Panel discussions can be one of the most powerful ways to engage an audience and spark meaningful conversation. But great panel discussions don’t happen by accident—they take careful preparation and a skilled moderator to guide the flow, ensure balanced participation, and keep the audience engaged.
In this post, I’ll share my strategies for preparing and moderating engaging panel discussions. As the moderator for Vimeo REFRAME 2024’s panel, “Crafting Brand Stories That Captivate: The Art of Branded Video Content,” I had the privilege of guiding a conversation that brought out each panelist’s expertise and unique insights on creating branded video content that truly connects with audiences.
My goal was to guide the discussion in a way that encouraged panelists to share their unique perspectives while equipping the audience with fresh ideas and actionable strategies to elevate branded video storytelling in their own organizations. By tailoring my coaching to each guest speaker, I was able to enhance their individual style, boost their confidence, refine their audience engagement techniques, and ensure their message aligned with both audience needs and Vimeo’s corporate goals.
Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the Panel
Step 1. Meet 1-on-1 with Panelists
Each time I have the opportunity to moderate a panel, my preparation begins with one-on-one meetings with each panelist, ideally a few weeks in advance. These sessions help me gain a deep understanding of their expertise within the panel’s topic and clarify how they want to stand out from their fellow panelists. For REFRAME 2024, I met with each panelist beforehand to uncover their unique perspectives and goals. These conversations allowed me to craft a thoughtful flow for the panel discussion, amplifying their insights and ensuring a dynamic, cohesive experience for the audience.
Be Brilliant Panel Discussion Organizer
If you’re preparing to moderate a panel, the Be Brilliant Panel Discussion Organizer is an essential tool! This expert framework helps you plan dynamic, engaging sessions that resonate with both panelists and audiences. From organizing your flow to ensuring every speaker shines, it’s your step-by-step guide to crafting panels that stand out.
Ready to elevate your next panel discussion? Download the Be Brilliant Panel Discussion Organizer and get started today!
Step 2. Define a Big Idea
From there, we worked together to craft a unifying “big message” that elevated the panel’s title to a deeper level. Once the big idea or big message is agreed upon, I purposefully curate group and individual questions that tie back to the central theme, sparking deeper conversations with each panelist’s unique perspective, passion, and expertise. This approach encourages each panelist to share insights that reveal the depth of their strategies, in this case, from emphasizing the importance of voice authenticity to exploring the power of data-driven creativity and innovative video production techniques–and avoids the dreadfully dull, all-panelists-are-saying-the-same-thing discussions.
Step 3. Craft Questions with Intention
Once the questions are crafted and the order is determined, I look back and see how the conversation will flow. Besides analyzing the cohesiveness of the overall discussion, I’m strategically identifying how to engage the audience in ah-ha moments, active participation, and teaser moments that motivate them to continue the conversation afterward. The goal was to spark revelations, share actionable insights, and engage the audience with thought-provoking moments.
Engaging the Audience: Setting the Tone
To kick things off, I asked the audience a reflective question: Are you proud of your branded video content, or do you see room for improvement, or are you unsure?
This helped the panelists tailor their advice, creating a more intimate and personalized experience. Seeing the mix of proud vs. needs to improve vs. unsure was interesting. It helped us better understand the makeup of our audience before jumping into the questions. And, as the conversation progressed, the panelists could say, “For those that are proud, here’s where you could go next,” and similarly, “For those that are looking to improve, here’s my suggestion.” In doing this, the audience was drawn into a more intimate, targeted conversation.
Throughout the session, I asked questions that uncovered key strategies while tying them back to the panel’s big idea. For example, I asked Vanessa Correa how she approaches strategy: “Do you start with the goal of changing a mind or inspiring action?” Her answer—“Don’t rush the process. Let the story lead.”—became a highlight of the discussion, underscoring the importance of intentionality and simplicity.
“What a fun discussion, Patti! It was so engaging and informative. You did a great job moderating!”
—Chloe, Vimeo REFRAME 2024 Attendee
Insights from Industry Leaders
The Power of Story Over Virality
Vanessa Correa, VP of Marketing Strategy at JPMorgan Chase, opened with a bold statement: “Millions of views don’t matter to me. It’s about creating stories that linger.” Her emphasis on meaningful storytelling set the tone, shifting the focus from fleeting metrics to lasting impact.
Technology Meets Storytelling
Samira Bakhtiar, GM of Media, Entertainment, Games, and Sports at Amazon Web Services, shared how AWS uses data to empower content creators to reimagine storytelling. Her insights highlighted how innovative technology can bring new dimensions to branded video content, creating richer, more immersive audience experiences.
Authenticity and Creativity in Balance
Bianca Poletti, Commercial and Film Director, captivated the audience with her mantra: “Always have an authentic voice, push boundaries, and get weird.” This resonated deeply, reminding everyone that authenticity is the cornerstone of compelling content.
By the end of the discussion, the energy in the room was electric. Attendees lingered long after the session, eager to engage further with the panelists and apply the insights shared. The conversation left the audience equipped with strategies to elevate their branded video content through the values of authenticity, data-driven creativity, and the art of storytelling.
Great panel discussions don’t just happen—they require thoughtful planning, skilled moderation, and an understanding of the audience’s needs.
By following these steps, you can create an environment that empowers your panelists, engages your audience, and delivers actionable takeaways.
Image Source: My iPhone | Panelists Samira Bakhtiar, Vanessa Correa, and Bianca Poletti, with moderator Patti Schutte at Vimeo REFRAME 2024.
Did you miss attending the Vimeo REFRAME 2024 enterprise user conference? Don’t worry—you can catch the full session and dive into the insights firsthand. Watch the panel here.
Elevate Your Panel Discussions and Event Experience
At Be Brilliant Presentation Group, we specialize in helping you design and deliver impactful panel discussions that resonate with your audience. Whether you need guidance on panel moderation, speaker coaching, or event preparation, we ensure every panelist shines, every discussion flows seamlessly, and your event leaves a lasting impression. From crafting cohesive panel themes to coaching speakers for authentic engagement, we’ll help you create a dynamic, audience-centered experience that achieves your event goals. Ready to make your next panel discussion brilliant? Learn more and schedule your consultation today.
ABOUT BE BRILLIANT PRESENTATION GROUP
Be Brilliant Presentation Group specializes in empowering individuals, business teams, and conference speakers to become influential, results-oriented presenters. Led by CEO/Founder Patti Schutte, the company is renowned for helping subject-matter experts master high-stakes presentations that drive tangible results. Patti’s mission is to unlock public speaking potential and transform presentation skills to achieve brilliant outcomes.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.I agree
