Suppose you are called upon to organize a panel discussion. The task may look easy. But if you’re not careful, you might end up overseeing a boring multispeaker event or a free-for-all where panelists interrupt each other and talk at cross-purposes.

It is up to you to make this format work and create a coherent, engaging session. But how? Follow the steps below and you’ll bring order to the panel, inspire listeners, and create an exciting event.

Your first task is to select the speakers. Choose people who are knowledgeable and bring different perspectives.

Suppose your topic is “AI in our company.” You might select panelists who show how artificial intelligence is being used creatively in a variety of disciplines in the company. One speaker might discuss how AI is improving the hiring process. Another might discuss how AI is helping leaders. To make things interesting, include a naysayer, someone who says AI is a hazard to achieving the company’s goals.

Let the presenters know why they’ve been chosen and  what they should focus on. Tell them who the other speakers are and what perspective they might bring.

Suppose the topic is “What Makes a Good Leader.” Suggest that each speaker focuses on a quality they feel is critical to effective leadership, such as charisma or emotional intelligence. Make sure your request is a good fit for each of them.

Tell presenters how long they will have to speak and if there will be an audience Q&A. That will allow them to prepare appropriate talking points.

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