Descriptive Panel Leadership Course Options

DPL 1 is designed for new or early-stage descriptive panel leaders who are beginning to lead panels or who want to strengthen their foundational skills. It is ideal for individuals who have recently stepped into a panel leadership role or who support sensory panels and want a clearer understanding of best practices.

• Explain the role and responsibilities of an effective descriptive panel leader
• Apply basic sensory scaling techniques and evaluation methods
• Form and manage a panel, including panelist selection and motivation
• Develop and apply a basic lexicon for product evaluation
• Design simple test protocols and conduct product evaluations
• Identify common panel challenges and apply introductory strategies to address them
• Summarize and communicate key results appropriately for different audiences

During this course, you will actively apply foundational panel leadership concepts through guided, hands-on practice. You will:

• Participate in interactive sensory exercises to practice scaling, evaluation, and observation skills
• Develop and apply a basic lexicon, gaining experience translating sensory perceptions into shared language
• Collaborate with instructors and peers to work through real-world panel leadership scenarios
• Design and run simple product evaluations using appropriate test controls and protocols
• Practice observing and supporting panel performance during simulated panel sessions
• Explore strategies for motivating panelists and managing common challenges
• Engage in role-playing activities to build confidence addressing difficult dynamics
• Lead or contribute to a simulated panel experience, applying course concepts in a supportive environment
• Create a personal action plan to apply what you’ve learned to your own panel or role