Overview
You don’t need to be the expert in the room to lead an engaging, insightful panel—you just need to know how to guide the conversation.
This interactive, story-driven session is designed for professionals who are called on to moderate interviews, chair discussions, or facilitate knowledge-sharing across sectors. Whether you’re preparing for a high-profile public event, an internal panel, or a community conversation, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling narrative, ask the right questions, and listen with intention—all while managing your nerves and maintaining flow.
We will explore real-world examples of what works in 2026: from innovative panel formats to subtle storytelling techniques that keep audiences engaged. You will also gain practical tools to prepare effectively, researching panelists, setting the tone, and balancing structure with spontaneity.
While the session is open to all professionals, those working in the Public Service will recognise alignment with key aspects of the Public Service Capability Framework, including communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement. These skills are critical to creating inclusive conversations that reflect the values of transparency, collaboration, and service.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this half-day session, participants will be able to:
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- Facilitate engaging panel discussions with confidence, even when not a subject matter expert.
- Shape a clear narrative arc to guide conversation flow, ensuring structure without rigidity.
- Use active listening and adaptive questioning to keep discussions responsive, relevant, and inclusive.
- Prepare effectively for a panel, including researching participants, setting expectations, and tailoring questions to audience needs.
- Understand current best practices for panel formats and moderation styles relevant to 2026 contexts (e.g., hybrid, short-form, audience-led formats).
- Manage nerves and overcome fear, building the presence and ease needed to host with authority and warmth.
- Apply facilitation techniques in a mock panel setting, receiving feedback to build real-world readiness.
- Recognise the value of panel facilitation as a leadership and communication skill—especially in public-facing or cross-functional roles.
Tailored Training
All of our open programmes can also be run on an in-house basis. For more information, see our page on In-House Training.
Multiple Delegate Discount
Limited Places Available – book early to avoid disappointment.
- 3+ Delegates – 5% Discount
- 5+ Delegates – 10% Discount
- 10+ Delegates – 15% Discount
To avail of our multiple delegate discount for 3 or more delegates, you must email registrations@pai.ie with the name and details of all those you wish to book. All those you wish to book on must be booked at the same time.
For 1 or 2 attendees, manually enter in the number of tickets you wish to purchase below.
