Forum: The text explains forum as a format to speak and listen to a larger audience. The forum provides the ability for all members of the audience to participate in discussion as well as examine the topics after presentations done by the group. This type of format allows the audience to give their input and reactions on the presentations one at a time. The goal of a forum presentation is that it ensures that everyone's opinions, viewpoints, thoughts, preferences and perspectives are all heard.
Panel: A panel is explained as a public format where a group of experts (usually ranging from 4-8 people) discuss the issues in front of an audience. Unlike the forum, this format is done without the interaction of the audience, rather, the experts take charge of the presentation as they lead their audience. This type of discussion is unique from the others because it often uses humor and informality in order to keep their audience's attention.
Colloquium: A colloquium is explained as a type of public discussion where a group of experts are chosen to discuss and lead the presentation which ultimately leads to discussing the problem solving format. These experts usually moderates the discussion in front of an audience. Although the experts are leading the discussion, they will often encourage members of the audience to participate by asking them to ask questions, ask for their thoughts and opinions, etc. A colloquium usually has the expert open the discussion with opinion statements, then eventually transition to having a more interactive and public discussion with the rest of the audience. The comments made from the audience go back and forth with the experts which allows everyone's voice to be heard.
Symposium : The symposium format is led by two to six speeches on different types of issues and problems. Whoever is giving the speech is usually someone of an expert background that is able to provide information on the complex and technical issues to their audience. All speeches that are presented are required to be well prepared and practiced prior to the initial presentation. The biggest difference I see with the symposium format than the others is that it typically runs on a faster pace. The text explains that the symposium should not go more than an hour, rather, stay around the 30 minute mark. The time limit of these presentations allow the audience have time to discuss the issues. The symposium is based on time, which the moderator will explain as they introduce the issues and addresses the problems on the specific topic.
All these different types of presentation are quite different but share the same idea of including the audience for discussion post presentation. However, one that caught my eye the most which I would use in a public presentation would be the format of a Panel. I chose panel because I felt that the styles and techniques used for this type of presentation would most likely encourage audience members to be more engaged because it's less formal. The fact that they use types of humor as interaction is seen to be very beneficial for those who may be nervous to participate or give ideas to the certain issues that are brought up. Being in an atmosphere that is comfortable where there is no pressure to be completely serious is a great way to open up your ideas to the experts without any sort of pressure or judgmental feelings.
I agree that a panel is a good choice as long as you have the ability to use humor in your presentation. I also feel that using humor is a great technique to keep your audience attentive to your desire for attention on stage. In my opinion speeches are like a vehicle if you are direct and have no no intention on turning anywhere you will eventually crash, a speech with flexible techniques such as use of humor can survive longer. I think I might have gotten this question wrong because I might have used colloquium as my answer instead of panel, unless they both allow the use of humor then i might be alright. Thanks to your post I now know whether I got my answer correct or not, Good post!
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