group and panel disscusion

8/2/2019 Group and Panel Disscusion

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GROUP AND PANEL DISCUTION

Preface

The first edition of Panel Discussion Reworkedrequired a significant number of

changes in pedagogy and content. The changes are primarily to improve the manner

in which some important material is presented and to be sure the content is up-to-

date. There were a number of deeper aspects of the topic that needed to be covered in

more detail with an approach that emphasized the important characteristics of these

aspects. This additional material is the primary reason sections are added to the text

which result in more examples, case studies and border sections of quizzers.

For this edition, objective listing was adopted for the material in each chapter. In

addition, a list of important conclusions and examples are providing at the end of

each chapter. All three elements summarize the material for future review and

application.

This edition provides images, pictorial examples and a wide collection of concerning

videos attached for its enhancement and the best understanding of its user.

We are pleased that the level of accuracy of the text is at a high level after all the

editions. Any suggestions, criticism, or corrections are deeply appreciated. It is our

promise that we will respond to all such input.


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Acknowledgements

Our sincerest appreciation must be extended to the colleagues who have used the text

and sent in comments, corrections, and suggestions. Wealsowant to thankMrs.Lipika

Das for her editorial support of the first edition of this text.

We wish to thank the countless individuals who have shared their suggestions and

evaluations of this text. Their comments and support will enable us to present Panel

Discussion Reworkedin this edition.

The publisher would like to thank Mrs.Lipika Das for her valuable suggestions an

inputs in enhancing the content of this book to suit the requirements of the students.


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Chapter 1

Introduction To Panel Discussion

The panel is another approach to discussion teaching. Differing from general

discussion, question and answer, and buzz groups, the panel is almost always used

with a large group, and generally utilizes panel members who have either differing

points of view on the subject or special training and experience which equip them to

speak authoritatively about the matter. Properly planned, the panel is a small

discussion group performing its discussion before an audience with the objective ofgiving that audience a better understanding of the matter at issue.

Usually there are no prepared speeches and, in the best panels, interaction between

the panel members will make up at least half of the time allotted to the panels

presentation. During that interaction there may be agreement, disagreement,

qualification of points, and defense of various positions.

Although the immediate goal is to gain information from a group of experts, if time

allows the audience should be encouraged to interact with the panel members. In thisway the panel itselfbecomes more than just a purveyor of information and acts also as

a catalyst to get the group to thinking about the issues.

In a one-hour class period you would probably have to allot 10 minutes for

introduction of the subject and panel members and 30 minutes for the presentation

and discussion by the panel. The remaining 20 minutes can be given to audience

reaction. Most of the time a panel discussion is a carefully programmed event built

around the expertise of the panel members. Sometimes, however, it is effective to use

an impromptu panel. In this situation panelists chosen from the class speak off the

cuff on the subject presented to them.

This type of panel can draw out certain opinions and ideas on the subject under

consideration rather than offering authoritative information. In any kind of panel the

room should be properly arranged so that the panel participants can look at one

another while they interact and yet can easily be seen and heard by all members of the

audience. Three or four panelists is probably an ideal number. Any more than five

would tend to make interaction an elusive goal.


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Several variations to the planned panel lend flexibility to its use. Here are three

different approaches:

1.The Guided Panel: The moderator addresses previously prepared questions to the

panel. Obviously this is a very structured approach, but it may be desirable when thepanel members do not know each other or if their points of view are so diverse as to

cause open hostility if free interaction were allowed.

2. The Expanding Panel: In this arrangement a preliminary and explanatory

discussion of a topic is given by a restricted panel. Then the entire group forms a

circle to continue the discussion. In this open discussion time, questions may be

addressed to the panel, but discussion might take place also among the group

members with panel members serving primarily as resources.

3. The Reaction Panel: In this setting the first thing on the program is a speech, a

film, or some other presentation of a point of view. Preselected panel members then

offer a critique of the presentation either by speaking briefly to the issue, interacting

with the speaker, or both. Sometimes it is helpful if the panel members have the

manuscript of the speech in advance or have had opportunity to preview the film.

