The Opportunity

Normally, three panelists accompany the main presenter during a "Memorial Presents" session. The role of the panelists is to complement or contradict the thesis promoted by the main presenter, in order to stimulate an informed debate with the audience.

Panelists are selected for their expertise and/or experience in the public policy issue under discussion, as well as for their ability to effectively communicate their point of view.

Participation in a "Memorial Presents" session is a privileged opportunity to convey your opinion and perspective to the "live" audience (and, if the session is broadcast, to the television and Internet audiences).

The Harris Centre will pay the costs of panelists' travel, if required.

The Responsibilities of Panelists

Panelists should address the public policy issue in the language of the educated layperson. As such, he/she should eschew technical language, acronyms and specialized jargon, and should set the stage for the informed debate to follow.

Panelists are asked to:

• Prepare a 10-minute presentation to be delivered to a live audience. PowerPoint slides should be avoided if at all possible, however, if they are required, the panelist will be provided with the Harris Centre's standard PowerPoint template.
• Participate in the question-and-answer session following the presentations.
• Attend a one-hour "dress rehearsal" with the main presenter about one week before the "Memorial Presents" session takes place. (Panelists may attend by teleconference if travel would otherwise be required to attend.)
• Provide the Harris Centre with a recent, 300-dpi head-and-shoulders photo in electronic format.
• Provide the Harris Centre with a 200-word biography which outlines for the audience the panelist's qualifications and experience dealing with the issue to be discussed.

If you are interested in becoming a panelist for a "Memorial Presents" session, or if you would like to recommend another person as a panelist, please e-mail us.