1.
____________________________
BASICS OF PANEL DISCUSSION
Disney Villains
Definition(s)
A panel discussion is a public
_________________, giving experts
and audience members the chance to
discuss a particular topic. These are
often used to delve into politics, issues
affecting communities, and academic
topics.
It is a specific format used in a
meeting, conference or convention; a
live or virtual discussion about a
specific topic amongst a selected
group of panelists who share
___________________ in front of a
large audience.
(Arnold, 2013)
It is a discussion format in which
participants consider a topic more or
less conversationally,
_____________________
(Adler and Rooman, 2006)
Features of a Panel Discussion
The panel is typically facilitated by a
_______________ who guides the
panel and the audience through the
event.
The panel, usually ____ experts or
practitioners in the field, shares facts,
offers opinions and responds to
audience questions either through
questions curated by the moderator or
taken from the audience directly
The panel session typically lasts for
_______ minutes (but according to
Kirsner (n.d.)- 45 mins- 1 hour)
Elements of a Panel Discussion
2. ____________________________
3. ____________________________
4. ____________________________
5. ____________________________
6. ____________________________
7. ____________________________
Participants in a Panel Discussion
1. Moderator
initiates ________________,
questions, synthesizes and
summarizes the key points
acts as the ____________ of the
discussion
____________, moderates, and
____________the discussion
2. Panel Members
are the ____________ of the topic at
hand
3. Audience
____________ to the panelist(s)
Conducting a Panel Discussion
1. Putting a Panel Together
a. Select a ______
b. Recruit _______ participants
c. Invite a _______
d. Plan the _______ setup
2. Planning the Panel Discussion
a. Figure out the _______ of
the panel
b. Decide _______ the panel
should last
c. Consider starting with
_______ lectures (optional)
 d. Try to avoid
_______presentations
e. Write _______ for the
panelists
f. Plan out the rest of the panel
g. Introduce the panelists to
each in advance
MECHANICS OF AN ORDERLY AGENDA
1. The ___________ Format
a. Proposal of a Question
b. Clarification of the Question
c. Formulation of Tentative
Answers
d. Arrival at a Consensus
2. Types of Questions Suitable for
Discussions
3. Phrasing the Question
a. The statement of the problem
should
__________________________
_ Seminar, Symposium, and Panel Discussion
b. The statement of the problem
should bring about interaction
and even
__________________________
_
c. The statement of the problem
should _____________.
4. _________ the Question
BASICS OF PANEL DISUCSSION
Suggested outline:
I. Definition(s) of Panel discussion (Bryan)
5. _________ Upon the Question
6. _________ Arrangements
a. Atmosphere
b. Size of group or cluster
c. Seating Arrangement
d. Duration or Length of the
Discussion
References
Comm. 3 Practical Speech Fundamentals
Experimental Edition
WikiHow. (n.d.). wikiHow to Conduct a Panel
Discussion. wikiHow.com. Retrieved from:
http://www.wikihow.com/Conduct-a-Panel-
Discussion
Arnold, K. (2013, November 4). The Definition
of a Panel Discussion [Blog post]. Retrieved
from: http://powerfulpanels.com/definition-
panel-discussion/
Kirsner, S. (n.d). 13 Guidelines for Great Panel
Discussions. Retrieved from:
http://scottkirsner.com/panels.htm
Developing Blog in Education. (2011, April 23).
[Blog Post]. Retrieved from:
http://ramatechcomputerscience.blogspot.com/2
011/04/seminar-symposium-and-panel-
discussion.html
Scitable by nature education. (n.d.). Panel
Discussion. Retrieved from:
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/panel
-discussions-13909630
 II. Features of a Panel discussion (Justin)
III. Elements of a Panel discussion (Elisha)
IV. People involved within and the roles played (Aldrich)
A. Moderator
B. Panelists
C. Audience
V. Conducting a Panel dicussion (Elay)
i. Putting a Panel together
ii. Planning the Panel discussion

VI. Mechanics of an Orderly Agena (Ferrine)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. What is a Panel Discussion?

