Con panel advice

[macloud]

Its not definite but i may be hosting my first ever panel at Minamicon in april.

Please note the "FIRST EVER PANEL" part.

I've got the basic premise of the panel sorted out [ a 1/2 hour panel called "I can’t believe you haven’t read this", which'll be about lesser known manga tiles available in the west.]

But thats about it - any advice? apart from:

[Tora-kun]

There's certainly some weird shit out there that's available in English. It depends how deep you want to go. Are you aiming for atypical non-shonen jump titles, or the more bizarre indie-type stuff?

Some people would consider Tezuka's stuff as non-mainstream, but he's not really imo. Even something like Berserk passes most audiences by. I could bore you with a list of titles, but give us an angle and I could pitch some stuff at you (PM if required).

[macloud]

Thanks but that wont be necessary - ive already got my list of manga i'll be covering.
Waht i really need though is advice on actually runing a panel - what do i need to have prepared beforehand, confidence tips etc.

[Tora-kun]

Cool stuff. A 'just do it' mentality has always helped me in the past in similar circumstances. Be bloody-minded and unrepentant about it! *shonen pose*

[Elliotpage]

I've done a fair few panels at this point, so here's hoping I can give advice.

First of all: You're awesome! You're doing something really cool by taking the step from consuming con events to producing them - thats a really cool thing and you should never feel embarassed (even though that happens anyway)

Otherwise, what Tora says holds- be unrepentant. Cover caveats, but dont do yourself or the things you are covering down.
Also, be bloodyminded! Do NOT let audience members pipe up and hijack your panel. This happens a lot at "Hey, read this" panels, as I can personally attest. Cut them off politely, indicate there will be questions at the end, and that you have a stuff to get through. Do not allow constant de-rails as they ruin the flow not only for you but the rest of the audience.

Be comfortable. If you want to jump around, jump around. If you want to sit, sit. If you hem yourself into a "I MUST DO IT THIS WAY" mindset it comes through to the audience.

Extras: A cheap, £1 poundland bag of sugary treats is always nice. This sounds really dumb, but it can help if people arrive early or you are still setting up and it lets entices people in.
In the case of your panel, a small handout is cool. Just a plain printed list of the items covered as a aide memoire for attendees if they decide to act on your advice.

[macloud]

Basically talk softly, and carry a really big stick - gotcha!

Originally Posted by Elliotpage

In the case of your panel, a small handout is cool. Just a plain printed list of the items covered as a aide memoire for attendees if they decide to act on your advice.

That's already on my "to do" list - any recomendations as to how many printouts i should make?

[Dark Hearted Disco Queen]

I'd be interested to know what is on your list of oddities/ little known manga Maybe post it for us after the con?