February 03, 2016 
Jane 
Over the years, I have been asked to participate on a number of panels. Some of the experiences have been very positive—I have learned a lot and met some really terrific people. Some of them, however, have been…less than perfect.
In order to understand exactly how a panel should proceed, I went on Google (but, of course) and found some good advice. When things go smoothly, everyone has a good time. Sadly, that’s not always the case.
A while back I was asked to be a part of a panel on the state of self-publishing. Having a lot to say on the subject (and I thought a good amount of knowledge as well), I agreed. Everything began positively, but then one of the participants simply hijacked the proceedings and took over the discussion. Soon, the panel moderator lost all control. At the time, I vowed never to repeat that experience.
Last year, I moderated a panel, chose the participants and presided over a lively session. That experience was a good one. I very briefly introduced myself and then each of the participants and made sure that each of them contributed equally to the discussion. It was, I thought, very successful and I think the audience learned a great deal—and we all enjoyed ourselves.
Over the weekend, I again participated on a publishing panel. This time, the moderator not only took far too long to relate her own story, but then interrupted me and the others in mid-speech. Everyone in the audience noticed and even commented on this afterward. Her behavior was offensive and disrespectful and, because of this, I was unable to fully enjoy this particular event.
Panels are meant to inform and teach. Moderators should use their position to control each speaker and support them and to move things along, not as a bully pulpit. I think after this last experience (combined with some of my previous ones), I will limit the panels in which I participate in the future. We publishing folks do these things in our free time and they take us away from other important activities. I would much rather “teach” and learn than be diminished by someone who either deliberately or through ignorance doesn’t follow the etiquette of panel participation.
What has your experience been as a participant in panels or audience member?
I think I’ve sat on three panels and they were all good, but every time it was because of a stellar moderator. If any organizers are looking for a moderator for a YA panel, get Eileen Cook! She’s awesome. But seriously, on one panel, two of the authors couldn’t be coerced to say anything, but the moderator kept giving them a chance, and also took up the slack, and so it looked like it was more balanced than it really was. I was on one where one of the authors was hijacking it, but the moderator kept it under control there, too. My acting training is in improvisation and we are taught to wait to speak until there’s a gap…you just don’t interrupt. I discovered that on some panels, while you interrupting is bad form, you can make it clear with body language that you’ve got a thought to share, which helps the moderator keep control of the panel when one person gets on a rant. I’ve found them fun so far.
I agree with Joelle. I\’ve been studying panels for several years and the panel moderator is key. You can have brilliant panelists, but if the moderator isn\’t any good, the panel will not be satisfying to the audience. However, if you have a skilled facilitator, then the panelists will look brilliant (even if they aren\’t) and deliver the stated promise to the audience. A skilled facilitator does their homework to know where the potholes are, put some preventions in place AND have the skills to intervene appropriately.
Seems to me that arranging a panel is like running a business meeting and directing a play at the same time.The moderator must, like a project manager, keep control, keep on topic, and not be afraid to (politely) rein in anyone who\’s veering off path.If he\’s smart, he will also coach the participants in advance with his expectations. For example, \”I will call on each of you in turn on this question, please be ready to respond. George, I\’m going to ask you about this item, Mary, I\’m going to ask you about that item. Be ready.\”I wonder if too many people look at panels as a chat in someone\’s living room, when it really is a performance for an audience?