What do you do if your panel discussion at a conference doesn't go as planned?

1 Stay Calm

The first thing to remember when your panel discussion hits a snag is to stay calm. Panicking can exacerbate the situation and make it harder to find a solution. Take a deep breath and remember that most problems are solvable. If there's a technical issue, signal to the event staff discreetly while continuing the discussion as best as you can. For other disruptions, a composed demeanor can reassure the audience and your fellow panelists that you're in control and working towards a resolution.

2 Adapt Quickly

Adaptability is critical when facing unexpected challenges during a panel discussion. If a panelist is unable to attend last minute, be ready to fill in the gaps or redistribute their talking points among the remaining panelists. Should the conversation veer off course, gently steer it back to the main topic without alienating the speaker. Flexibility and quick thinking will help you manage the dynamics of the panel and keep the session valuable for the audience.

3 Engage Audience

Sometimes, engaging the audience can help salvage a panel discussion that's not going as planned. If the energy in the room is low or if you're dealing with a controversial topic that's causing tension, turn to the audience for questions or comments. This can shift the focus and bring fresh perspectives into the dialogue, often revitalizing the conversation and keeping things moving in a positive direction.

4 Utilize Humor

A well-timed joke or lighthearted comment can work wonders in diffusing tension and refocusing a derailed panel discussion. Humor should be used judiciously; you don't want to make light of serious topics or offend anyone. But if the moment is right, a little levity can restore a sense of ease and camaraderie among panelists and with the audience, helping to get the discussion back on track.

5 Implement Backup

Always have a backup plan for your panel discussion. This could mean having extra questions prepared in case the conversation stalls or keeping additional multimedia resources on hand if technical issues arise with the planned content. By preparing for various scenarios, you'll be able to transition smoothly to your backup material without disrupting the flow of the panel too much.