FEATURING 7 PEOPLE IN 30 MINUTES

Evaluation of options for a short plenary session �at a business conference put together by Anja Kantowsky �

July 2014

Talk

A moderator opens up the discussion and directs a question to one panelist. The talk goes on from there, involving all panelists.

Talk

A moderator opens up the discussion and directs a question to one panelist. �The talk goes on from there, involving all panelists.

Works with controversy around an interesting matter of debate and max. 4 panelists

5’ Opening of discussion

10’ Discussion

2’ Wrap-up so far

3’ Input for further � discussion

8’ Discussion

2’ Wrap-up

+ No further means/media needed Spontaneous

- Dull if scripted too much Turns to a statement-rallye with too many panelists Needs an experienced moderator

Potpourri

A moderator opens up a limited set of topics. There is an overall narrative and some common grounds among panelists that enable transitions from one to the other.

Potpourri

A moderator opens up a limited set of topics. There is an overall narrative & some common grounds among panelists that enable transitions. Works if potpourri topics are connected by a strong narrative.

3’ Introduction of narrative

7’ Topic 1

7’ Topic 2

7’ Topic 3

4’ Q&A

2’ Wrap-up

+ Variety Can be mixed with other media (not just talking heads)

- Can feel random if narrative isn’t strong Only loose connection btw. Panelists

? Opens up room for last-minute changes

Datadriven Potpourri

Applying various “lenses” on the panelists in order to group them. E.g. those from the region with the highest margins, the highest overall business volume etc. They tell how they got there and how they are going to proceed.

Datadriven Potpourri

Applying various “lenses” on the panelists in order to group them.

Works if there are interesting “lenses” and no one left out

3’ Introduction

12’ Featuring 4 panelists, 3’ each

2’ Interval for overall messages

9’ Featuring 3 panelists, 3’ each

4’ Wrap-up

+ Variety Can be mixed with other media

- Conflict if there’s an overachiever in all categories 7 panelist might be a number too high to apply the approach

Feature

The moderator introduces a feature topic. Panelists showcase their stake in the topic – It’s their conversation starter and lens on everything they are going to tell

Feature

The moderator introduces a feature topic. Panelists showcase their stake in the topic.

Works if feature topic truly fits with all

3’ Introduction of feature topic

21’ Exploring of various aspects of feature topic

(3’ each) 4’ Q&A 2’ Wrap-up

+ Memorability Can be mixed with other media Connection btw. panelists

- Could leave important inputs out if topic is too narrow

? Moderator doesn’t have a strong role

Snapshots / Tabloid

Exploration of diversity alongside of a common question e.g. how is a deal being closed in region xyz. Question serves as a conversation starter to tell anything panelist needs to say.

Snapshots / Tabloid

Exploration of diversity alongside of a common question. Question serves as a conversation starter to tell anything panelist needs to say. Works if there is real diversity and a cheerful bunch of panelists

3’ Overview / introduction

21 Snapshots (3’ each)

4’ Q&A

2’ Wrap-up

+ Openness Can be mixed with other media

- Could feel shallow Approach could not fit with all panelists

? Moderator doesn’t have a strong role Opens up room for last-minute changes

Gameshow

Panelists are players in a game. A moderator is taking care of rules and flow.

Gameshow

Panelists are players in a game. A moderator is taking care of rules and flow.

Works if panelists are ok with competition and with an entertaining moderator

3’ Introduction of the game 10’ Playing the game 4’ Interval (option for an

“ad break”) 10’ 2nd half 3’ Finale

+ Memorability High engagement of panelists and audience Each panelist is active during the whole session

- Could feel uncomfortable for some panelists Dev. of good game logics could be a hard nut to crack

? Unusual in the business context

Story

The moderator tells a story using panelists’ input as ingredients.

Story

The moderator tells a story using panelists’ input as ingredients.

Works if there is a story to tell with all inputs. Needs to apply essential storytelling rules*

2’ Introduction

5’ Conflict

13’ Drama

5’ Resolution

5’ Wrap-up

+ Memorability Can be mixed with other media Good means to start change

- Could feel uncomfortable for some panelists Dev. of a good story could be a hard nut to crack

? Unusual in the business context

Expert Panel

Panelists get introduced as experts in a field. They answer questions from the public according their expertise.

Expert Panel

Panelists get introduced as experts in a field. They answer questions according to their expertise.

Works if expertise is credible and in a field the audience is concerned about without having it themselves

7’ Introduction of panel 1’ Explanation of where

questions derive from and how they get asked to panelists

10’ Answering of questions (1,5’ per panelist)

2’ Interval (option for an “ad break”)

7’ Answering of questions 3’ Wrap-up

+ Can be mixed with other media Engagement of the audience Can be prepared via internal social media

- Overall impression could be bit’s ‘n pieces Could feel shallow if expertise is too close to the audience’s expertise

Got more?

If you’ve got another idea how to feature 7 people in 30 minutes drop me a line: https://twitter.com/kantafiore Need input planning your business conference? Visit www.akanto.de