Four strategies for women who are tired of not being heard — and ready to have a bigger voice on a stage.

Watch my video to gain a more in-depth perspective: https://www.sherylkline.com/blog/how-to-be-influential-on-a-speaking-panel

You prepared. You showed up. And then the guy next to you decided the panel was actually a podcast... his podcast. Mixed-gender panels can feel less like peer experts and more like other panelists me, me, me show. This is not only frustrating for you, the audience misses out on hearing your wisdom and important insights.

The good news is: you have more power than you think. You just need to know how to prepare and how to use it. Here are 4 strategies that will help:

Strategy 1

Set the Rules Before You Start

Before the panel begins, check whether the moderator has established clear ground rules... answer time limits, how speakers will be recognized, and what happens when someone runs long. If they haven’t, ask. Publicly. A simple “Just so we’re all aligned... how are we handling time today?” puts everyone on notice, including the over-sharer. The moderator may or may not enforce the rules (even though it is their job), but at least the expectation has been set.

Strategy 2

Own the Stage Before You Say a Word

This is not about ego. This is about energy. Before the audience files in (or the morning before the event starts), physically claim your space — touch the table, stand at the mic, get comfortable in your chair. Becoming familiar, especially by physically touching the stage, your chair, and some of the attendee chairs, can make you feel like the other panelists, moderator, and attendees are entering YOUR space.

Remind yourself: this stage is not given to you as a favor. You earned it. Shift your mindset from “I hope I get to contribute” to “I am here to serve this audience.” When you’re focused on the value you’re delivering... your presence shifts. The audience feels it, even when you haven’t spoken yet.

“You cannot control how much other panelists speak. You can absolutely control the power of your words.”

Strategy 3

Less Is More, and More Is Powerful

Olympic athletes don’t wing it. Neither should you. Research your topic deeply, prepare your key points, then edit ruthlessly. No filler. No hedging. No “great question!” When you speak with precision and stop when you’re done, you stand out. The panelist who speaks for four uninterrupted minutes rarely says more than the one who delivers two sharp, confident sentences. Preparation is your competitive advantage.

Strategy 4

Have a Backup Plan, and Know When to Use It

Come prepared with a lead magnet: a report, white paper, or resource you can reference if you don’t get enough airtime. “I didn’t get to cover everything today, but I’ve written extensively on this — find me after, or grab the link in the event app.” Your insights live beyond your time on that stage.

And if someone is steamrolling the moderator? Be prepared to interrupt — calmly, cleanly, and without apology. Even the chattiest panel-mates have to take a breath. That’s your chance! Try saying: “I’d love to add something here.” Say it like you mean it.

The bottom line: The panel doesn’t belong to whoever talks the most. It belongs to whoever is most prepared, most present, and most focused on the audience. Make sure that’s you!

If I can help you or your team in any way, I’d love to have a conversation.

To your continued success and cheering you on always!

Sheryl