The document provides information on how to structure and conduct an effective panel discussion. It outlines the key roles of the moderator and panelists. The moderator acts as a facilitator, timekeeper, and neutral party who guides the discussion and keeps it on track. The moderator introduces the topic and panelists, asks questions, and summarizes discussions. Panelists are prepared to speak on their area of expertise, disagree diplomatically, and keep their presentations short. The format involves panelist presentations followed by moderator-directed and audience questions. Effective preparation involves collaborating on discussion points using a shared document. Sample topics for the panel are also provided.

1. Panel Discussion

2. Panel Discussion Types
• PUBLIC PANEL DISCUSSION
• EDUCATIONAL PANEL DISCUSSION

3. Panel Discussion Format
• Welcome
• Panelist introductions (by Moderator Preferably)
• Introduction of Topic (by Moderator)
• Panelist Presentations (Panelist Follow Proper Format)
• Summary of individual(s) and Whole Discussion (by Moderator)
• Moderator-curated questions directed to the panelists (2-3 Questions)
• Questions by fellow Panelists
• Questions from the audience directed to a panelist(s)
• Summary (by Moderator)
• Thank you remarks (by Moderator)

4. Role of Moderator
• Champion for the Audience:
• Makes sure the panel is talking about timely issues that the audience cares about.
• Continually assesses and reacts to the audience, keeping the conversation on track and meaningful for
them.
• Facilitator:
• Sets the agenda, keeps the discussions on track, brings out differing opinions and the most interesting
information, balances panelist participation, clarifies any confusion and intervenes as needed – especially
when someone is dominating the conversation.
• Timekeeper
• Logistician

5. Role of Moderator
• Instigator
• Probes beneath the surface, asking tough questions, building the dialogue, keeping the conversation lively and getting out of
the way when the conversation is going well.
• Pushes the panelists to talk about specifics rather than speak in generalities.
• Content Coordinator
• Works with the panelists to make sure their presentations/points do not overlap.
• Identifies the areas of debate and controversy.
• Energizer
• Models energy and enthusiasm.
• Works the room and engages the audience.
• Injects a little humor where appropriate to keep it lively.
• Neutral & Objective:
• Doesn’t show bias or favoritism toward any particular side, faction or person.

6. Role of Panelist
• Check Audio-Visual beforehand
• Serve the Audience
• Be Prepared
• it is your responsibility to do your homework and deliver some amazing value and insights for
the audience.
• Research the other panelist’s positions and determine what makes you/your position unique from
the others.
• Do Not Bluster
• When you are speaking, keep it short. No more than 2-3 minutes is a good goal.

7. Role of Panelist
• Be Additive Not Repetitive: Don’t repeat what has already been said by another
panelist. Speak up if you have a different perspective or point of view.
• Disagree Diplomatically and Positively:
• Do Not Pontificate: Don’t talk down to or lecture the audience. You are there to
have a conversation with the other panelists and audience as colleagues, not to
serve your ego.
• Remember All the While Laughter is Good: So have fun.
• Attention Span Drops After 10 Minutes:

8. Panelists Talk Format
• Clear 3-4 Point Thesis
• Explanation of Thesis Points
• First Provide Claim
• Give Examples
• Give Facts
• Relate things with your current context
• Conclusion
• Restate Thesis
• Provide a point of reflection for audience

9. Preparation
• Use Google Docs to Collaborate and Prepare your points led by Moderator
• Also keep me as collaborator through husnain.raza1@lhr.nu.edu.pk
• Every Panelist will write his points under his name
• In Google Docs Panelists will write
• Thesis
• Major Claims
• Facts supporting your claims
• Examples
• Relation with context
• Each Panelist will provide at least 4 references for his researched points
• Moderator will write his questions

10. Topics
• Is Adaptability a Core Property of Intelligent Models?
• Big data: new paradigm or “sound and fury, signifying nothing”?
• Can AI replace the complex medical surgeries by humans?
• Python vs R: which one is better?