a moderator, it can be helpful to think through the following before your next panel event:

1. Prepare before the event

Many hurdles and awkward moments can be avoided when proper planning is put in place ahead of time. That’s why it might be useful to:

• Give an outline to the speakers ahead of time so they know their speaking order, what questions to prepare for, and how the event will run.
• Let the speakers know what advice or tips the audience would be interested in. Or, feel free to let the audience write in questions ahead of time to help guide the discussion.

• If you know there are a few speakers who might ramble or talk too much, don’t have them start the discussion. Instead, let the most concise person begin so they set the pattern of how long the answers should be.
  
  
  

2. Plan the opening

The opening of an event is critical since it sets the tone for the entire discussion. In order for it to run smoothly it’s good to think about:

• The opening moment. Figure out what you want to say about the importance of the event and why the panel is here.
• Decide if you want to introduce the panel or if you think they should introduce themselves. If they introduce themselves, be sure to give them guidance on what information to share in that opening moment.
• Make sure everyone has a chance to speak early, so the event doesn’t go too long with one person dominating the narrative.

3. Facilitate the Discussion

Facilitating engaging discussions is an art and there are a few things to consider for each individual event.

• What opening question/s would be good to get the discussion going? I recommend having the facilitator ask each person the same question, or tailor one question to each speaker so that everyone can speak at the start.
• Decide if and when to open up questions to the room. If no one has a question right away, in order to give people time to think you could say, “While everyone is thinking…” and then ask another question.
• Always have back up questions in case the audience is too shy to ask anything. You want to keep the discussion going.
• If you notice one speaker is dominating the narrative, direct a question to a speaker that hasn’t spoken up in a bit.

4. End on a Positive Note

It’s important to make sure the event ends in a good way. That’s why it can be helpful to be aware of a few key pitfalls including:

• Don’t try to squeeze in one last question if there are only a couple of minutes left. If the last question was answered well and it would be a good note to end on — end it. You never know if the next question asked might be a negative one and it’s better to end on a positive note if possible.
• If you’re running over time, have a phrase to use to wrap everything up. Sometimes saying, “It's great to have so much interest in this topic. Since there’s a lot more we could cover, I encourage everyone to continue chatting and brainstorming during the breaks and lunch. I want to also take a moment to thank our speakers. Let’s give them a round of applause!”.
• If the last question was a bit complex or negative, instead of ending right away, I recommend adding in a positive recap of things shared. For example, “I really appreciate everyone coming in today. I know I’ll be thinking about X and ways to apply it after this. Thank you all!”
  
  

Moderating a panel is an honor. In order to make the most out of the opportunity, try keeping these ideas in mind before your next event.

Author: Bri McWhorter, MFA
© Activate to Captivate, LLC

People can find great opportunities at networking events. However, sometimes it can be taxing to deal with large crowds, figure out how to start conversations with strangers, and transition to various topics. Many people end up feeling depleted because they’ve used up their energy as they attempt to showcase their skill sets and put themselves out there. If you feel a drain of energy, it’s probably because you’re exhausted from continuously trying to connect without feeling that the effort paid off. 

That’s why I suggest changing your goal at a networking event. Instead of trying to find “connections” that help you, focus on trying to help others.

Chances are, other people are also searching for connection. It’s simpler to go to an event and try to help other folks have a nice time. Try introducing yourself to a group because it makes it simpler for someone else to introduce themselves. Ask questions so that others have a moment to open up. Follow up on people's stories so they have more opportunities to share. Then, once the conversation starts, it’s much easier to share your own stories and passions.

Connections and great relationships often start when people get help from someone else. That’s why it’s great to help others feel more comfortable and give them chances to shine. It’s something that people remember and appreciate.

So when you go to your next networking event, instead of worrying about yourself, focus on helping the people around you. It’s a great way to make a positive impact at your next networking event.

Author: Bri McWhorter, MFA
© Activate to Captivate, LLC

Networking events are great because they give people an opportunity to connect. They provide space for people to mix, mingle, and meet new folks.

However, networking events can also be intimidating, especially if you’re at an event alone. Part of this is due to the fact that sometimes it can feel impolite to interrupt a group of people talking. However, when we keep to ourselves, we end up missing the purpose of a networking event — to make new connections with unique individuals.

While it can be difficult to approach a new group of people, it’s easier when you have a few opening phrases to say. So at your next networking event, instead of worrying about what to say, try out these phrases instead:

• Hello. I thought I’d lean in to the “networking part” of this event and introduce myself.
• You all look like you’re having fun. Do you mind if I join you?
• Hello. I don’t know anyone here, do you mind if I introduce myself?
• Hi there. I’m _____. Are you having a nice time at the event?
• Hi. Do you mind if I join you over here where it’s quieter? I’m _____.
  

Networking events can be intimidating, but they are far more manageable when you have opening phrases ready to use when trying to connect with new groups of people.


Author: Bri McWhorter, MFA 
© Activate to Captivate, LLC

Whether you’re waiting for someone to log online, or you’re sitting in a conference room before a meeting, people often find themselves in situations where they need to fill time before an event begins. That’s why it’s important to plan out some topics to chat about. People usually connect over the weather, tv shows, sports, etc. But if you have repetitive meetings with people, you’ll want to expand your small talk repertoire.
​
That’s why I suggest thinking about:
​What would you like people to imagine you doing when you’re not working together?

I like to think of activities in three categories:
1. When you’re not at work
2. When you’re collaborating with other departments
3. When you’re working on your current projects

For example, perhaps you want people to envision you exploring new places by going hiking or traveling. Then, you could talk about a recent trip you had, or a place you’ve been researching that you’ll go to soon. Or, maybe you want people to imagine you collaborating with different departments. Then, you could share how you just came from a great meeting where you were working with someone on establishing a new initiative in your organization. Or, if you want folks to picture you actively working on your current project, you could share how you’ve been spending time creating a new presentation that you’re going to share with a client. 

No matter what you share during downtime, it’s an opportunity for folks to have more information about you that helps them visualize you in action. That’s why the stories you share through small talk are important. They give other people information to pull from when you’re not around. That’s why it’s good to be intentional about every opportunity you have to connect, including while you wait for something else to begin.

Author: Bri McWhorter
​​© Activate to Captivate, LLC

One of the most common small talk questions is, “What do you do?” People ask this question because it’s a quick and concise way to ask people how they spend the majority of their time. But often, this question doesn’t allow people to open up and connect. 

Folks might answer:
I’m a grad student at X university.
I’m an attorney.
I’m a Developer at X corporation.

Some people will share a little about the type of work they do, but people are often quite succinct and don’t elaborate. This makes it hard to find an organic way to continue the conversation. That’s why I recommend following up by asking people about what aspects of their jobs (or their fields) that they appreciate.

For example you could ask:

What’s something you enjoy about your work at the moment? 
Are you noticing anything changing in your field right now? 
What is one of the best parts of your job?
What is something about your current role that you find interesting?
What’s something you look forward to when you work with your colleagues?

We can always find ways to bond over stress and discomfort, but when you are meeting someone new, it’s good to connect over things that energize or intrigue you. If your goal is to get people to open up, think about also asking them to share things that inspire and motivate them.

Author: Bri McWhorter
​© Activate to Captivate, LLC