- A panel discussion is a public exchange of ideas, giving experts and audience

members the chance to discuss a particular topic. These are often used to delve
into politics, issues affecting communities, and academic topics.

Source: WikiHow. (n.d.). wikiHow to Conduct a Panel Discussion. wikiHow.com. Retrieved from:
http://www.wikihow.com/Conduct-a-Panel-Discussion

- It is a specific format used in a meeting, conference or convention; a live or virtual

discussion about a specific topic amongst a selected group of panelists who share
differing perspectives in front of a large audience.
(Arnold, 2013)

- It is a discussion format in which participants consider a topic more or less

conversationally, without formal procedural rules
(Adler and Rooman, 2006).

II. What are the features of a Panel Discussion?

- The panel is typically facilitated by a moderator who guides the panel and the
audience through the event.

- The panel, usually 3-4 experts or practitioners in the field, shares facts, offers
opinions and responds to audience questions either through questions curated by
the moderator or taken from the audience directly

- The panel session typically lasts for 60-90 minutes (but according to Kirsner
(n.d.)- 45 mins- 1 hour)

Sources:
Arnold, K. (2013, November 4). The Definition of a Panel Discussion [Blog post]. Retrieved from:
http://powerfulpanels.com/definition-panel-discussion/

Kirsner, S. (n.d). 13 Guidelines for Great Panel Discussions. Retrieved from:

http://scottkirsner.com/panels.htm

III. What are the elements of a Panel Disucssion? (though walang definitions ang
mga ito sa source team :( )

o Welcome
- The panel moderator welcomes the audience. Tees up the topic and
explains why it is a timely and important topic to discuss in this format
o Introductions
- The panelists are introduced to the audience either the moderator
introduces them or they introduce themselves
o Presentations
- All panelists provide an overview or specific description of the topic. This
can range from a quick statement or paragraph to a full-blown formal
presentation.
o Questions
- The panel moderator directs curated questions to the panelists or asks
questions solicited from the audience.
o Q&A
- Questions are taken from the audience and directed to a panelist
o Summary
- The conversation is summarized for take-away value either by the panel
moderator, the panelists or the audience.
o Thank you/administrative remarks
(Arnold, 2013)

Source: Arnold, K. (2013, November 4). The Definition of a Panel Discussion [Blog post]. Retrieved
from: http://powerfulpanels.com/definition-panel-discussion/

IV. Who are involved in a Panel Discussion?

There are three sets of participants in a panel discussion.

They are:
-The moderator who initiates the discussion, questions, synthesizes and summarizes
the key points.

-The panel members who consist of experts in the field concerned.

 -The audience of selected students/trainees/participants and teachers, who ask
questions of the panellist.

Source: Developing Blog in Education. (2011, April 23). Seminar, Symposium, and Panel Discussion
[Blog Post]. Retrieved from: http://ramatechcomputerscience.blogspot.com/2011/04/seminar-symposium-
and-panel-discussion.html

Roles Played (Sa handouts, we can reduce this pa :) . This can be the guide
of the reporter of this part :) )
The moderator acts as the chairperson of the discussion. In addition to being the
chairperson, the moderator must launch, moderate, and summarize the discussion
To launch the discussion, ask the panelists simple questions perhaps questions you
told them in advance you were going to ask. Limit the number of prepared questions, however:
These usually trigger unconnected rehearsed answers from the panelists, not a true discussion. If
the idea is to take questions from the attendees, encourage them to start asking early: The longer
you alone ask questions, the harder it is for the attendees to gather the courage to ask some.
Facilitate the discussion and encourage interaction. Designate who will answer a
particular question ("PersonA, would you like to answer this one?"). Encourage other panelists to
comment on the first person's response ("Thanks, PersonA. "PersonB, would you like to add
anything to PersonA's comment?"). As a rule, though, do not let panelists interrupt one another.
Rephrase answers, especially diffuse ones, and use these to launch follow-up questions ("In that
case, then, wouldn't you agree that . . . ?"). If attendees are keen to ask many questions, guide
them to keep the discussion focused ("Before we move to another aspect, any more questions
related to . . . ?"); prevent them from interrupting panelists with follow-up questions, too. Feel
free to take notes during the discussion. As always, manage the time ("PersonC, do you have a
two-minute answer to this one?")
Provide the audience with an integrated view of what has been said. Point out the
convergences and divergences of viewpoints while remaining neutral yourself. If time permits,
check your summary with the panelists and allow them a final statement.
Meet the panelists ahead of time to allow time for clarification of the process and set final
arrangements. Normally, you would have sent them the guidelines in advance (what to prepare,
what the rules are). Still, review the process again to avoid surprises. Check the equipments as
well.

