In a couple of days I'll arrive at Thrillerfest, one of my favorite writers conferences. Because it's in New York, the center of the publishing universe, Thrillerfest attracts a number of agents, editors, and other industry professionals. So when you're sitting on a panel at this one, you're not just talking to fellow authors and eager fans. You're in front of a few people you might seriously want to impress.
At our own Creatures,Crimes & Creativity Con we want to give every writer a chance to shine, so we keep panels down to three or four people. At Thrillerfest it is not uncommon to see six or seven writers on a panel, plus a moderator who may contribute to the conversation. Plus, every panel is likely to have one or two very recognizable names. Or at least names more familiar then yours. SO, how do you make the best of your panel time.
First, it’s important to prepare. Check the title of your panel. I’m on one this year about creating suspense. Decide what the most obvious questions are for the moderator to ask. How do you define suspense? Why is it important? Where in YOUR book did you use suspense?
When you have six or seven questions you’re likely to hear on the panel, compose clear, concise answers to them. Be able to make your point in less than a minute. A minute can seem like a long time when you’re talking and trust me, the audience feels it too. Longer answers will make it look like you’re hogging the stage. The only thing worse is saying nothing. (actually, the WORST thing is to pause for thirty seconds figuring out an answer.)  
So you’re ready for the moderator to call on you. You’ll sound confident because you know your response in advance. But what do you do when you’re not talking? To be an audience pleaser, try to me actively polite. That means listening to, and looking at, whoever is talking. Don’t jump in just because they sparked a thought in your head. And smile! The audience thinks you should be having fun up there.
If you’ve read the work of any of the other panelists it’s cool to mention their title when your turn comes. If they mention your work, accept the compliment graciously. The panel is a team with the shared goal of making the audience happy. Promoting each other is a nice way to reach both goals. And if one of the panelist says something you disagree with, respect his or her view and offer concrete reasons why your view differs. Fans and industry insiders will respect a healthy debate. Just know the difference between a debate and an argument.
And if you’re coming to Thrillerfest, please stop by to see one of my panels on Friday. Trust me, we’ll have a good time!