Panels are usually pretty easy, even for those of us who aren’t crazy about public speaking. Usually you’re seated (and frequently behind a table.) You’ll need to remember to bring a book and a plate stand to put the book on (or else prop the book up with a couple of other books.) Bring water, just in case they don’t provide it…my mouth gets dry when I’m nervous.
I’m an early bird anyway, but I always try to arrive at a panel especially early. That way I’ve got a chance to put my promo things out on the special table they’ve usually got out, find out how the venue is handling book sales (is there a volunteer from Friends of the Library helping? Is there a bookstore that has a table and is selling them? Am I responsible for selling my own books?) I always bring lots of ones and fives in case I need to make change…just in case.
Arriving early also means that I have a chance to get acquainted with the audio equipment, find out where I’ll be sitting, and greet and speak to attendees as they come in (which, although I’m introverted, makes me less nervous about speaking to a roomful of people.)
Occasionally, I’ve had to apologize and ask the panel moderator to repeat a question. Either I won’t hear the question or the author who answered it before me got off track and rambled and I forgot the question. It’s better than making up my own question to answer and not having it be germane.
If you’re stumped by the question or need an extra minute to consider your answer, then you can always ask the question to be repeated to give yourself extra time.
There are a couple of things that I’ve noticed are considered bad etiquette on panels. If you’ve written seven or eight books? That’s terrific, but don’t put them all on display in front of you. Other authors get irked. Usually the venue has a table along the conference room wall where you can display books, bookmarks, etc. Pick your last couple of releases.
Also, watch your time when you’re speaking. Sometimes authors get overly-enthusiastic and the audience warms to them and they tend to get verbose. This cuts into everyone’s time and makes the other authors think unkind thoughts. This can be dangerous when the other authors write murder mysteries. :)
Sometimes panelists look like they’re zoning, I’ve noticed. I think it’s a good idea to at least look like you’re attentive when another panelist is talking, even if you’re planning what you’re going to say.
Consider limiting the number of times you give the name of your book during the panel. Some folks tend to get a little carried away.
Depending on the panel, you might want to contact the panel moderator and offer to send him or her a bio, and even a copy of your book ahead of time.
Practice summing up your book in a few, interesting but pithy sentences. Prepare for common questions like “are you anything like your protagonist?” “What’s your writing process like?” and “What are you working on now?”
It’s nice to write a note to the moderator or the event organizer to thank them for the appearance.
Although I’m not someone who enjoys in-person appearances, panels are my favorite public speaking venue.
I know I’ve got some panelists out there…and moderators, too! Any additional tips?
Great advice on panel speaking! Hopefully someday soon I’ll need this. I’m bookmarking it!
Elizabeth – Thanks so much for those words of wisdom! First, you are so right about respecting time. Paying close attention to whomever it is that’s supposed to be keeping time is important. You’re right, too about monopolising the panel. In fact, I’ve found it helps to meet the other members of the panel first, and kind of discuss each one’s expertise. That way, we can all send questions to each other.
The one other thing I’d like to mention: what if you’re on a panel with a rude, self-important author who does monopolise everything? That’s happened to me. What I found is that if you’re pleasant, informed and informative and really do your best to make your part enjoyable, everyone’s going to notice who the rude person was, and you’ll get “brownie points” for being professional. I’ve had people come up to me after one of those situations and say, “You know, you did such a good job,” the implication being, “unlike ____, who was a jerk.”
Good advice about trying not to look bored. I’ll have to remember that :)
I like to have a piece of paper and a pen, to jot down any pithy or clever things I think of while someone else is talking. Assuming I can think of anything pithy or clever, that is. I’m like you, panels are my favorite type of public speaking.
I’m bookmarking this as well. And from someone who has seen you speak on a panel, you do a fabulous job!
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
I’ve been on several panels. Authors who monopolize are very annoying. I try to introduce myself to the other authors. Sometimes that freaks them out, because they are either in the zone or really focused on themselves.
Almost all the panels I’ve done (granted, limited number, but I’ve been both a panelist and a moderator) the moderator contacts everyone ahead of time and feeds them (or asks them for) the questions that will be asked. Avoids a lot of hemming and hawing.
Pet peeve: introducing the panelists by reading the bios that are already printed in the program. Attendees can read! When I’m in charge, I ask my panelists for one ‘little known fact’ and use those as introductions. There’s so little time, wasting it on the obvious seems counter-productive.
And yes on getting there early and introducing yourself to the audience. I learned that from Barry Eisler, and although it took all my courage to do what he did, I greeted every one I could and either gave them a bookmark or a copy of the workshop handout, just introducing myself and saying “I’ll be one of the panelists.”
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
As long as I didn’t have to speak, I’d do all right on a panel!
This is great. I love your advice–things you wouldn’t necessarily think of until you see it done wrong, and it would be AWFUL to be the person DOING it wrong! teehee–I like the advice of LDiane and Margot, too.
great post. I like being part of panels and sometimes get lost in the conversation – need to remember why I’m there and how to be of service to the listeners rather than in service to my own ego.
One of the best panels I was on was one where we were all having fun with each other and the audience members and it felt like we were all connected. I don’t think that can be planned. It just happened as one panelist and I started joking and others jumped in. But it sure set a tone for the rest of the workshop.
Another thing that made that particular panel work so well was that no author dominated, and we all tried very hard to keep referring back and forth during questions.
Very good tips. I think that when moderating a panel, the key is to share time out equally between everyone, and to try to maintain a lively but congenial mood to give the audience a ‘feelgood’ experience.
Heather–I’m sure you will!
Diane–Ha! Sometimes I’ve noticed that same thing when I’ve introduced myself. I guess maybe they’re just going over their lines in their head.
Margot–It’s definitely a lot more fun to watch a panel that’s interacting with each other, instead of being static. And you’re so right–it’s so much better to take the high road when there’s a panel hog in the group!
Alan–Paper and pen–good idea! Little notes to yourself, but it looks like you’re jotting down what everyone else is saying.
Michele–Thanks! And you’ll be perfect for this kind of gig, since you’re in the news industry.
Alex–I’m starting to get determined to hear you talk! I’ll have to call you at home one day…we’re both North Carolina numbers, so I can be tricky! :)
Hart–I think new authors get a free mess-up card, but I know that some of the veteran authors who do the same thing repeatedly at different panels and through the years…they get a reputation and people talk.
Jan–Exactly! You have something important and of value to share…let your voice be heard.
Terry–I LOVE getting questions in advance and moderators who do that are highly appreciated by me. I know some people think it makes our answers sound canned, but I think it just means the answers are more thoughtful and the audience gets a better value out of the hour.
That’s a very good point, Terry. Handouts are always better being handed out at the very beginning. I hadn’t thought of the bookmarks but you’re absolutely right–good advice!
Martin–I think you’d be a wonderful moderator. And you’re right–the moderator does sort of set the pace and keep it lively. Which is so important to keep the audience from snoozing!
Those are great tips. Panelists who absorb everyone else’s time drive me crazy!
Maryann–I need to be on a panel with you! Sounds like you’ve had at least one great experience and that you really know how to work a panel. :)