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Reverse Panel

Engagement
Intensity
SUITABILITY FOR NARROW TOPICS
SUITABILITY FOR BROAD TOPICS
This format is useful when you want high audience engagement while also incorporating expert insights.

How Does It Work? Format Description

A panel of invited speakers is present, but unlike a traditional panel, they are there to listen and respond to ideas from the audience (including asking questions to the audience).

What Do Discussion Participants Do?

Participants share their ideas and experiences, raise topics, and ask questions.

What If There Are Invited Speakers?

Speakers respond to the thoughts and questions raised by participants, adding expert insights where relevant.

What Is the Moderator’s Role?

The moderator ensures a dynamic conversation between the audience and speakers while keeping the focus on audience participation. This requires active facilitation, including moving around the space with a microphone (only the moderator holds the microphone, allowing them to quickly give and take turns).

Number and Profile of Participants

It is helpful if participants have prior knowledge of the topic, but the format can also work without it. With more than 40 participants, moderation becomes more challenging.

Preparation and Follow-up: Where Does This Format Fit?

This format can be part of various processes, such as strategy development, action plans, and other participatory processes.

If you need advice on selecting or implementing a discussion format, contact your discussion area coordinator.

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