This way their carefully prepared reactions will give birth to some audience thinking

which might not have occurred without airing of the issues by the panel. Reaction

panels of newsmen often discuss presidential speeches,

Values of Panel Discussions

A good panel discussion can focus attention of the class on what certain experts have

to say about the subject at hand. It is considerably more personal then reading books

about the subject and contains that important educational ingredientinterest. If the

topic is well selected, it is relevant, problematic, controversial, and therefore attracts

attention immediately. Wise selection of the panel members will offer the audience

more than one viewpoint and thereby heighten interest.

Because of the multiplicity of input, the panel discussion offers a breadth and depth

of information which usually exceeds research presented by one speaker. The class

can realize that well-informed people may hold different points of view and yet

maintain respect for one another. The freedom and informality of the panel discussion

removes the pressure of having to prepare a structured speech. Panel members

literally think aloud in front of the class and collectively move toward a solving of the

problem placed before them.


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The input of the panel at the beginning of the period gives the audience some

foundational information upon which their discussion can proceed. Without the panel,

or at least some kind of formal presentation of material, the discussion might

degenerate into a pooling of ignorance. With the presence of the panel, however, the

discussion period becomes a forum for new ideas and experiences in the lives of thegroup.

Problems In The Panel Method

Perhaps the biggest weakness in the use of panel discussions is securing competent

panelists who will do the job well. Even if a man is an expert in his field, when placed

on a panel he may have the tendency to monopolize the time, ramble from the

subject, or ride his hobbyhorse. He might ignore the audience and speak in technical

jargon to the other panel members or even lose his cool in the interaction time,

displaying antagonism toward those who disagree with him. Unless he knows his

panel members well, the teacher takes some risks in setting up a panel discussion.

Another problem is that panel members may not always do justice to a particular

point of view. What happens then is that the class tends to think that position A isbetter than position B simply because A was defended more competently. They will

invariably gravitate toward the effective presentation rather than the position that

makes the most sense logically or biblically.

Closely connected with this problem is the possibility of disorganization in the panel.

Since ideas and viewpoints are flowing informally, the information often lacks logical

sequence and arguments are hard to follow. Sometimes students find it more difficult

to listen to a panel than to an individual speaker because of this collage of ideas

thrown at them in a short period of time.

Advantages Disadvantages PreparationExperts present differentopinions.

Can provoke betterdiscussion than a one persondiscussion

.Frequent change of speaker

Personalities mayovershadow content.

Experts are often noteffective speakers.Subject may not be in logicalorder.

Not appropriate for

Moderator coordinates focusof panel, introduces andsummarizes.

Moderator briefs panel.


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keeps attention from lagging elementary age students.Logistics can be troublesome

Principles For The Effective Use Of Panels

Obviously the values of panel discussion as a communicating technique are going to

be dependent upon several critical factors. If those factors are not handled positively,

the difficulties of the panel may outweigh the benefits. This of course does not have

to be the case.

The following items are crucial in making the system work. If they can be controlled

and positively utilized, the panel discussion will be a very useful teaching method.

The moderator must be a highly qualified and competent individual. Withoutdoubt

the moderator is more strategic in the effective use of the panel discussion than the

panel members themselves. He sets the stage with the initial remarks and keeps the

discussion on target during the interaction time. He has the difficult responsibility ofcalling time on the panel members if a brief period of presentation is afforded each of

them.

During the open discussion time, he clarifies questions given by the audience and

may also find it necessary to explain answers offered in return by the panel members.

If necessary, he may have to break up verbal conflicts before they actually get

underway. He prods panel members for reactions to something which another has

said, structures questions to keep the flow of information moving, and summarizes

the conclusions at the end. All of this is a very difficult task and can mean the successor failuree panel experience.


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The of the subject for discussionshould be of importance to the group and worded in

the form of a specific question. It is futile,for example, to get a group of experts

together for 30 minutes to discuss sex education. One might talk about sex education

in the school, another in the home; still another may pull out some biblical aspects of

sex. The end result would be a hodgepodge of nothingness because no specificdirection was indicated for the panel.

