I haven't done too many anime panels but I have been doing panels for about 5 years at cons.
I would suggest mentioning at the beginning at what point in the story you and your panel will discuss. Either see how far most people are at by a show of hands, or just take a stand. I did a Bleach panel last summer and at the very beginning we said we would discuss the story from the Japanese release schedule. Half the audience left (it was still pretty packed) but at least they knew. Just be clear so people don't accidentally get spoiled. Especially if you are going to have the audience discuss things with you (once an audience member totally spoiled Tsubasa Resevoir Chronicles).
A good way to start off your panel would be to mention how you got into CG (as has been mentioned earlier). It's always a good icebreaker.
Trivia games and prizes are fun but I usually find you can't combine that with a discussion type panel, unless the game stuff is at the very end in the last 10 or 20 minutes. It's usually one or the other. Prizes can be pretty cool and if you are handy you can even make cool stuff. (Once my sister did themed pillowcases)
I think talking about stuff like new releases and drama cds etc.. are a good way to go since usually I find a lot of people attending panels are looking for up to date news. (I never would have known about that stuff if I didn't stumble upon this LJ). Also, information on fandom activities and sites are good too. Any interesting merchandise could be put up for display too just so people can get a look at what is available and as cool decoration (just don't bring anything too precious, once a panelist I knew was robbed). Freebies and handouts can be good if they are well designed and/or informative. There have been times when a panelist I knew had brought themed cookies and everyone got a big kick out of it.
I usually don't summarize a story since most of the time the audience is familiar with the series in some aspect and I just sort of give an introduction to it at the beginning. (Unless it's an introduction type panel, then some summaries would be good) I have never done clips mainly because I have never been able to get a tv in time for a panel I wanted to to do. Also when I have attended panels with clips you have to be careful since they have to appear interesting to the entire group and it's not good to have too many or then people are just sitting and watching TV rather then discussing stuff.
Encouraging audience participation is good, and may help guide you and your co-panelists as to what to discuss. Also be very lively and enthusiastic. I think that is the biggest thing. Do not sound bored or tired or super serious. That is what people usually comment to me about afterwards.
Good Luck and have fun!!! Panels are a ton of fun and a really cool way to meet people. :D
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I would suggest mentioning at the beginning at what point in the story you and your panel will discuss. Either see how far most people are at by a show of hands, or just take a stand. I did a Bleach panel last summer and at the very beginning we said we would discuss the story from the Japanese release schedule. Half the audience left (it was still pretty packed) but at least they knew. Just be clear so people don't accidentally get spoiled. Especially if you are going to have the audience discuss things with you (once an audience member totally spoiled Tsubasa Resevoir Chronicles).
A good way to start off your panel would be to mention how you got into CG (as has been mentioned earlier). It's always a good icebreaker.
Trivia games and prizes are fun but I usually find you can't combine that with a discussion type panel, unless the game stuff is at the very end in the last 10 or 20 minutes. It's usually one or the other. Prizes can be pretty cool and if you are handy you can even make cool stuff. (Once my sister did themed pillowcases)
I think talking about stuff like new releases and drama cds etc.. are a good way to go since usually I find a lot of people attending panels are looking for up to date news. (I never would have known about that stuff if I didn't stumble upon this LJ). Also, information on fandom activities and sites are good too. Any interesting merchandise could be put up for display too just so people can get a look at what is available and as cool decoration (just don't bring anything too precious, once a panelist I knew was robbed). Freebies and handouts can be good if they are well designed and/or informative. There have been times when a panelist I knew had brought themed cookies and everyone got a big kick out of it.
I usually don't summarize a story since most of the time the audience is familiar with the series in some aspect and I just sort of give an introduction to it at the beginning. (Unless it's an introduction type panel, then some summaries would be good) I have never done clips mainly because I have never been able to get a tv in time for a panel I wanted to to do. Also when I have attended panels with clips you have to be careful since they have to appear interesting to the entire group and it's not good to have too many or then people are just sitting and watching TV rather then discussing stuff.
Encouraging audience participation is good, and may help guide you and your co-panelists as to what to discuss. Also be very lively and enthusiastic. I think that is the biggest thing. Do not sound bored or tired or super serious. That is what people usually comment to me about afterwards.
Good Luck and have fun!!! Panels are a ton of fun and a really cool way to meet people. :D