What are your thoughts about pros and cons of having a preparation call with panelists (or not), and whether to send your questions to them all in advance? Please send me the additional questions. Thanks!
Hi Margie — Great questions! Apologies for my long delay. I was in Mexico last week. I strongly encourage pre-interviews for two purposes: the first is for you to suss out more about your panelists, and/or to audition them if you haven't yet invited them. The second is to create rapport and give invited guests clarity on what will happen/what you expect. I'm not a fan of sending specific questions in advance. People have a tendency to over-prepare and sound stilted. But I do like giving people an idea of your framing and the primary topics you'll cover. It's also helpful to prepare people ahead of time if you need them to come with specific information — for instance, their favorite resources on a topic or a very specific anecdote. For a better idea of the latter, listen to the hilarious Sound Judgment episode with Anne Bogel. https://www.soundjudgmentpodcast.com/secrets-of-hosting-in-studio-and-live-from-the-queen-of-book-podcasts-anne-bogel/
So helpful! And timely, as I was just asked yesterday to moderate a panel at a Jane Austen conference in the autumn. Even though my day jobs includes radio hosting and sometimes panels, you made me realize how much I need to prepare and practice for this! Thanks for the insights and tips!
Thanks, Jane! I’m so glad it came along just when you needed it. Panels are indeed a different animal altogether. How wonderful that you’re moderating a Jane Austen panel - sounds like so much fun!
What are your thoughts about pros and cons of having a preparation call with panelists (or not), and whether to send your questions to them all in advance? Please send me the additional questions. Thanks!
Hi Margie — Great questions! Apologies for my long delay. I was in Mexico last week. I strongly encourage pre-interviews for two purposes: the first is for you to suss out more about your panelists, and/or to audition them if you haven't yet invited them. The second is to create rapport and give invited guests clarity on what will happen/what you expect. I'm not a fan of sending specific questions in advance. People have a tendency to over-prepare and sound stilted. But I do like giving people an idea of your framing and the primary topics you'll cover. It's also helpful to prepare people ahead of time if you need them to come with specific information — for instance, their favorite resources on a topic or a very specific anecdote. For a better idea of the latter, listen to the hilarious Sound Judgment episode with Anne Bogel. https://www.soundjudgmentpodcast.com/secrets-of-hosting-in-studio-and-live-from-the-queen-of-book-podcasts-anne-bogel/
So helpful! And timely, as I was just asked yesterday to moderate a panel at a Jane Austen conference in the autumn. Even though my day jobs includes radio hosting and sometimes panels, you made me realize how much I need to prepare and practice for this! Thanks for the insights and tips!
Thanks, Jane! I’m so glad it came along just when you needed it. Panels are indeed a different animal altogether. How wonderful that you’re moderating a Jane Austen panel - sounds like so much fun!