Tips for Panel Organizers and Chairs
Designing Your Session
1. Set learning objectives at the beginning and state them at opening of session so that participants can come away with an understanding of how programs and processes can be applied to their communities.
2. Allow a liberal amount of time for questions and answers. Ideally, a 90-minute session with three speakers (15 minutes per presentation) should allow a 30 minute time period for questions and answers. Questions should be directed to a particular speaker whenever relevant. Someone in the audience may also have comments on a question. The Chair should be certain the discussion stays on the topic and is short and to the point!
3. Provide an adequate number of handouts that can define specialized or legal terms, outline procedures, and summarize important points. Ideally there should be a future reference for related readings, web sites, or other resources. The contact information of the speaker (email address/telephone number) is also useful on the handout.
Selecting Speakers
1. Selected talented and diverse speakers that can effectively convey their message to a variety of audiences and reflect the broader preservation community. The best choice of speakers is one who is an expert in the field and can deliver an interesting presentation.
2. Encourage the use powerpoint or other visuals. Large font point size (32 point) with text in a dark color on a light background is best. Avoid light color text on a dark background.
3. Share information about your speakers with other members of the panel, including contact information, so that if they want to continue the dialogue after the conference, they can.
Panel Chairs
1. The panel chair should make certain all audio-visual and other electronic equipment is ready. He/she should introduce the topic, learning objectives, and speakers and facilitate the question and answer period, encouraging questions from the audience, keeping the comments and questions on the topic, and be firm with time limits (a handy prepared note such as “3 minutes left” is advisable).
2. Be prepared to back up speakers who cannot attend at the last minute. A short summary of the presentation that the chair can read might be advisable.
3. Thank the speakers and audience once the session is over.
1. Set learning objectives at the beginning and state them at opening of session so that participants can come away with an understanding of how programs and processes can be applied to their communities.
2. Allow a liberal amount of time for questions and answers. Ideally, a 90-minute session with three speakers (15 minutes per presentation) should allow a 30 minute time period for questions and answers. Questions should be directed to a particular speaker whenever relevant. Someone in the audience may also have comments on a question. The Chair should be certain the discussion stays on the topic and is short and to the point!
3. Provide an adequate number of handouts that can define specialized or legal terms, outline procedures, and summarize important points. Ideally there should be a future reference for related readings, web sites, or other resources. The contact information of the speaker (email address/telephone number) is also useful on the handout.
Selecting Speakers
1. Selected talented and diverse speakers that can effectively convey their message to a variety of audiences and reflect the broader preservation community. The best choice of speakers is one who is an expert in the field and can deliver an interesting presentation.
2. Encourage the use powerpoint or other visuals. Large font point size (32 point) with text in a dark color on a light background is best. Avoid light color text on a dark background.
3. Share information about your speakers with other members of the panel, including contact information, so that if they want to continue the dialogue after the conference, they can.
Panel Chairs
1. The panel chair should make certain all audio-visual and other electronic equipment is ready. He/she should introduce the topic, learning objectives, and speakers and facilitate the question and answer period, encouraging questions from the audience, keeping the comments and questions on the topic, and be firm with time limits (a handy prepared note such as “3 minutes left” is advisable).
2. Be prepared to back up speakers who cannot attend at the last minute. A short summary of the presentation that the chair can read might be advisable.
3. Thank the speakers and audience once the session is over.
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