Being A Good Panelist

How to Be a Great Panelist

So you’ve been invited to sit on a panel discussion, and you’re nervous. Totally normal. Panelists want to come across well because it’s a chance to share your expertise—and also a chance to feel embarrassed if you think you “do it wrong.” So let’s talk about what actually makes a panel work, because the way most panels are structured sets you up to struggle.

Usually there’s a host with a stack of pre-written questions. They read one, and then panelist one, two, three, four, and five answer the same question in order. Then they do it again. And again. It’s monotonous, and it pushes you into a trap—the trap of agreeing with whoever spoke before you. You end up repeating their point, adding no value, and disappearing into the noise.

Break the Pattern and Start a Real Conversation

Here’s the good news: you’re not limited to that pattern. A great panelist doesn’t wait to be told to talk. You can respond conversationally, offer your point of view, and then invite another panelist into the dialogue. Something like: “Here’s what I’ve found… and Susan, you’ve been in a similar situation—what do you think?” Suddenly it’s no longer a sequence of five mini-presentations. It’s a real, human conversation.

You can even rescue the host by doing this—they don’t actually want a stiff, robotic sequence. They want energy, dynamic interaction, leadership presence, and confident communication. That’s what keeps an audience engaged.

Where to Look and How to Stay Present

One of the most common questions I hear is, “Where do I look when I’m answering?” Simple: include everyone. You’re answering out to the audience, but you also have your fellow panelists and your host. A strong panelist rotates attention—one thought to an audience member, one to the host, one to a fellow panelist.

For example: “I love that question…” (look at host) “…in my experience XYZ…” (look to audience) “…and you’ve seen this too, right?” (turn to another panelist). That blend of connection creates presence. It’s the same screen presence coaching we use in hybrid presentation skills and leadership presence coaching: stay awake, stay aware, stay connected.

Active Listening Matters Just as Much

When you’re not talking, don’t freeze. Nod. React. Take notes. Show that you’re processing what others say. A blank face shuts a conversation down. Active listening invites more from everyone else—and that builds the kind of panel people actually enjoy.

Make It a Discussion, Not a Turn-Taking Exercise

Panels aren’t speeches. They’re conversations. Bring your improvisational instincts. Add warmth and confidence. Ask questions. Hand the baton to someone else. And yes—you can even involve the audience. I once asked a crowd to weigh in on a point, and someone shouted from the back. I repeated it for the room, and it created a fantastic moment.

Your job as a panelist is to help the entire group—panelists, host, and audience—create something alive. Something conversational. Something real. If you do that, you’re not just answering questions. You’re demonstrating leadership communication, confident presence, and the kind of executive presence coaching skills that make panels memorable.