If you’re moderating, making introductions, or talking to
the audience, look at the audience.
If you’re talking to or about the panelist, look at that per-
son and gesture in his direction.
If someone else is talking, look at him. Don’t project the
feeling of boredom or frustration when someone else is
talking.
Don’t let your eyes wander.
Listen intently. You may want to react to comments and
statements made by other speakers.
Keep a pencil and paper handy so you can jot down ideas
or thoughts you want to bring up later in the discussion.
A problem can arise when another panelist continually in-
terrupts you just as you’re about to make your point. Try
to avoid that situation altogether by making your point
quickly and concisely. But if that doesn’t work, try saying
something such as, “I know they want to hear this or they
wouldn’t have invited me here,” and then finish up as
quickly as possible.
Don’t hog the program, but don’t be a patsy either.
