Professional meeting facilitator Kristin Arnold suggests when moderating a panel you capture the audience's attention before the event. Set up the stage with chairs in a semicircle, put a welcome sign on the door, play a looping slideshow with panelists bios and topic information, play interesting music in the background, etc.
Setting up,
Tim Wilson
Professional Speech Coach
Free speaking tips at: http://speakingquicktips.blogspot.com