Try to load the panel with different points of view. It will be of no value to the group

if every panel member says the same thing, and the time is spent watching them pat

each other on their ideological backs. One of the major purposes of a panel is to air

different positions. For this reason, it is necessary to bring together persons of similar

competence so that those positions will have fair and equal hearings.

Always allow time for a summaryof the discussion. The summary might take place attwo points: immediately after the panel finishes, to pull together ideas which they

have presented; and at the end of the expanded session, to crystallize any conclusions

which have emerged from the total experience.

Chapter 2:

How To Conduct ASuccessful Panel Discussion.

Depending on the importance of the topic, different panels operate within different

rules. Some panels, for example, expect consistency and conformity of opinion

among the panel members. Other times, it's expected that panel members will

disagree and even aggressively debate the topics under discussion. Be open to the fact

that each panel member has different strengths and perspectives, so it is important to

know the basic skills to conduct a panel discussion.

1. Identify the goal and purpose of your panel discussion:a. Establish what you want to achieve by conducting the discussion, and

what general questions will be answered. Focus on 1 or 2 main topics

to direct the panel discussion in an organized way.

2. Invite experts to become panelist:a. Choose knowledgeable, well-educated experts or individualsfrom

diverseperspectives, each of whom has expertise on the topic.Invite

local coordinators and community partners to participate in paneldiscussions that involve projects within your community. Apanelist


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does not have to have an impressive degree or years of experience to

offer insightful discussion during the presentation.

b. Invite panelists at least three or three weeks prior to the discussion to

allow them time to prepare.

c. [Ensure Comfortable seats that allow panelists to face each other, and

no table as barrier to the audience.]

3. Event format:Provide panelists with a clear understanding of the event

format, types of question that will be asked and whats expected of the

panelists. Several days prior to the event, send an email to the panelists,

including logistics, dress code, room setup and expected attendance. Help

them feel confident that the experience will be well organized and positive so

they can focus on their own performance.

4. Select and invite a moderator:a. A moderator who understands the issues, listens carefully to the

panelists, and can roll with the flow but keep to the key issues.

Sometimes the facilitator has to gracefully interrupt panelists to keep a

good momentum going.

b. Pick a moderator who will keep the conversation moving, adhere toand enforce the guidelines and rules of the panel discussion, and can

act as an emcee for the event.

5. Determine the rules for the panel discussion:a. Establish the guidelines for open discussion, if that's how you wish the

panel discussion to proceed. Open discussion panel forums usually

begin with a question and conversation ensues between panelists based

on their comments. Guidelines often include a time limit for each

discussion item.

b. Create time limits for limited discussion methods. Many times eachpanelist will be allowed a certain amount of time to answer each

question as asked by the moderator. Discussion between panelists does

not occur in this type of format.

c. Determine how questions from the audience will be handled. Someformats allow questions during the panel discussion. Others provide

time after the panel discussion for audience members to ask questions

of the panelists.Distribute the rules of the panel discussion to the

invited panelists.

6. Write questions for the panelists:Questions should be open-ended andrequire more than "yes" or "no" answers. Create more questions than you


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think you will need in case the panel discussion proceeds more quickly than

anticipated.

7. Present and introduce the panelists at the beginning of the paneldiscussion:

Introduce the moderator, and he should inform the audience of the purpose of the

discussion and provide a brief summary of the discussion format and rules. The

moderator should give a short biographical introduction of the panelists before

leading into the panel discussion.

8. Conduct the discussion as planned, following the established rules.a. The moderator should ask questions and coordinate the discussion as

planned.

9. Conclude the panel discussion with a summary and closing remark.a. The moderator should thank the audience and panelists, and give any

pertinent information for follow-up activities or events.

b. After the event, gather audience feedback on the meeting and topic,

your panel and you. Share positive comments with the panelists. Useconstructive criticism to improve your next panel and your own

performance.


