Mastering Zoom Webinars: A Deep Dive into Adding Panelists

Adding panelists to your Zoom webinar is crucial for creating engaging and informative online events. You can add panelists directly during the scheduling process, after scheduling, or even during the live webinar itself, ensuring flexibility for your specific needs. Let’s break down the process: The most common ways to add panelists are through the Zoom web portal when scheduling the webinar or by editing an existing webinar, where you’ll find a dedicated “Panelists” section to input their email addresses.

Adding Panelists: The Nitty-Gritty

Adding panelists isn’t just about typing in a name; it’s about setting the stage for a dynamic and well-structured webinar. Here’s a breakdown of the key methods:

Method 1: Adding Panelists During Webinar Scheduling

This is the most straightforward approach. When scheduling your webinar through the Zoom web portal, you’ll encounter a section dedicated to “Panelists.”

1. Log in to your Zoom account via the web portal.
2. Click on “Webinars” in the navigation menu.
3. Click the “Schedule a Webinar” button.
4. Fill out the webinar details: Topic, Description, When, Duration, etc.
5. Scroll down to the “Panelists” section.
6. Click “+ Add Panelists.”
7. Enter the email addresses of your desired panelists. Separate multiple email addresses with commas or by pressing Enter after each one.
8. Optionally, you can assign alternative hosts.
9. Complete any other desired settings, such as registration requirements and Q&A options.
10. Click “Save.”

Method 2: Adding Panelists After Scheduling

Forgot a panelist during the initial setup? No problem. You can add them retroactively.

1. Log in to your Zoom account via the web portal.
2. Click on “Webinars” in the navigation menu.
3. Locate the webinar you wish to edit and click on its title.
4. Scroll down to the “Panelists” section.
5. Click the “Edit” button next to the “Panelists” section (if available).
6. Click “+ Add Panelists.”
7. Enter the email addresses of the new panelists.
8. Click “Save.” The panelists will receive an email invitation.

Method 3: Promoting Attendees to Panelists During a Live Webinar

This method offers the most flexibility, allowing you to react to the flow of your webinar.

1. During the live webinar, click on “Participants” at the bottom of your Zoom window.
2. Find the attendee you want to promote.
3. Hover over their name, and click “More.”
4. Select “Promote to Panelist.”
5. Confirm your choice.

Keep in mind that this method is best for situations where you need to add someone on the fly. It’s generally preferable to add panelists in advance for better preparation and coordination.

FAQs: Zoom Webinar Panelists – Your Burning Questions Answered

Let’s tackle some of the common questions surrounding Zoom webinar panelists.

1. What is the difference between a panelist and an attendee in a Zoom webinar?

   Panelists are essentially co-presenters. They have full audio and video capabilities, can share their screen, answer questions live, and participate in the overall presentation. Attendees are viewers who can ask questions through the Q&A feature, participate in polls (if enabled), and generally observe the webinar. Panelists contribute actively, while attendees primarily consume content.

2. How many panelists can I have in a Zoom webinar?

   The number of panelists you can have depends on your Zoom plan. Typically, you can have up to 100 panelists per webinar. Check your specific Zoom plan’s documentation for definitive limits.

3. Will panelists receive a special link to join the webinar?

   Yes, when you add a panelist via email, they will receive a unique link specifically for panelists. This link grants them the necessary permissions to participate as a panelist.

4. What permissions do panelists have in a Zoom webinar?

   Panelists have significant permissions, including the ability to share their screen, use their microphone and camera, annotate shared screens, answer Q&A questions (either publicly or privately), start or stop video, mute or unmute themselves, and chat with other panelists and attendees (depending on the webinar settings).

5. Can I remove a panelist from a Zoom webinar?

   Yes, you can remove a panelist. During the webinar, go to the “Participants” list, find the panelist’s name, click “More,” and select “Remove.” Before or after the webinar, you can remove panelists through the Zoom web portal by editing the webinar settings.

6. Do panelists need a Zoom account to participate in a webinar?

   Yes, panelists require a Zoom account to join and participate in a webinar as a panelist. Attendees, on the other hand, can often join without an account, depending on the webinar’s registration settings.

7. How do I test a panelist’s audio and video before the webinar?

   Encourage your panelists to join a test meeting beforehand to ensure their audio and video are working correctly. You can schedule a separate meeting or simply ask them to join a practice meeting. Zoom’s built-in audio and video testing tools are invaluable.

8. Can panelists control attendee interactions, such as muting attendees?

   Generally, panelists do not have the ability to mute individual attendees. This power typically resides with the host and co-hosts. However, panelists can answer questions and engage with attendees through the Q&A and chat features.

9. What if a panelist cannot join the webinar?

   If a panelist is unable to join, you can promote an attendee to a panelist during the live webinar, as described earlier. However, it’s best to have a backup plan in place in case of unforeseen circumstances. Always have a list of potential replacement panelists.

10. Can I add a panelist during a webinar if they did not initially receive an invitation?

    Yes, you can promote an attendee to a panelist during the live webinar, effectively adding them even if they weren’t initially invited as a panelist. This is a useful contingency.

11. How do I best manage communication between panelists before and during the webinar?

    Utilize a separate communication channel, such as a dedicated Slack channel, email thread, or even a separate Zoom meeting, for pre-webinar coordination and real-time communication during the webinar. This helps panelists stay aligned and address any issues promptly.

12. What’s the best practice for introducing panelists to the audience?

    Allocate a dedicated segment at the beginning of the webinar for introductions. Ask each panelist to briefly introduce themselves, their expertise, and what they hope attendees will gain from the webinar. This helps establish credibility and sets the stage for engaging discussions. Consider preparing a short bio for each panelist to display on screen during their introduction.

Wrapping Up: Panelist Power-Ups

Mastering the art of adding and managing panelists is essential for maximizing the impact of your Zoom webinars. By understanding the different methods, permissions, and best practices, you can create engaging and informative events that leave a lasting impression on your audience. Remember, planning and preparation are key to a successful webinar with panelists.