Ex-MP, writer and political podcaster Rory Stewart caused a global sensation last week… with just a turn of his head! The bizarre-looking moment has met with bafflement and mockery. Our view is that Stewart’s intention was exactly right – but that he took it a bit too far.

Stewart was part of a panel on BBC Newsnight. As it came to the turn of fellow panellist Ailbhea Rea to speak, Stewart swung dramatically round in his chair and looked at Rea with an intensity that some have called ‘magnificently strange’ and others a ‘death stare’.

Within a few days, tens of millions of people had viewed the clip, and memes had proliferated. Our favourite caption was, “When your Dad said it’s up to your mum if you can get an ice cream from the van”.

So was there a better place for Rory to direct his gaze? If he had dropped into MSB Executive before going on air, what tips might we have shared with him about best practice when appearing on panels? As it happens, clients preparing for panel events often ask us about this topic. With several possible points of focus – moderator, audience, other guests – where should they look?

Our Advice to Panellists

We say it is right to look at another panellist when the moderator invites them to speak. They have waited, they have listened, and now the floor is theirs. ‘Turn the volume down’ on your own body language and facial expressions so that you do not steal focus from the speaker. If you appear to be trying to upstage them, the audience will think you rude, as though you are talking over the speaker.

However, it is important to give the audience some focus, too. Angle yourself towards them and look around the room. This shows you are open, available for questions and ready to share your expertise. It also allows you to read the room, gauge reactions and even make some small refinements to what you plan to say.

Finally, make sure you have a good eyeline to the moderator so that you can signal politely when you have something to say on the current topic. A good moderator will find the right moment to bring you in without interrupting the flow.

It is worth watching the whole Newsnight segment: Rory Stewart is a skilled and gracious panellist and gives a great example of what we call the positive interruption. The ‘death stare’ does look odd – but only because he’s doing the right thing too dramatically. Stewart’s also a good sport. He has gamely joined in the viral moment by poking fun at himself. Ice creams all round, we think!.