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Chapter 3:

The Moderator and His Importance

In a perfect world, there really isnt a need for a panel moderator, just like there isnt

a need for a soccer referee. But because some panelists dominate discussions, others

dont contribute much, and discussions tend to go off-topic, the panel moderator plays

an important role.

But while the role is an important one, the moderator should always remember that

they are not the stars of the show, even though some of them may be stars in their

own right. The moderators role is to bring out a good discussion from the panel, and

stay out of the way when its happening. Just like you dont want the soccer referee tobe kicking the ball or worse, scoring a goal.

Sure, there are times when it makes sense for the moderator to give an introductory

presentation to help the audience have a basic understanding of the topic at hand, but

it would do well for the moderator to remember that it should be introductory, and as

brief and succinct as possible. Its tempting to add in fascinating bits of information

to interest the audience, but this should be left for the panelists to do.

Once the introductions to the topic and the panelists are out of the way, the discussion

proper commences. This is probably the toughest part of the moderators job, and this

is where a good moderator makes the greatest difference.

Nothing is more unfair and disrespectful to the audience than for a discussion to go

completely off topic. The audience has chosen to invest their time to listen to a

discussion on that topic, so the moderator should keep checking and deciding if

theres a need to pull the conversation back on topic. But unlike in a so ccer game

where the referee blows the whistle every time the ball crosses the white line, themoderator has a large gray area to work with. And even if a panelist goes off topic,

the moderator has to exercise judgmentis the off-topic anecdote interesting enough

and short enough to be allowed through? Or is the audience getting impatient, so that

the moderator should step in?

Then there are panelists who talk too much, and those who contribute too little. The

reason we have panels is so that we can hear different views on a topic. If a panelist

dominates the discussion, or a panelist doesnt contribute enough, the audience is

shortchanged, and things arent moderate anymore.


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If the moderator can keep the discussion on topic with all panelists contributing more

or less equally, that would make the moderator a pretty good moderator, but not a

great one. A great moderator introduces tension into the discussion tension in the

form of controversies, contradictions, and conflicts.

Controversies:

Almost all topics have their controversies, and a good and easy way to create tension

is for the moderator to ask the panelists on their view of the latest controversies.For

example Would itbe a good idea for Singapores ruling political party to blog? I

might ask a panel discussing blogging in Singapore. The best controversies will bring

out different views from different panelists.

Contradictions:

It takes a sharp moderator to catch the contradictions made by the panelists. For

exampleYou mentioned X just now, but now you seem to be saying Y. Could you

clarify this? or, you once mentioned X in your blog, but now youre saying Y

The panelist who self-contradicts is not giving the audience enough respect,

especially if that panelist hopes to get away it. The audience will appreciate the

moderator who catches this, and soon the moderator will be seen as the star of the

show. Wait; did I just contradict myself about being the star?

Conflicts:

Its hard to catch panelists contradicting themselves, but its much easier to catch

them contradicting one another, giving the moderator a chance to create conflict. For

example:Panelist A mentioned X just now. What is your view on X? Good

panelists (and dominant ones as well) will create conflict on their own, but quieter

panelists would need a little more prodding. Again, conflict helps to add more views

to the discussion, besides creating tension. Of course, the amount of conflict should

be controlled, even though an escalation to physical conflict may make the panel a lotmore memorable for the audience. So far, Ive never encountered very serious (or

exciting) conflicts during panel discussions. Unless you count the part when the

audience gets to ask questions.

Then you have the audience member who rambles on and on before reaching the

question, assuming that they even have a question. Nothing is more annoying than the

audience member who needs to make a statement, or monopolizes the microphone. A

good moderator must know how to firmly but politely remind the audience to get to

the question quickly, and dismiss anything irrelevant. That audience member withissues may hate the moderator, but everyone else would be in love.


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And when the time is up, the moderator must know how to give the session closure

usually by asking for some final words from the panel. Again, this should be kept

short.

