Panel Power: How to Stand Out Without Stealing the Spotlight
- Stephanie Bickel
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
By: Stephanie Bickel
Group settings like panels, town halls, and roundtables can be surprisingly tricky.
You want to make an impression - but not overpower.
You want to speak with clarity - but not compete.
You want to sound prepared - but not rehearsed.
Great panelists do all of this without ever making it about them.
Let’s break down the communication moves that make you the most respected (and remembered) person on any panel.
1. Lead with Listening
Before you speak, listen for patterns. Take mental notes on:
What themes are emerging?
Where are others repeating ideas?
What hasn’t been said yet?
Great panelists don’t echo. They expand.
When you listen first, your contributions feel additive, not competitive.
2. Anchor Your Message in Value
You have less time on a panel, so your message needs to work harder. Be brief and purposeful.
Use a framing technique:
“To build on that…”
“What I’ve seen work is…”
“A different angle we should consider is…”
Avoid tangents. Avoid rambling. Aim for one clear insight per contribution.
3. Be Generous with Praise
Want to stand out? Elevate others.
Strategically affirm co-panelists to show confidence, humility, and EQ:
“I appreciate what you just said…”
“That was such a helpful perspective…”
“You’re absolutely right to bring that up…”
When you give credit freely, people are more open to your point of view.
This builds trust with the audience and with your fellow panelists.
4. Use Your Face and Body to Support the Room
Even when you’re not speaking, you’re on camera.
Nod to show engagement
Smile to humanize the space
Sit tall and still to project presence
Avoid fidgeting - it distracts
Presence isn’t just vocal. It’s visual.
5. Close with Brevity, Not a Mic Drop
Don’t try to "win" the panel. Panels aren’t about dominance, they’re about dialogue.
Wrap with a statement that leaves people thinking:
“And that’s where I think we’ll see the biggest shift next.”
“That’s how I’ve seen leaders create real momentum.”
“That’s the opportunity in front of all of us.”
Polished, humble, clear. That’s the mark of a panelist who knows what they’re doing.
Want to Practice Before Your Next Panel?
We prep speakers for high-visibility panels every week inside Speak by Design University.
You’ll get feedback on your framing, presence, timing, and transitions so your next panel doesn’t just go well. It leaves a mark.
