Confident on panels, engaging as a moderator
One-day open course · CENTRAL London · February 2027
One-day, in-person panel discussion training
Learn or build your skills as a panellist and moderator with Penny Haslam
Share your expertise, lead engaging discussions and make your next panel opportunity count.
Small group · Practice panels · Personal feedback
Join the priority list
Get the confirmed date and booking details · No commitment to book.
Former BBC business presenter · Author of Panel Discussions – The Ultimate Guide · Maximum 12 participants
Sign Up
Join the priority list
Would you like to find out more? This isn't a commitment to book, you'll just be declaring an interest in the training.
What happens next? We'll drop you an email inviting you to a no-obligation discovery call by phone, Zoom or Teams at a time that's convenient for you.
Rather email? hello@bitfamous.co.uk
No salesperson will call, you won't be added to a mailing list, and we absolutely promise not to spam you.
Testimonial
Highly recommended!
Penny was incredibly helpful in supporting my preparation for hosting a conference panel. She provided very relevant and professional advice in both the technical and behavioural aspects of moderating the discussion. I can highly recommend Penny to anyone taking their preparation seriously for these events.
Duncan Easterbrook, Chief Finance Officer, RTP Global
The opportunity
Make your next panel opportunity count
Do you have the expertise, but feel less confident sharing it on a panel? Have you been asked to moderate a discussion and want to do it well?
This practical training day will help you prepare, contribute and lead with confidence, so you can make the most of opportunities to represent yourself and your organisation.
Led by Penny Haslam, author of Panel Discussions – The Ultimate Guide, this one day course is suitable for first-time panellists and moderators, as well as people with experience who want to sharpen their skills.
Learning Outcomes
Two roles, skills you can use in both
As a panellist
- Make your expertise clear and memorable
- Find your moment to speak
- Contribute concisely alongside other speakers
- Handle questions with confidence
- Represent your organisation without a sales pitch
As a moderator
- Structure a focused, engaging discussion
- Ask questions that get people talking
- Bring out each panellist’s best contributions
- Interrupt confidently and keep to time
- Handle audience questions and the unexpected
Plus practical ways to manage nerves and use your body language effectively.
Meet your trainer
Panel discussions, Penny wrote the book
Penny Haslam is a former BBC business presenter, professional moderator and experienced trainer.
You'll receive a copy of her book, Panel Discussions – The Ultimate Guide, which brings together practical advice on leading lively discussions and becoming a confident, memorable panellist.
Panel Discussions – The Ultimate Guide by Penny Haslam. Finalist - Short Business Book of the Year 2023
Testimonial
Easy-to-follow tips for presenting and engaging a crowd.
Penny is a consummate professional who easily tailors her sessions to each individual she's coaching. She offers easy-to-follow tips for presenting and engaging a crowd. Her background in journalism shines too, as she provides valuable insight into the best way to get a debate going for panel session events - helping us put on conferences that move the industry conversation forward and deliver real value to our clients
Julia Hatmaker - Editor, Place North West
01
Expert training with Penny Haslam
A full day developing your panellist and moderator skills.
02
Personal feedback
Understand your strengths and what to work on.
03
Moderator’s checklist
A practical guide to preparing and leading a discussion.
04
A practice panel discussion
Try the techniques before your next event.
05
Panel preparation planner
A reusable tool for your points, examples and questions.
06
A copy of Penny’s book
Advice to return to whenever your next invitation arrives.
Testimonial
I'm actually looking forward to the event
I met with Penny over zoom for two coaching sessions leading up to a panel I was moderating, and in only two sessions she has changed my mindset from blind panic to me actually looking forward to the event. I highly recommend!
Hannah Rosenberg, Head of Commercial Content, WebsEdge
Course details
Date and fees
When
February 2027 · Date to be confirmed
Where
Central London · Venue to be confirmed
Duration
One day
Group size
Maximum 12 participants
Per person
£650 + VAT
Early-bird discount: £595 + VAT
When booked by 1st December 2026
Join the priority list
Get the confirmed date and booking details · No commitment to book.
FAQs
Your quesions answered
Can I booking for a colleague?
Yes, and you can pay via invoice. If you are a leader or people professional, it's simple to book a place for a colleague. Use the form below or email hello@bitfamous.co.uk
What if I need to request approval from my manager?
Use this letter template to request approval from your boss!
Is this suitable if I’ve never been on a panel?
Yes. You’ll learn what’s expected of you, how to prepare and how to contribute with confidence. There’s practical advice on managing nerves, plus the opportunity to try the techniques in a supportive environment.
Will it help if I already have experience?
Yes. You’ll sharpen your preparation and performance, explore professional techniques and receive constructive feedback from Penny. You’ll also learn how to make more of each opportunity through connections, follow-up and content.
What if I’m mainly interested in one role?
The course covers both panellist and moderator skills. Understanding both sides can help you perform more effectively in your preferred role—for example, knowing what a moderator needs from you, or how to help panellists give their best.
Will everyone get to practise?
Practical experience is a key part of the day, with half the time devoted to trying the techniques on practice panels and receiving supportive feedback.
Can my organisation pay by invoice?
Yes, you can pay via invoice. Because this is an open course you will need to secure your place with a payment in advance.
What happens if I can no longer attend?
To receive a refund you must tell us at least 14 days in advance in writing if you can't attend. Any later than that and we can't provide a refund but can offer you an alternative training session which maybe online or on a future course.
Does joining the priority list commit me to booking?
No. We’ll send you the confirmed date, programme and booking details when they’re ready. You can then decide whether the course is right for you.
Join the priority list
