A Guide To Picking Great Panellists

This guide to picking great panellists covers everything you need to build a panel discussion people remember for the right reasons. Get the mix of speakers right, and the conversation does the work for you. Here's how to make it happen.

In short: great panellists combine genuine subject expertise, diverse perspectives and confident communication, and the best ones get booked well ahead of your event date.

A Guide to Picking Great Panellists

1. Get Clear on Your Panel Goals

First things first, nail down what you're after:

• What's the main buzz you want to create?
• Which hot topics need to be on the table?
• What should your audience walk away thinking? What is the mindset shift?

Get this sorted, and you'll have a solid game plan for assembling your dream panel line-up.

2. Look For Diverse Voices

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter panels. Today, it's all about variety. Your audience will thank you for keeping things interesting.

• Aim for a good balance of genders, backgrounds, and experience levels
• Throw in a mix of industry veterans and rising stars
• Different perspectives make for richer conversations

READ MORE: Top Experts For Your Social Mobility & Inclusion Panel

3. Search for Real-World Experts

Your panellists should know their stuff inside and out. Do a bit of digging on their background before you approach them, and always watch a video of a past performance.

• Access to a curated roster of top-tier experts and thought leaders
• Hunt for folks with serious chops in your topic
• Seek out the people genuinely moving the conversation forward in the field
• Find people who can break down complex ideas without putting everyone to sleep

READ MORE: Planning A Day-Long Event Program: Lessons from TEDx

4. Find the Smooth Talkers

Great panellists combine deep subject knowledge with the ability to communicate it clearly:

• Look for people who can work a room (even if it's virtual)
• Check out their previous speaking engagements. Do they keep the audience awake and engaged? Always watch a video first.
• Consider how well they'll vibe with the other panellists; some may already know each other

Speakers like Adam Pacifico show what this looks like in practice: a leadership expert, lawyer and award-winning podcast host, comfortable turning detailed subject knowledge into a conversation an audience can follow.

Panellists and Moderators Worth Booking

Two names worth knowing, both from PepTalk's panel and moderator roster.

Polly Middlehurst

Polly Middlehurst is a broadcast journalist and TV presenter with two decades at Sky News and GB News, and regularly steps into the moderator's chair for panels and events. Her news background means she can steer a discussion, read a room and keep contributors on message even when the topic turns tricky.

Learn more and book Polly Middlehurst →

Jeremy Vine

Jeremy Vine hosts the UK's most-listened-to radio news show and has anchored fast-moving, high-stakes broadcasts, including a stint as the sole presenter of Newsnight during the September 11 attacks. That experience keeping a conversation on track under pressure makes him a strong pick for panels that need a steady, quick-witted hand.

Learn more and book Jeremy Vine →

5. Explore Your Network

Time to call in those favours and connections. A warm intro can go a long way in landing your dream panellist.

• Ask colleagues for their top picks or people they've seen recently
• Reach out to industry groups or universities for recommendations
• LinkedIn can be a goldmine for finding the right people

6. Spice It Up (But Not Too Much)

A little friendly debate can really get things going:

• Look for panellists with different takes on the topic
• Make sure no one's hogging the spotlight
• Steer clear of major personality clashes. Save the drama for reality TV.
• Keep things running smoothly with an experienced event host or event moderator

7. Know Your Audience

Think about who's going to be in the seats (or behind the screens):

• Industry event? Bring in the heavy hitters who speak the right language
• General audience? A familiar face or two can help keep things relatable (check out our celebrity speakers)
• Students in the crowd? Find someone who can share real-world wisdom

READ MORE: Maximising the Impact of Discussion Panels: Expert Insights and Strategies

8. Book Speakers Early

Once you've got your shortlist:

• Reach out early. The best panellists can book up many months, sometimes a year, ahead
• Be crystal clear about what you're asking for
• Follow up promptly and keep the communication flowing

Go for panellists who seem genuinely keen to be part of your event.

9. Let PepTalk Do the Heavy Lifting

If all this sounds like a lot of work, here's a pro tip: team up with a top-notch speaking agency like PepTalk. We're experts in matching the right speakers to your event. Here's how we can make your life easier:

• Access to a curated roster of top-tier experts and thought leaders
• A streamlined booking process, saving you time and headaches
• Expert advice on speaker selection based on your specific needs
• Handling all the finer details, from contracts to logistics
• Ensuring your panellists are prepped and ready to make your event a success

With PepTalk in your corner, you can focus on the big picture while we handle the details.

10. Checking All The Boxes

Finding the right panellists doesn't have to be a huge task. Whether you're doing it yourself or teaming up with pros like PepTalk, the key is to keep your eyes on the prize: a discussion your audience remembers.

Follow this guide to picking great panellists, get the right mix of people together, and you'll create an event that leaves everyone wanting more.

💡 Would you like to kick off your next panel discussion with an expert selection of speakers? Let us know, and we'll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it's always a good time to get a PepTalk!