Chapter 4:

Important Tips To Be A Good Moderator

The purpose of a panel discussion is to bring together top talent in one area so that a

group of experts can share and build upon each others experience. Panel discussionsare useful if an issue is too complex for one person to handle, or if the audience needs

to be exposed to various people or viewpoints at the same session. Typically, panel

discussions have a goal in mind, whether to introduce a new concept, disseminate

facts, show different points of view, get people thinking in a new direction, or any

one of a hundred other possibilities.

Unfortunately, many panel discussions fall short of their objective and deteriorate into

long-winded, disjointed, and boring mini-presentations from the various panel

members. This is why having an effective panel moderator is so important. Even the

most brilliant panelists need someone to guide the discussion, keep everyone on task,

and ensure that the audience is engaged in a meaningful and lively discussion that

ultimately benefits them.

To succeed as a panel moderator, use the following ten tips.

1. Keep the Panel Small and Focused:

Just because youre having multiple perspectives on a topic doesnt mean you need an

army of panelists. Panels that are too large are unwieldy and difficult to manage,

while panels that are too small make it difficult to flesh out all the points of view. The

ideal panel number is the fabulous fourfour experts in the chosen topic who have

different experiences and who dont always agree with each other.

2. Get to Know Your Panel Members:


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Gather the panelists ahead of time on a conference call to discuss the content and the

format of the session. Plan out whether each speaker will be given a set amount of

time, or if the session will be wholly interactive, meaning a moderator firing

questions at the panel. If each speaker has a set amount of time, determine which

panelist will focus on which part of the topic to keep from duplicating presentationpoints. Finally, collect biographies of the speakers for introduction purposes. Make

sure you have the pronunciation of each speakers name correct.

3. Plan the Questions Ahead of Time:

No one likes to be surprised by curveball questions. And while a little controversy

and throwing people off guard can keep things interesting, you want your panel

members to feel comfortable and confident in the topic at hand. Therefore, plan two

or three questions per panel member, and send them your questions ahead of time.Ask that they dont create scripted answers to your questions, but that they merely

review the questions and come up with some bullet points to discuss during the panel

presentation.

4. Meet and Greet the Day or Night of the Event:

Arrange for you and your panel members to meet in the Speakers Lounge or the

actual session room to introduce them and check in. Plan to arrive at either location at

least 30-45 minutes before the session is due to start. Hold a brief rehearsal,reviewing the format of the session and either the questions youll start with or who

will present first. Also use this time to hook up and test any equipment, check

microphones, set up notes, and get settled before the audience arrives.

5. Open with a Brief Reference to the Topic Being

Discussed:The moderator sets and maintains the tone for the panel discussion, so its important

to welcome the audience and lead into the topic with a short hook. A lengthy story is

not appropriate, but a short quote, analogy, or anecdote will kick off the discussion,

warm up the audience, and highlight the importance of the event.

6. Introduce the Panel Members:


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When it comes to introducing the panel members, you have two options. 1) You can

have each panel member introduce him or herself with a short two-minute

introduction, or 2) You can introduce the panelists. With the first option, you give the

audience a chance to settle in and have a more personal connection to the panel

members. With the second option, you set a more formal tone. With either option,make sure you or the panel member adds a human element to the introduction.

Simply listing job titles and credentials gets boring; therefore, try to mention some

interesting tidbits, such as, Jack is the father of quadruplets, or Shirley is also a

backyard gardener who specializes in award-winning tomatoes.

7. Keep the Focus on the Panel, Not on You:

Even though you may be a well known expert in the topic or have some celebrity

status in your industry, dont make the panel discussion about yourself. Your role is

to guide the conversation, maintain an appropriate tone, keep people on task, and

ensure everyone gets ample time to present his or her point of view. You are not there

to give a formal presentation or state your opinions, so for now, keep them to

yourself.

8. Picking the right panel members:

Often, a moderator is asked to select the panel (cricket commentary), this isnt always

the case, but more than likely you will be involved in the approval process. Find folks

that are experts in the field and have varying points of view. It has been found that 3-

4 panelists is ideal, any less becomes difficult to flesh out all the viewpoints , and

anymore becomes unwieldy.

