You're faced with impromptu questions during a panel discussion. How can you effectively manage your anxiety?

Practicing with a colleague or mentor can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your responses. Simulate the panel environment, complete with potential interruptions and follow-up questions, to build your confidence and improve your delivery.

To manage anxiety during impromptu questions in a panel discussion, thorough preparation is key. Before the panel, anticipate potential topics and questions based on the discussion's theme or your expertise. Research current trends and gather relevant data in your field to feel confident in addressing unexpected queries. For example, if the panel focuses on technology trends, familiarize yourself with recent advancements and industry challenges. This preparation enables you to respond thoughtfully and informatively, maintaining composure and contributing effectively to the discussion, even under pressure.

Make sure you have a deep understanding of the panel discussion topic. Research extensively and stay updated with the latest trends, statistics, and developments related to the subject. Understand who will be attending the panel discussion. Knowing your audience can help you anticipate potential questions and tailor your responses accordingly. Identify the key messages you want to convey during the discussion. Having a clear idea of your main points can help you stay focused and articulate even when surprised by a question. Pay close attention to the questions asked by the moderator and other panelists. Active listening can help you understand the question better and give you a moment to gather your thoughts.

Congratulations on being selected for a panel discussion! This selection is a testament to your abilities and expertise, so embrace the confidence that comes with it. You've been chosen for a reason. To maintain this momentum, show up as prepared as possible. One effective way to prepare is by creating a list of potential questions and practicing your answers. Similar topics or concepts will likely come up even if the exact questions aren't asked. This is your time to shine and share your expertise with the audience. You've got this!

An unexpected question We can train ourselves to use a simple scheme: P.R.E.P. For example: "How do you feel about being in a big city?" 1. Point: I love living in a big city. 2. Reason: And the reason is because you can walk anywhere instead of driving. 3. Example: For example, last week I finally sold my car because my new office is a thirty-minute walk from my house. I take a breath of fresh air every single day. 4. Point: That's why I love living in a big city. Or we can latch on to something that a person who preceded us in the panel said.

When faced with impromptu questions during a panel discussion, managing anxiety can be effectively achieved with breathing techniques. For example, if a challenging question arises unexpectedly, take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly. This helps calm the nerves and allows you to collect your thoughts. By focusing on your breathing, you'll effectively maintain composure, respond thoughtfully, and engage confidently with the audience, ensuring anxiety doesn't interfere with your ability to provide clear and concise answers.

Providing a well thought out answer to questions can more valuable than just a quick response to avoid pausing. What may feel like a long pause to you usually seems shorter to the audience. Pauses allow you to collect your thoughts, but be mindful of their duration. If a pause is too long, it might detract from your answer. Remember, you've been invited to be part of the panel for a reason. You have something valuable to share. Be confident in your abilities. You've got this!

Repeat the question out loud. This will do a few things: - you can use it to clarify the question (and maybe engage in a short chat with the person asking it) - it gives the rest of the audience some time to digest the question (and in some settings, they may not have heard it due to bad sound, no microphone, etc) - it gives you time to pause and think Next time you watch a panel, notice how many times panelists use this technique... consciously or unconsciously. 😊

Pausing is one of the most powerful tools you have to manage your anxiety. When you pause, it feels like an eternity to you, but it’s your chance to take a breath, collect your thoughts and formulate a thought. You can also ask the person to repeat the question to give yourself more time

Pausing gives you a moment to collect your thoughts and reduces the pressure to respond immediately. A brief pause can help you organize your ideas and articulate your response more clearly and confidently. Taking a moment to pause demonstrates that you are composed and thoughtful, rather than anxious or unprepared. Listen carefully to the question being asked. This not only helps you understand it fully but also gives you a natural pause to think. Nod, maintain eye contact, and use body language to show that you are actively listening and considering the question.

You were invited to be part of the panel because of your abilities, but nobody knows everything. Acknowledging this can relieve some of the pressure to provide every answer. It's perfectly acceptable to admit if you don't know the answer to a question. If possible, offer to find the answer and follow up later. Alternatively, share what you know on the subject; even if it doesn't fully address the question, it still provides valuable insight. Additionally, depending on the venue and audience, sometimes the answer might be with someone else in the room or on the panel. Inviting input from others can provide immediate help, and you can follow up with your thoughts. You've got this!

Understand that it’s impossible to know everything. Embracing this fact can reduce the pressure you put on yourself and help you stay calm. View uncertainty as an opportunity for learning and growth, rather than a failure. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s perfectly fine to admit it. Honesty builds trust and shows that you are genuine. Start by acknowledging the importance of the question. For example, “That’s a great question and it’s an area that is still evolving.” Offer to find the answer after the discussion. This shows that you are committed to providing accurate information and value to your audience.

Positivity is a powerful force, and maintaining this mindset will significantly benefit you on the panel. Remember, you were selected for a reason. This is your time to shine and be a valuable resource to the audience. Think back to a time when you were listening to a panel; you likely remember the positive, impactful professionals. Now, you have the opportunity to make a similar impact. By balancing your knowledge with a positive, upbeat and engaging delivery, you'll leave a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to hear your input. You've got this!

Visualize yourself answering questions confidently and effectively. Positive visualization can prepare your mind for success and reduce anxiety. Practice mindfulness to stay present and fully engaged in the moment. Techniques such as deep breathing and grounding exercises can help you stay calm and focused. Focus on listening carefully to the question being asked. This not only helps you understand the question better but also gives you a moment to gather your thoughts. If you catch yourself thinking negatively, reframe those thoughts positively. For example, instead of thinking “What if I don’t know the answer?”, think “I have the skills to handle this and can always provide a thoughtful response or follow-up later.”

Identify moments when you felt anxious and how you handled impromptu questions. Acknowledge what you did well and pinpoint areas for improvement. Understanding your strengths can boost your confidence, while recognizing weaknesses provides opportunities for growth. Request feedback from colleagues, mentors, or audience members. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights into how you handled questions and what you could improve. Embrace constructive criticism as a tool for growth. Use it to identify specific areas where you can enhance your skills and performance.

Whether you've just completed your first panel discussion or have been part of many, one way to continue making an impact is by reflecting on how it went. There are always ways to sharpen your skills, such as seeking feedback from other panelists, the meeting organizer, or select attendees. This external feedback provides valuable insights, but I also recommend recording your panel discussion. Recordings offer an unbiased way to review the event, as relying on memory can lead to forgetting details. No presentation or panel discussion is perfect, and being open to reflection and improvement in your answers, approach, and preparation will help you grow. You've got this!

Chunking Information: Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Address each part sequentially. For instance, if asked about market trends, break it down into segments like current trends, future projections, and potential challenges. This approach prevents overwhelm.

(With a playful smile) "Well, that's a question that could keep us here all night! But in short..." (Deliver your key point). This playfully acknowledges the complexity of the question while focusing on delivering a valuable takeaway.