Webinar Glossary

Panelist

A panelist is a speaker who takes part in a panel discussion during a webinar or event, sharing their expertise.

What is a panelist?

A panelist is one of several speakers who take part in a panel discussion, sharing their views and expertise on a topic while a host or moderator guides the conversation. Panels bring multiple perspectives to a single session.

Panelist vs. moderator vs. guest speaker

A panelist contributes to the discussion. A moderator guides it, asks questions, and keeps time. A guest speaker usually presents alone rather than as part of a group. A webinar can include all three roles.

How to be a good panelist

Prepare your key points, keep answers concise so others can contribute, and engage with what fellow panelists say rather than only waiting your turn. Clear audio and a tidy background help you look professional on camera.

Hosting panel discussions in Livestorm

Livestorm lets you bring several speakers on screen at once, so panelists and the moderator can appear together, take audience questions, and record the discussion for later.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a panelist do?

A panelist shares their views and expertise as part of a group discussion, responding to a moderator's questions and building on what other panelists say.

How many panelists should a panel have?

Usually three to four, plus a moderator. Too many panelists and there is not enough time for each person to contribute meaningfully.

What is the difference between a panelist and a speaker?

A panelist takes part in a group discussion, while a speaker usually presents on their own. A panel is built around several voices rather than one.

How do you prepare to be a panelist?

Know your key points, keep answers concise so others can contribute, and be ready to react to the conversation. Clear audio and a tidy background help you look professional on camera.

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Try Livestorm for free

Get started in minutes and run your first engaging webinar today.

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