9. Prepare Your Cutoff Phrases Ahead of Time:

Be prepared to cut off long-winded panel members or those who ramble off topic.Having some pre-planned cutoff phrases helps. For example, if someone goes off on a

tangent that is not useful to the overall topic, you could interrupt and say, You have

an interesting point there, but we want to know more about ________. Likewise, if

someone is dominating the discussion, watch the persons natural breathing rhythm

and then interject between breaths, Thank you, Julie. Now lets hear Bobs

perspective on this topic. Its always best to ask the panel members what cutoff

phrases they respond to. Tell them you will use this tactic for keeping the discussion

focused and on time.


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11. Have Microphones in the Audience for the Question and

Answer Session:

Before opening the floor for questions, tell the audience any ground rules for askingquestions that you want them to follow. Then, encourage the audience to ask

questions, but never turn the microphone over to an audience member. If an audience

member starts to drone on, politely interrupt and ask him or her to state a question. If

an audience member asks a question thats overly specific to a single panelist or

otherwise not particularly relevant to the concerns of the wider audience, dont be

afraid to say, Thats an interesting question and perhaps better addressed in depth by

Panelist A after the wider Q&A were doing now. Finally, if youre in a big room,

not everyone will hear the questions when theyre asked, so always repeat the

question. Add one quick summary comment after each question to transition to the

next question.

12. Give a Gracious Thank You to Each Panel Member:

You certainly cant thank your panelists enough for sharing their expertise. In

addition to a verbal thank you after the panel discussion, some people give their

panelists a small gift at the event or send a handwritten note afterwards, or both. If

you received positive feedback from your audience about the paneleither on

feedback forms or just informally after the sessionyou should convey that

information to your panelists.


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Chapter 5:

Preparation For The Meeting

....

To be a successful moderator one must take his time out and prepare for the meeting, it is

important for all to know what to prepare, so the following list will help in pointing the

important grounds that need attention while preparation

Get to know the panelists:

This is often difficult as many panels never meet in advance, but in our social

world many folks are online and can be found. Do Google searches on their

name and the topic at hand, and you may be surprised what you find online.

Research the topic:

The most entertaining panels have a dash of debate, look at an issue from

many angles, practical steps to get started, and tell a few jokes. Find where the

points of contention are and be sure to bring it up, this is how youll bill the

panel. Use a blog post, Twitter or other feedback tool to glean questions from

the community.

Properly market the panel:

Successful panels will often have a title that is catchy, in tune for the

conference, and has a detailed summary of what the audience will get out of it.

You should blog about the upcoming panel, and the panelists should too.

Develop agenda bulletpoints:

I try to establish some general high level bullets, 3-5 is good, so it helps the

panelists to prepare and research. Dont get into overly detailed questions, you

never want them to be overly rehearsed. I always have some secondary

questions if no one asks questions, and its best to throw some curve balls to

panelists after they warm up.


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Have prepared notes:

Print out the research you did of their bios, points of contention, the high level

agenda, and follow up questions you may want to do. Im known for requiring

the panelists to bring a case study or example with measurable results.

Before you use power points, really think it through:

In most cases, panels should focus on the discussion and interaction between

the panelists. Presentations should only be used in these situations: They add

value by visualizing a conceptual concept, youve some industry stats that

preface the event, or theres a funny video that gets the crowd warmed up.

Have a mental checklist: Is this going to add value? Does this give each

panelist an equal response? Is this truly necessary?

Have a pre-briefing meeting:

Its really hard to get panelists to all get on the phone together, I can only

think of a few times when this has worked. Instead, have a quick meeting in

person before the panel actually happens, it will only take 15 minutes. This is

good bonding time be sure to remind them of the general structure, but make

sure theyre relaxed and going to have fun. Listen carefully to the

conversation, as youll pick up interest points that will help you setup

questions while on stage.

Housekeeping:

Prepare all your notes, laptops, make sure everyone has water before you get

on stage, in some cases, plan out where folks will sit. Remind the panelists,yourself, and the audience to turn off cell phones. Smile a lot, and have

funok, now we get on stage.


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group and panel disscusion

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