New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional

Women 

BPW New Zealand Robyn Davison BPW NZ 1st Vice President

2014

Chairing a Panel of Speakers

New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional

Women 

BPW New Zealand Robyn Davison BPW NZ 1st Vice President

2014

“Are youse guys ready?”

New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional

Women 

BPW New Zealand Robyn Davison BPW NZ 1st Vice President

2014

Setting the scene

• Preparation is key

• Speak to all panellists before the event

• Topic or theme

• Venue details, timing, resources

• Sample questions

New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional

Women 

BPW New Zealand Robyn Davison BPW NZ 1st Vice President

2014

Practical Issues

Everyone needs a microphone

New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional

Women 

BPW New Zealand Robyn Davison BPW NZ 1st Vice President

2014

Moving the discussion along

• Explain how the session will proceed• Prepare open ended questions in advance• Be sure to introduce each person, especially if

anyone is a last-minute substitute whose name won’t be in the event programme.

• While the panellists are talking listen very carefully and take notes. Wherever possible, capture important statements verbatim. Then use what you’ve heard to invite other panellists to comment on particular parts of other panellists’ statements.

• Keep an eye on time

New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional

Women 

BPW New Zealand Robyn Davison BPW NZ 1st Vice President

2014

• For an hour-long panel discussion, you should allocate at least fifteen minutes at the end for questions.

• Thank your panellists

New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional

Women 

BPW New Zealand Robyn Davison BPW NZ 1st Vice President

2014

• The panel ain't over when it's over. Allow time for the audience to chat informally with panellist try to schedule the panel just prior to a meal break an invite the panellist to the meal.