How To Get Your Panelists To Share More Stories As A Panel Facilitator
I’ve had a few clients recently who’ve been moderating a panel.
They all want it to be as engaging as possible. But they don’t want to steal the limelight from the panellists. 🙅🏻♀️
So, one of the things I often share (that might be a little left field) is to:
>>> Be more like a TALK SHOW host.
They get their guests sharing anecdotes and stories. Whether it’s an epic achievement, a funny moment or a relatable tale.
It makes it informative, but also enjoyable and entertaining.
Err – I don’t mean like Dr Phil 😅
I mean more like Graham Norton.
He’s one of my personal fave’s as he seems to do this so effortlessly with his guests.
Now I know the context is very different from celebs to senior Tech professionals.
But that’s not as big a sticking point as it might seem.
Because, it’s less about WHO you’re interviewing and more about HOW you’re interviewing them.
If you ask me, there’s two things you can do to be more like a Talk Show host (even in the context of the Tech or Cyber industry):
#1 – ASK ‘STORY GENERATING’ QUESTIONS
How you word a question has a direct impact on the way your panellists will respond.
If you ask people their *opinion* or *view* on something, they’re far more likely to share = information.
E.g. “So.. what’s your view on ?”
will most likely get a response about someone’s opinion and maybe reasons why. Which is generally going to be all information.
However, ask people about their *experience* with something and they’re more likely to share = a story.
Questions like the below are all far more likely to generate a war story or personal anecdote as a response.
E.g. “So … can you share an interesting experience that’s shaped your views on [x]?
OR
“When have you seen [x] in action?
“How have your views on [x] changed over time?
“Have you had a specific aha moment about [x] you could share?”
Which is cool because stories are much more relatable!
Plus they’re far more interesting and memorable than facts and figures are too.
#2 – PREP YOUR PANELLISTS FOR STORIES
So I’ve analysed Graham Norton’s shows and I’m pretty sure he must prep his panellists for stories before-hand.
Or he’s lucky enough to have someone else do some research for him.
Because he generally says things to his guests like:
“You did [X] when you were [Y] didn’t you?”
and then he prompts them to tell the whole story.
It’s all very seamless, but orchestrated behind the scenes I’m sure.
It also helps the guests out as well, because they’re primed to remember the story and can share it with ease.
So, to help your panellists out, prep them before-hand for stories.
If you’re having a panel prep chat, tell them that you want them to share stories. Ask them to share any interesting stories they have with you and sift through ones you think will be winners. Then you can reference them in the actual Panel Discussion.
But, remember, in a Talk Show, their stories are never long-winded. They’re short, snappy tales.
Remind your panellists not to prep something super detailed.
Short but relevant is best!
IN SUMMARY
If you’re hosting a Panel, (or even interviewing people on a Podcast) and you want it to be better than average, remember:
It’s not WHO you’re interviewing, it’s HOW you’re interviewing that matters.
Ask ‘story generating’ Q’s + Prep your panelists for stories beforehand.
You’ll get much more interesting responses. 🥳
Emily
P.S. If you’d like to know how to leverage the art of storytelling in lots of other scenarios, you’d probably love my 9-Week Live Group Coaching Program The Captivating Storyteller. It only runs once a year and it’s kicking off in just over a month’s time. If you want to be notified once doors open, join the Waitlist here. You’ll get a $100 discount code too.
Hey, I’m Emily Edgeley, a Public Speaking Coach for the Tech industry. Since 2017 I’ve transformed the lives of thousands, by helping them to communicate with more power. I’ve run 300+ group coaching sessions, coached more than 250 people privately, and helped more than 100+ others give their first ever Conf talk.
I’m on a mission to help people in Tech communicate with clarity, impact, and confidence. To boost your brand, career and industry influence.
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