被要求在一個小組中發言是一種榮譽，但不要把它看作是在公園裏散步。當然，這比單獨發表演講更不傷腦筋，但是僅僅露面回答主持人的問題不太可能成為一個有趣的討論。
花些時間準備你要說的話，然後在活動前與主持人交流。詢問他們打算如何運行會議。比如，他們會要求人們回答特定的問題嗎？還是會要求你跳進一個自由開放的地方？
他們有一個已經準備好的問題清單了嗎？如果是的話，他們能和你分享嗎？這些資訊可以讓你想像出，如果，比如，你有點害羞，不習慣於爭奪播出時間，小組將如何運行並預先鍛煉自己。你也要計畫一下你的談話要點，儘量早點發言。
首先發言的人往往會决定辯論的主旨，而且你可以確保在你發言之前發言的人不會竊取你想表達的要點。If You’re Speaking on a Conference Panel, Don’t Wing It
Being
asked to speak on a panel can be an honor, but don’t think of it as a walk in
the park. Sure, it’s less nerve-wracking than delivering a solo talk, but just
showing up and answering the moderator’s questions is unlikely to make for an
interesting discussion.
Spend
time preparing what you’ll say, and start by reaching out to the moderator well
before the event. Ask how they intend to run the session. For instance, will
they call on people to answer particular questions, or will it be a
free-for-all where you’re expected to jump in?
Do
they have a list of questions already prepared, and if so, can they share it
with you? That information will allow you to picture how the panel will go and
steel yourself in advance if, for instance, you’re a bit shy and aren’t used to
fighting for airtime. You’ll also want to plan out your talking points and try
to speak up early on.
The
person who talks first often sets the tenor of the debate — plus you can ensure
the person speaking before you doesn’t steal the key point you wanted to
make.
