Vickie Sullivan

Market Strategy for Thought Leaders

Resources  >> Think Panel Discussions Are Beneath You? You’re Wrong

Written by: Vickie Sullivan  |  August 24, 2023

Think Panel Discussions Are Beneath You? You’re Wrong

Woman speaking on a discussion panel at a conference
iStock.com/shironosov

Now that in-person events are back, you’ve likely noticed the increase of panel discussions instead of workshops. You may be tempted to dismiss those panels. Don’t. They are powerful opportunities.

It’s easy to see why panels are so popular. They engage more members and facilitate more discussions afterwards. It’s a lecture vs. a conversation.

Thought leaders who use speaking as a branding tool must embrace this trend and use the format strategically. Panels allow you to showcase how you think. They give you an opportunity to move past explaining your methodology and use discernment. For example, you can make short predictions folks may not have thought of or highlight observations rarely discussed.

Instead of disseminating information or presenting a system, you showcase your approach, how you think. And in doing so, you infer that you have insider access and insights.

To do this successfully, you must give up your need to educate people in real time. (You can do that online now.) Instead, use speaking formats like panel discussions to showcase your ability to discern and call the game. Education and lectures aren’t the only way to create intrigue.


Listen: Common Mistakes Speakers Make During Panel Discussions 


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