Panel discussion script example
This is a panel discussion script example. In this section of my guide, I've included a real-life example of a script I used in a panel discussion. The panel discussion was at The Big HR Meet in London.
Watch the video of the event and read the actual panel discussion script I created below.
About the author
Penny is an award-winning motivational speaker & event host.
She's the author of Panel Discussions - The Ultimate Guide
By Penny Haslam
MD and Founder - Bit Famous
Panel discussion script example - watch the video
Panel discussion script example - read the script for The HR Big Meet
Note about this panel discussion script: You'll notice when you compare the video with the script they don't exactly match. I'm an experienced panel host so I'm comfortable ad-libbing.
How much you deviate from your script is up to you (and your confidence levels) but it is important to include all the details you'll need including timings, introductions and questions.
Having this solid foundation for your panel will give you a great document to fall back on if you find yourself getting lost, without a question or worried about timings.
Penny’s script – if found please return to her, or call XXXXXXX
BIG HR MEET – Friday 17th May 2024 - London
PANEL TITLE: Being Yourself at Work - How Hard Can It Be?
3.10pm
PENNY INTRODUCTION: Hello, great to be here etc...
Thank you to Emma for organising and inviting me to chair the discussion - OUR TITLE IS: Being yourself at work – how hard can it be?
Hands up if…
- You don’t feel able to be your true self at work (most people?)
- Is anyone completely themselves, most or all of the time? (Just a few of you?)
My background: At the BBC I did not fit in, I was told to intellectualise more. My personality is more fun, friendly and not forcefully showing off how clever I am – I’m not that insecure!
BBC culture at time - everything was taken very seriously and didn’t feel particularly inclusive or friendly. The higher up I went, the more isolating it was – so by the time I got to present the biz news on BBC Breakfast I was absolutely NOT MYSELF! And that was tough – I felt like a square peg in a round hole. It was only when I left I began to feel myself – so to speak.
Show of hands – who is ‘an only’ at work – the only HR professional in the building? Or perhaps one of just a few members of the HR team?
LET’S MEET THE PANELLISTS
MARCIA WEEKES-SPEARS
First of our experts is the founding director and lead HR Consultant at Marchfield Consulting.
She's currently on an interim assignment at a Tech organisation, supporting a large-scale transformation.
Prior to that she worked for a range of organisations in varying industries, as well as being a personal and team coach.
Please welcome Marcia Weekes-Spears.
PENNY JONES....
Next is the founder of an HR & Training company, who’s very much focused on supporting managers who are stuck in ‘the messy middle’ through her Evolved Manager Programme.
Before all of that, she worked for a large corporate defence company.
Please welcome Penny Jones...
NIKI HEAD
.....is the People Director for Stellar Entertainment – a ‘video’ games maker. There’s one game with the title “Burnout Paradise” which seems like an oxymoron to me, but apparently, it’s to do with cars and racing!
Niki has varied experience across the HR spectrum from within retail, hospitality and automotive sectors, and one year into her first Director role she is currently focussing on international company growth in the games industry.
Please welcome Niki Head.
PENNY: In about 20-25 mins chance to ask your questions…but first let’s find out more from our line-up of expert panellists:
PENNY QUESTIONS:
Q: Would you say you are yourself at work? Has that been hard to do?
Q: So, how have you found your voice, as 'an only’ in your field/HR isolated role?
Q: Niki, first year of being a director – have you had to find a different way of being yourself? Are the other directors able to be themselves do you think?
Q: What are the dangers of not being yourself? (Burnout, low confidence, not feeling welcome or included?)
Q: Instinctively understand that being yourself is a good thing, but what benefits are there - why should we champion this for ourselves and others?
WE’LL BE TAKING YOUR QUESTIONS AND THOUGHTS ON ALL OF THIS in just a moment…
Q: Before we do, I want to ask you how you perceive ‘being yourself…’, is it an act of rebellion to ‘be yourself’ or an act of self-care?
Q: Is leaving a culture that’s stifling you the only option? Or should you stay and ‘be the change’?
3.35pm AUDIENCE QUESTIONS
BACK UP QUESTIONS:
Q: Did you have someone earlier in your career who you aspired to be like, that helped you find your voice?
