A rabbit in the headlights (read, ‘consumed by a fear of the stage’); a peacock on show (‘all bluster and BS’); or the lion in the jungle (‘confident, with a strong grasp of the facts and at ease with the setting’)? Which one are you? Which one you would rather be is a given. Attaining panel fitness, like any workout, requires an investment of time, practice, self-discipline and following a few rules.
1. Rules of the Ring.
The role of the moderator is polar opposite to that of the panelist. A moderator should, ideally, speak the least of anyone on stage. Like a conductor, your job is to create a harmony, to guide, cajole, watch the clock, and orchestrate an informative and dynamic debate. It’s not easy, particularly when one or two of the panelists are either shy, non-stop talkers or, and it happens, playing with their phone. You are the general. This is your show, your rules. In contrast, as a panelist, you are there to, yes, drive a message but not to the point where it hijacks the panel topic. You are a contributor. Use the opportunity to market yourself as a ‘thought leader,’ as someone who can think out of the box and be a sage face of the charity, politic or company you represent.
2. Know your Arena.
Nerves can be hellish. They can throw you off your game, send you down a cul-de-sac of nonsensical tosh and, in the worst case, totally shut you down. Public speaking is easier said than done but declining an opportunity, when invited by your boss or a conference organizer, is a mistake. You just need to know your arena. Be there early, walk the room, feel the stage – ‘own’ the scene. Know the content of the panel. If the moderator has not been in touch, and he/she should have two weeks prior, call and find out the preferred talking points. Do your research and select a handful of useful info-stats. Don’t overburden yourself, just a few. Don’t bore the audience with an encyclopedia of facts and figures. Most important, avoid jargon. It’s mind-numbing and you will lose the crowd.
3. Housekeeping 101.
This may sound obvious but, in the heat of the moment, the simplest of touches are forgotten. In a world of 24/7 digital media, it pays to have an inner voice screaming “attention to detail”. Remove your lanyard, you don’t want that in pictures; check, and double check, that your mic works; ensure the mic is center and not to one side, otherwise your voice will drop off when you turn your head; PHONE OFF OR ON SILENT, NOT EVEN ON BUZZER; straighten your jacket or dress, avoid the crumpled look; and always check a mirror before going on stage. I rarely eat before moderating a panel, opting instead for a a few glasses of warm water to help soften the larynx.
4. Authentic You.
This is another case of ‘easier said than done’ but it’s incredibly important. If you are nervous, take a deep breath. Take many. Breathe from your diaphragm, take your time and cement your feet. The audience and other panelists want to hear you. That’s why you’ve been invited to speak. Keep an eye on your body language. Don’t cross your arms, it looks defensive; don’t slouch, it looks disinterested; and keep your eye on the prize, listen to the other panelists, react to their observations and feed off the dialogue. The moderator will love you for it and, chances are, the audience will too.
5. Storytelling that Sticks.
Nothing beats a short, succinct, punchy but powerful anecdote to push your point. ‘Short’ is the essence. Even comedians keep a tight rein on the length of their stories and they’re the experts. Think before you walk up there – how can I frame my message so it has the most impact with the audience? It may be an anecdote from a recent visit to a factory in some far-flung region, or you’ve noticed a quirky change in consumer behaviour. These are insights that could be the prelude to an about-turn in buying trends. Who knows? Either way, it is unique and you are inviting the audience into workplace while demonstrating how much you’re in touch with stakeholders, whether they be your customer, staff, supplier, or investor. Personal stories always resonate.
6. Lead Like Lagarde.
Christine Lagarde is a master at this. She handles panels or press conferences like a skilled chess player – listening carefully, pausing thoughtfully, and delivering responses with authority. She has a firm way of managing interruptions, once stating, “If people interrupt me, I give them a freezing stare. It’s rude. Either you are in the room or you are not.”
Panel rule: Sometimes you need to ‘Lead Like Lagarde.’ LAST THOUGHT.. When it comes to appearing on a panel, remind yourself to “Enjoy it and be yourself.” Easier said than done, I know. It’s so important though. Breathe, breathe and breathe again. I will also add a second line to the inner dialogue, one that my boss in London said to me before the biggest interview of my career at the time. It was September 2001, two weeks after the 9/11 attacks, and the team had secured a one-hour, three camera shoot, interview with General Electric’s legendary CEO Jack Welch. As I was heading out of the newsroom, I asked my boss for any last words of advice. “Yes,” she said. “Don’t f*ck it up!” To this day, particularly in the sink-or-swim moments, I tap into that moment. Those four words galvanized me then. Let them galvanize you now.