How to Conduct a Panel Forum

What is a panel forum?

A panel forum is basically a conversational approach to learning where a small group of
experts in the topic of choice engage in an intellectual exchange of ideas. Certain issues or
problems, preferably current events, are discussed to help clarify those issues or problems
for the ultimate benefit of the listeners. The participants in a panel forum directly discuss and
interact with each other in a conversational manner, giving out their expert opinion or ideas
on the issue or problem. They do this in such a way that the audience is able to hear what
the panel forum participants are discussing.
The panel forum is commonly practiced in television shows where the opinions or viewpoints
of the participants are magnified through the use of television cameras and microphones. A
panel forum moderator makes sure that all the differing viewpoints are expressed in such a
manner that both sides of a subject, especially controversial ones, are given enough
exposure. The moderator makes sure that nobody dominates the conversation.
Although the panel forum may appear to be informal and random, these are actually guided
by well-planned program of activities. The moderator makes sure that the panel forum
progresses according to topic and schedule. To ensure that no time is lost to unproductive
comments that could lead to confusion, each participant is given the topics to be discussed
ahead of time including points on what is expected of them. Participants should be wellprepared with their helpful data and statistics to verify or confirm their viewpoints. The
moderator can meet the participants in a meeting to discuss the details of the discussion and
if possible, conduct a dry-run or rehearse the process. This prevents unexpected confusion
in the course of tackling the subject matter.
Hereunder are the important points to observe in conducting a panel forum:
Rules that the Participants Should Observe During the Panel Forum

Prepare in advance for the panel forum by reading about the subject.

Note down the proceedings of the panel forum.

Avoid putting down other members of the panel forum. There should be a unified
effort to efficiently discuss the subject matter in an objective manner.

Always maintain eye contact or address the person you are interacting with so the
audience can follow the discussion.

Make sure that, although the mood of the panel forum is conversational, the
audience hears what you are saying.

While somebody speaks, the members of the panel forum should listen. The
moderator breaks the expression of opinion or viewpoint whenever he deems fit.

Each member should be succinct in providing their ideas. Beating-around-the-bush is

not allowed. Get straight to the point.

Rules to be Observed by the Panel Forum Moderator

The panel forum moderator must introduce properly the participants of the panel
forum noting their expertise on the subject to be discussed.

The panel forum moderator should provide an overview of the proceedings.

The panel forum moderator must be sensitive to the needs of the proceedings and
make sure that all participants are heard.

The panel forum moderator should ensure that nobody dominates the conversation.

The panel forum moderator should have a broad understanding of people and how
they interact.

The panel forum moderator should summarize and end the panel forum noting the
important points.

Adhering to these rules will make the panel forum a very productive and effective tool that
will enhance learning among students in educational institutions or the masses in general.
Source:- http://schools-education.knoji.com/how-to-conduct-a-panel-forum/

Conducting Public Forums and Listening

Sessions

WHAT ARE PUBLIC FORUMS?

WHY CONDUCT THEM?

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC FOR UM?

HOW SHOULD YOU ORGAN IZE A PUBLIC FORUM?

HOW SHOULD YOU CONDU CT A PUBLIC FORUM?

What if you had a program and nobody cared? Nothing ensures the success of a
program more than citizen participation in assessing their perceived needs, problems
and hopes for the future. You will want to know what people think about important
issues and, for sure, they will want to tell you what they think. You just need to
provide the opportunity. Including citizens in identifying and solving problems is
called r-e-s-p-e-c-t! Respect for and sensitivity to the people you want to serve.

WHAT ARE PUBLIC FORU MS?

In the "public forum" or public problem-identification and problem-solving session,
citizens discuss important issues such as health problems. In this well-publicized
meeting, the facilitators lead a discussion of various aspects of the issue like the
community's strengths and potential problems. A transcript of their ideas about the
dimensions of the issue--and what can be done to solve problems and preserve
strengths--provides a basis for subsequent planning.
Public forums:

Give people of diverse backgrounds a chance to express their views

Are a first step toward understanding the community's needs and resources

WHY CONDUCT THEM?

They can offer your group valuable insights into the community
They can provide a database for guiding and explaining actions
They can help link your group with people who are able and willing to help
They can provide the group with feedback

Public forums, also referred to as town meetings, are open to everyone in the
community. These public meetings offer people from diverse backgrounds a chance
to express their views about key issues of concern to you and what can be done
about them.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC

FORUM?

Meeting place
Community members
Easel/newsprint /markers
Facilitator
Recorder
Willingness to listen carefully

Issues and Concerns

What are the problems?

What are the consequences?
Who is affected?
How are they affected?
Are there related issues of concern?
Are these issues of widespread concern?

Barriers

Who or what might oppose efforts to prevent or solve the problem?

Can they be involved effectively?
What are the other limits on effective prevention/treatment?
How can the barriers and resistance be overcome?

Resources for Change

What resources are needed?

What local people or groups could contribute?
What monies and materials are needed?
Where might they be obtained?

Alternatives and Solutions

What are alternatives for addressing the problem, given the anticipated
barriers?

How should you organize a public forum?

Hold meetings at different sites to get real representation.

Schedule the forum at an easy-to-find, public location which is accessible and

comfortable - for example, a library, school or church.
If possible, hold the forum in the evening to avoid time conflicts with work and
school.
Publicize the forum as widely as possible. Fliers, advertisements, public
service announcements and press releases can all be used. Make sure the
date, time, location and purpose of the meeting are included.
Personally recruit community leaders and diverse community members to
attend the meetings. Ask them to recruit others as well.
Provide transportation to the meeting if necessary.
Serve light refreshments if possible. They encourage mingling and set a
friendly tone.

HOW SHOULD YOU CONDU CT A PUBLIC

FORUM?

Designate a discussion leader or group facilitator who is known and

respected, who is neutral on the topic, who has good listening and group
process skills, and who can keep things moving and on track.
Introduce the leader of the community initiative and the discussion leader. If
time and group size allow, let all participants introduce themselves.
Agree upon an ending time, and keep to it.
o Try to keep working groups to smaller than 30-40 participants.
o
If over that number, divide into smaller groups.
o
Designate a recorder for each group.
Provide information about your own organization, if appropriate. You can also
pass around a sign-up sheet to get on a mailing list or to help out in other
ways.
Consider allowing some time for addressing each of the following topics:
issues and concerns; barriers and resistance to addressing the issues and
concerns; community resources for change; recommended alternatives and
solutions.
Use newsprint to record the discussion on each of the topics.
Conclude with a summary of what was achieved and a preliminary plan of
action. Announce the next meeting if possible.
Prepare a written summary of brainstorming ideas and mail to all participants,
with thanks, and with mention of opportunities for further involvement.

Source:- http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/assessment/assessing-community-needsand-resources/conduct-public-forums/main