Tips for Panel Discussions

Panel discussions bring together groups or individuals with a stake in mental illness issues, reinforce partnerships and provide the general public with important information. Remember to:

• Tell the audience the purpose of the panel discussion. Mention that it coincides with Mental Illness Awareness Week so people will make the connection with media stories. During introductions, say each person’s name a few times.
  
  
• Set time limits for your panelists and interrupt them politely if they run over time.
  
  
• At the end, thank the panelists and the audience. You may want to make some closing remarks to emphasize the theme of Mental Illness Awareness Week.