I have a most excellent guest post for all of you today! Author Terry W. Ervin II has graciously shared his knowledge on participating on a convention/conference panel (bolded emphases added by myself). Pure gold, people. This is a blog post I've been wanting to read, so having the opportunity to actually showcase it on my blog is great!
I've plastered Terry's information at the bottom of the post. Please take a moment to check him out!
~*~
Participating as a Panelist
Literary panels are a staple that attendees look forward to when
attending writers’ conferences, fantasy/SF conventions, genre-related events
such as romance reader conventions, and book festivals. Usually the panel’s
audience is made up of readers or aspiring writers, or writers early in their
career. Often those in the audience are both readers and writers.
If invited, or if you must apply to be selected for participation as
a panelist, take advantage of the opportunity. Serving as a panelist is a good
way to meet readers and fellow authors, and to share your experiences and
insights.
Panel topics are determined by those running the event. Genre-based
events, such as fantasy/SF conventions, will have panels that cater to the
interests of attendees, just as a writers’ conference is likely to have panels focused
on a variety of writing-related topics.
As an author, I’ve participated on over sixty panels in various
venues and covering a host of topics. Based on this experience, which is
miniscule compared to some authors out there, I’ve come up with some
suggestions for authors new to the experience such that they can get the most
out of being a panelist, while benefitting the attendees—the ultimate reason for
the panels.
Before
Attending the Event:
Prepare for the topic ahead of time, including a brief
introduction of yourself. If the panel is on world building in a fantasy
setting, make a few notes to remind yourself of maps, cultures, and histories
of some commonly read authors. Maybe read or listen to some interviews
(podcasts/YouTube) of those authors.
Dress appropriately. I've seen panelists show up looking like
they'd slept three nights in their stained T-shirt and tattered jeans, and a
comb appeared to have been a foreign object never to be touched, let alone
used. Consider the con-attendees, the topic, and overall event. In general, appearing
professional will prove beneficial.
Have business cards with contact information (website/email
address) to share with other panelists and attendees that talk with you
afterward. It’s far more convenient than jotting emails and contact information
on a piece of paper or a conference program. Special notes or information can
be written on a business card’s reverse side.
Some panels provide paper tents featuring the participants’ names.
If not, some authors bring a bookstand to hold one of their novels.
Do your homework. Know something about your fellow panelists, if you know who
they are ahead of time. Being able make relevant comments referencing a fellow
panelist's work is polite and demonstrates knowledge on the topic, and that you
arrived prepared. It might even earn a few friends.
Prepare a few anecdotes relevant to the panel topic. If the panel is on religion
in fantasy, there’s a good chance you are participating since you have some knowledge
and experience in that area. Review some novels or short stories written by
authors that the audience would likely recognize and use the gathered
information to illustrate points during the panel discussion. Do this in addition
to answers and comments based on your personal experiences and your own published
works.
Just
Before the Panel:
If possible, show up a few minutes early. Introduce yourself to
the other panelists and the moderator.
Use the restroom beforehand, and have a bottle of water, pen,
something to jot notes on, business cards (as mentioned), and a copy of your
most recent or most popular novel.
During
the Panel:
It's okay to bring a title or two to hold up while introducing
yourself, but not your entire series, going into detail of everything you've
ever written. (Yes, I've seen panelists have to be cut off after going on about
themselves and their writing for over three minutes when asked at the beginning
to tell the audience briefly about yourself.) Fifteen seconds should do.
Speak loud enough that you can be heard by all in the room. If
there is a mic, use it and be sure to speak into it properly. You may believe
your voice carries, but not everyone has average hearing. Plus, background
noise, especially near the door/exit, can prove challenging to those trying to
hear what you and the other panelists have to say. Maintain eye contact with
the questioning individual, while shifting to the audience in general and
fellow panelists as appropriate.
Smile, and listen to what others are saying. Appear interested,
such as looking at those talking. The audience will be watching. Plus, panels
sometimes show up on YouTube. Jot down notes on thoughts that occur to you as
you’re listening, and what you’d like to say if called upon, or refer back to
if the opportunity presents itself.
If you're an author, it's okay to refer to your works to
illustrate points. Do this, however, on a limited basis. Too much can turn the
audience off to what you have to say. The panel is not a venue to showcase your published works. Those attending the
panel are there to learn while being entertained by the panelists. They’re not
there for an author’s “infomercial.”
Answer concisely and avoid “hogging” the panel. When possible, try
to answer questions with information that can apply to other audience members with
similar questions. Your comments will help/appeal to more people, and will
reduce follow-up questions. By doing so, more questions can be covered/discussed.
If you don't have something different or worthwhile to add to the
current topic/question and you're called upon, it's okay to say, "I agree
with what ______ said about _______." and leave it at that.
Don't be afraid to say "I don't know" or “I’ve never
come across that situation” to a question. Causing panelists and those in the
audience to cringe while trying to "fake" knowledge on a topic is
never a good thing. Chances are someone on the panel or in the audience will correct
you. I’ve seen it happen. Even though “corrections” are both appropriate and
necessary, they’re uncomfortable for everyone involved. It is okay to say, "I
don't know, but if I had to make an educated guess..." and follow up with
an educated opinion.
After
the Panel:
Thank other panelists and the moderator. If the opportunity
presents itself, thank audience members, especially those that contributed to
the discussion with thought-provoking questions.
Before departing, take a moment for audience members to follow up with
questions they might have. Even so, be aware that conversations might need to
be moved to the hall if another event is scheduled in the room right after your
panel.
If you have panels scheduled back to back, have business cards
handy for folks with questions, and let them know where they might catch you
later. Keep in mind that audience members might have something else scheduled right
after your panel ends.
Follow up with members of the panel you exchanged business cards with
and those that you found interesting. Sending an email after the convention is
often effective.
Additional Comments:
Relax and have a good time. If you’re someone that is hesitant to
speak in front of people, know that this isn’t like standing up in front of a crowd
all by yourself. You’ll be seated, and with fellow authors there supporting
you, and in front of an audience interested in what you have to say. So, take
advantage of the opportunity to meet fellow authors and readers that share
mutual interests.
~*~
Terry W. Ervin II is an English
teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction. His First Civilization’s Legacy Series includes FLANK HAWK and BLOOD SWORD. The third
novel in the series, SOUL FORGE, is slated for release in June of 2014.
His most recent release from
Gryphonwood Press is RELIC TECH, a science fiction novel packed with action,
adventure, aliens and even a bit of a mystery.
In
addition to novels, Terry’s short stories have appeared in over a dozen
anthologies, magazines and ezines. The genres range from science fiction and
mystery to horror and inspirational. GENRE SHOTGUN is a collection containing
all of his previously published short stories.
I am happy to announce that my author website, CharlieNHolmberg.com, is now up and functional! There's a few small things under construction, but the biggest pieces of the puzzle are in place.
