This week’s tip will really come in handy when you are on a panel, and it has nothing to do with what you say. It’s all about your nonverbals.

Considering you’ll spend much of the time on the panel not talking, your body language and your facial expressions are very important. You never know when someone in the audience will look at you, and if they happen to catch you the one time you have a negative gesture or action, that might be the lasting impression they form. A simple roll of the eyes when someone else is speaking or a disinterested look out into space might be enough to give an audience member an unchangeable negative opinion of you.

The best way to combat this is to stay present and focused the entire time. I get it, some of the other speakers may not be super interesting, but this isn’t radio. People can see you, and they will judge you! Nod your head, lean forward, uncross your arms … listen to the conversation and who knows, you may even learn something. Plus, staying actively engaged also gives you an opportunity to jump into the conversation and piggyback off of what another panelist is saying. A common challenge when you sit on a panel is that some questions aren’t directed at you and you don’t enough opportunities to talk. But, if you actively listen, you may seize an opportunity to jump into a conversation and add value to it. I’m not suggesting you constantly barge into other people’s talking points; I’m simply saying if you’re passionate about a topic and can add valuable insight to it, you can occasionally piggyback on what a fellow panelist is saying.

Of course, if you’re not actively listening you’ll miss your opportunity to do that! So, when sitting on a panel and not talking, don’t think about your grocery list or pick at your fingernails. That’s gross. Instead, be present and look sharp! Really focus on those nonverbal skills and you’ll stand out in the crowd.

To chat more about public speaking and media coaching, just contact me here.

Have a great day!

Dave