The panel members convince the audience with the messages they convey.
Provide the audience with evidences and examples. You may have different
opinions with other panelists, but work constructively. Remember to leave the
audience with an interesting experience and do not compete with other panelists.
Source: Scitable by nature education. (n.d.). Panel Discussion. Retrieved from:
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/panel-discussions-13909630

V. How does one conduct a Panel discussion?

I. Putting a Panel together

a. Select a topic - the topic selected should be important enough to involve people
with different interests and backgrounds; avoid making it too general and vague
b. Recruit varied participants - look for well-informed people from a variety of
backgrounds to constitute the members of the panel (personal backgrounds can have a
significant effect on their perspectives)
c. Invite a moderator- the moderator (as much as possible) should already have
experience moderating panels; select someone who understands the topic well enough to follow
the discussion, and who is skilled in social situations.
d. Plan the physical setup- individual chairs will make the participants appear
closer to the audience than a solid table, encouraging audience participation; arranging the seats
in a slight circle (still mostly facing the audience) may help the panelists discuss the topic with
each other

II. Planning the Panel dicussion

a. Figure out the goals of the Panel- make sure all of the participants know why
the panel has been assembled well in advance, so they have time to prepare; the panel may be
trying to present practical solutions to a problem, host a complex, abstract discussion, or provide
information on a topic
b. Decide how long the panel should last- for most panels, especially those taking
place at a conference or other larger event, 4560 minutes is the recommended length of
time. If the panel is a standalone event, or if it covers a particularly important and popular
topic, a 90 minute panel may be appropriate.
c. Consider starting with individual lectures (optional)- the main focus of the
panel should always be a discussion. However, if one of the panel's main goals were
providing information, this may be a useful way to precede the discussion
d. Try to avoid visual presetations- powerpoint presentations may slow down the
discussion; these keep the audience involvement low and often bore the listeners
e. Write questions for the panelists- try to come up with several open-ended
questions, which the panelists can take in a direction best suited to the course of the
discussion and their expertise (have the moderator or another person not on the panel
look over your questions and suggest edits or additional questions)
f. Plan out the rest of the panel- determine how much time you will set aside for
questions; typically, this constitutes half the panel's length or more. Use the last 2030
minutes for audience questions and discussion, or 15 minutes if time is short or you have
a more lecture-focused panel format
g. Introduce the panelists to each in advance- upon doing so, describe to them the
format of the panel, and give them a chance to talk briefly (dont give the questions to
them in advence- the discussion should be original, not rehearsed)
Mechanics of an Orderly Agenda
1. Discussion Format

Steps:
a. Proposal of Question
Leader usually poses the question
b. Clarification of Question
Question is further clarified and agreed upon
c. Formulating Tentative Answers
Facts are gather to form opinion as members debate
One answer usually prevails and can be subject to modification
d. Arrival of Consensus
Group summarizes and is subject to the groups approval

2. Suitable Questions

Characteristics:
Answers to questions must be within the members field of experience
Questions must concern the members

Ways of Choosing Questions:

Collective Listings
Imposition of the Question by the Leader

3. Phrasing the Question

Rules in Formulating Questions:

The statement of the problem should:
encourage freedom of thought
no suggestion of alternatives
no stifle thinking
no implication of a solution
bring interaction of thoughts
must allow clashing of opinions
avoid listing/enumeration
be brief
no elaboration
concise

4. Posing the Question

5. Agreeing Upon the Question

6. Physical Arrangements

Factors Affecting the Success of a Group Discussion:

a. Atmosphere
b. Group Size
c. Seating Arrangement
d. Duration of Discussion