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-todate. 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.

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 of giving 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 this way 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 the panel 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 the group.

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 is better 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
Experts present different opinions.

Disadvantages
Personalities may overshadow content.

Preparation
Moderator coordinates focus of panel, introduces and summarizes. Moderator briefs panel.

Can provoke better discussion than a one person discussion . Frequent change of speaker

Experts are often not effective speakers. Subject may not be in logical order. Not appropriate for

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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 of calling 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 success or 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 specific direction 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 at two 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 panel discussions 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 to and 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 each panelist 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. Some formats 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 and require 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 panel discussion: 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. Use constructive 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 to be 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 soccer game where the referee blows the whistle every time the ball crosses the white line, the moderator has a large gray area to work with. And even if a panelist goes off topic, the moderator has to exercise judgment is 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 it be 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 example You 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 lot more 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 with issues 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 discussions are 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 presentation points. 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 34 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 asking questions 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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