Q: And what about now, where’s your ‘tribe’ for a go-to support system, or person, who keeps you brave and strong – and authentic?
3.50pm FINAL BRIEF QUESTION:
Q: What one piece of advice can you give early-stage career HR professionals when it comes to being themselves?
3.55pm THANK YOU:
MARCIA WEEKES-SPEARS
PENNY JONES
NIKI HEAD
Panel Discussions Book - Free Resources
FREE download: Panel discussion script example
How to interrupt someone during a panel discussion
How to get invited on a panel discussion
Panel Discussions just got better: Finalist in the Business Book Awards 2023
Panel discussions masterclass video
Panel discussion example zoom script
Panel discussion script example
Prepare for a panel discussion: Moderator’s email to panellists
How to introduce panellists – script example
Penny’s five top tips for panel appearances
20 tips for sparkling success as a panel chair
You want sizzle, not snooze, at panel discussions
FREE download - panel discussion script template
Panel discussion script template. If you're hosting a panel discussion get my:
- FREE template to help you script and plan your event.
- A FREE chapter from my book, Panel Discussions - The Ultimate Guide.
- A FREE audiobook chapter from my book.
Need more panel discussion script advice? We wrote the book!
Panel discussion script template
This is a template for a 35 minute panel discussion + 10 minutes of audience questions.
Tip: Write your name and phone number on the top of your script in case you misplace it at the event.
Tips: Your panel discussion script preparation
If you are hosting a panel discussion you should prepare a script before the day. You will need to:
- Liaise with the event organiser
- Help decide themes and areas for discussion
- Liaise with the panellists
- Structure and script the whole thing
- Work out timings
- Think up great questions
Start time: 00:00 - Hello and welcome
- Introduce yourself, build rapport with the audience, and explain why you are excited to hear from the panel.
- Introduce the themes and topics, why these are important and what the audience has to gain by discussing them.
- Briefly discuss your own experience that is relevant to the topic.
- Any housekeeping such as fire alarms and directions to the loo.
Timings: Your panel discussion script introduction
Most people read at 3 words per second. In my example above the introduction is 230 words and takes 1min 16sec to read. This is an ideal length, keep your introduction punchy, brief and to the point.
To calculate your timings: Word count / 3 = Total duration in seconds.
Time: 00:05 (or sooner) - Introduce the Panellists x 3
Keep it concise. Email each panellist in advance and ask them to write a brief introduction. See my tutorial: How to introduce panellists
Tip: Consider asking a quick warm-up question for each panellist during the intro's. Ask them to prepare a snappy answer in advance.
Caution: Don't script panellists introductions from their LinkedIn profiles
Don't copy and paste people's intros from an online biog, these tend to be:
- Too long
- Written to be read, not spoken
- Include irrelevant detail like their passion for paddle boarding
Email the panellists well in advance and ask for a brief introduction. See: Prepare for a panel discussion: Moderator's email to panellists
Time: 00:10 - Topic area 1 (10 mins)
Choose two main topics and a third short one.
Tip: Don't forget to signpost as you move between topics e.g. "That's (topic 1) covered, let's move onto the next part of our discussion..."
Time: 00:20 - Topic area 2 (10 mins)
Tips: Scripting panel discussion questions
- Avoid turning the panel discussion into a series of one-on-one interviews. It's a discussion, get everyone involved
- Feel free to jump in with unscripted questions rather than looking down at your notes
- Don't just ask a question and move on, listen to the answer, does it prompt another question or an opportunity to bring in another panellist
Time: 00:30 - Topic area 3 (5 mins)
Time: 00: 35 - Audience Q&A
Tip: Audiences can sometimes be a little reticent until the questions start to flow. Consider planting a first question with the organiser to get the ball rolling.
Time: 00: 40 - Wrap up
As you start to wrap up consider asking for "a final word" on the topic or ask each of your panellists to summarise their key idea.
E.g. "What are the main points you'd like the audience to take home with them today?"
Include notes and announcements, What's coming up next, thank the audience for attending and their questions.
Tip: It's a good idea to script your final words. If you sometimes struggle to remember, write the panellists' names at the end of your script so you can thank them without stumbling.