Panellists

Panellists are individuals invited to participate in a panel discussion, a format in which a group of experts or commentators discuss a topic in front of an audience. Panels are typically moderated, with a chair guiding the discussion, allocating speaking time, and posing questions to the panellists. Panellists may come from academia, industry, government, civil society, media, or other fields, and are selected to provide expert insight, diverse perspectives, and practical experience relevant to the topic.

During the discussion, panellists respond to questions, present evidence or experiences, challenge or corroborate other panellists’ points, and interact with the audience through the moderator’s facilitation or direct Q&A. The format often aims to illuminate different viewpoints while maintaining a coherent conversation and respecting time limits.

Requirements and conduct: panellists should prepare for the topic, disclose any relevant conflicts of interest, and adhere to the event’s code of conduct. They should speak clearly, listen to others, avoid personal attacks, and refrain from sharing confidential information. In media contexts, panellists may receive briefing notes and receive guidance on speaking time and tone.

Spelling and terminology: in British English, the form panellist is common; in American English, panelist is preferred. The plural is panellists or panelists, depending on dialect. Panellists play a key role in providing expertise and perspective within structured discussions, while a moderator coordinates the flow and interaction.