group and panel disscusion
TRANSCRIPT
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GROUP AND PANEL DISCUTION
Preface
The first edition of Panel Discussion Reworkedrequired a significant number of
changes in pedagogy and content. The changes are primarily to improve the manner
in which some important material is presented and to be sure the content is up-to-
date. There were a number of deeper aspects of the topic that needed to be covered in
more detail with an approach that emphasized the important characteristics of these
aspects. This additional material is the primary reason sections are added to the text
which result in more examples, case studies and border sections of quizzers.
For this edition, objective listing was adopted for the material in each chapter. In
addition, a list of important conclusions and examples are providing at the end of
each chapter. All three elements summarize the material for future review and
application.
This edition provides images, pictorial examples and a wide collection of concerning
videos attached for its enhancement and the best understanding of its user.
We are pleased that the level of accuracy of the text is at a high level after all the
editions. Any suggestions, criticism, or corrections are deeply appreciated. It is our
promise that we will respond to all such input.
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Acknowledgements
Our sincerest appreciation must be extended to the colleagues who have used the text
and sent in comments, corrections, and suggestions. Wealsowant to thankMrs.Lipika
Das for her editorial support of the first edition of this text.
We wish to thank the countless individuals who have shared their suggestions and
evaluations of this text. Their comments and support will enable us to present Panel
Discussion Reworkedin this edition.
The publisher would like to thank Mrs.Lipika Das for her valuable suggestions an
inputs in enhancing the content of this book to suit the requirements of the students.
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Chapter 1
Introduction To Panel Discussion
The panel is another approach to discussion teaching. Differing from general
discussion, question and answer, and buzz groups, the panel is almost always used
with a large group, and generally utilizes panel members who have either differing
points of view on the subject or special training and experience which equip them to
speak authoritatively about the matter. Properly planned, the panel is a small
discussion group performing its discussion before an audience with the objective ofgiving that audience a better understanding of the matter at issue.
Usually there are no prepared speeches and, in the best panels, interaction between
the panel members will make up at least half of the time allotted to the panels
presentation. During that interaction there may be agreement, disagreement,
qualification of points, and defense of various positions.
Although the immediate goal is to gain information from a group of experts, if time
allows the audience should be encouraged to interact with the panel members. In thisway the panel itselfbecomes more than just a purveyor of information and acts also as
a catalyst to get the group to thinking about the issues.
In a one-hour class period you would probably have to allot 10 minutes for
introduction of the subject and panel members and 30 minutes for the presentation
and discussion by the panel. The remaining 20 minutes can be given to audience
reaction. Most of the time a panel discussion is a carefully programmed event built
around the expertise of the panel members. Sometimes, however, it is effective to use
an impromptu panel. In this situation panelists chosen from the class speak off the
cuff on the subject presented to them.
This type of panel can draw out certain opinions and ideas on the subject under
consideration rather than offering authoritative information. In any kind of panel the
room should be properly arranged so that the panel participants can look at one
another while they interact and yet can easily be seen and heard by all members of the
audience. Three or four panelists is probably an ideal number. Any more than five
would tend to make interaction an elusive goal.
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Several variations to the planned panel lend flexibility to its use. Here are three
different approaches:
1.The Guided Panel: The moderator addresses previously prepared questions to the
panel. Obviously this is a very structured approach, but it may be desirable when thepanel members do not know each other or if their points of view are so diverse as to
cause open hostility if free interaction were allowed.
2. The Expanding Panel: In this arrangement a preliminary and explanatory
discussion of a topic is given by a restricted panel. Then the entire group forms a
circle to continue the discussion. In this open discussion time, questions may be
addressed to the panel, but discussion might take place also among the group
members with panel members serving primarily as resources.
3. The Reaction Panel: In this setting the first thing on the program is a speech, a
film, or some other presentation of a point of view. Preselected panel members then
offer a critique of the presentation either by speaking briefly to the issue, interacting
with the speaker, or both. Sometimes it is helpful if the panel members have the
manuscript of the speech in advance or have had opportunity to preview the film.
This way their carefully prepared reactions will give birth to some audience thinking
which might not have occurred without airing of the issues by the panel. Reaction
panels of newsmen often discuss presidential speeches,
Values of Panel Discussions
A good panel discussion can focus attention of the class on what certain experts have
to say about the subject at hand. It is considerably more personal then reading books
about the subject and contains that important educational ingredientinterest. If the
topic is well selected, it is relevant, problematic, controversial, and therefore attracts
attention immediately. Wise selection of the panel members will offer the audience
more than one viewpoint and thereby heighten interest.
Because of the multiplicity of input, the panel discussion offers a breadth and depth
of information which usually exceeds research presented by one speaker. The class
can realize that well-informed people may hold different points of view and yet
maintain respect for one another. The freedom and informality of the panel discussion
removes the pressure of having to prepare a structured speech. Panel members
literally think aloud in front of the class and collectively move toward a solving of the
problem placed before them.
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The input of the panel at the beginning of the period gives the audience some
foundational information upon which their discussion can proceed. Without the panel,
or at least some kind of formal presentation of material, the discussion might
degenerate into a pooling of ignorance. With the presence of the panel, however, the
discussion period becomes a forum for new ideas and experiences in the lives of thegroup.
Problems In The Panel Method
Perhaps the biggest weakness in the use of panel discussions is securing competent
panelists who will do the job well. Even if a man is an expert in his field, when placed
on a panel he may have the tendency to monopolize the time, ramble from the
subject, or ride his hobbyhorse. He might ignore the audience and speak in technical
jargon to the other panel members or even lose his cool in the interaction time,
displaying antagonism toward those who disagree with him. Unless he knows his
panel members well, the teacher takes some risks in setting up a panel discussion.
Another problem is that panel members may not always do justice to a particular
point of view. What happens then is that the class tends to think that position A isbetter than position B simply because A was defended more competently. They will
invariably gravitate toward the effective presentation rather than the position that
makes the most sense logically or biblically.
Closely connected with this problem is the possibility of disorganization in the panel.
Since ideas and viewpoints are flowing informally, the information often lacks logical
sequence and arguments are hard to follow. Sometimes students find it more difficult
to listen to a panel than to an individual speaker because of this collage of ideas
thrown at them in a short period of time.
Advantages Disadvantages PreparationExperts present differentopinions.
Can provoke betterdiscussion than a one persondiscussion
.Frequent change of speaker
Personalities mayovershadow content.
Experts are often noteffective speakers.Subject may not be in logicalorder.
Not appropriate for
Moderator coordinates focusof panel, introduces andsummarizes.
Moderator briefs panel.
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keeps attention from lagging elementary age students.Logistics can be troublesome
Principles For The Effective Use Of Panels
Obviously the values of panel discussion as a communicating technique are going to
be dependent upon several critical factors. If those factors are not handled positively,
the difficulties of the panel may outweigh the benefits. This of course does not have
to be the case.
The following items are crucial in making the system work. If they can be controlled
and positively utilized, the panel discussion will be a very useful teaching method.
The moderator must be a highly qualified and competent individual. Withoutdoubt
the moderator is more strategic in the effective use of the panel discussion than the
panel members themselves. He sets the stage with the initial remarks and keeps the
discussion on target during the interaction time. He has the difficult responsibility ofcalling time on the panel members if a brief period of presentation is afforded each of
them.
During the open discussion time, he clarifies questions given by the audience and
may also find it necessary to explain answers offered in return by the panel members.
If necessary, he may have to break up verbal conflicts before they actually get
underway. He prods panel members for reactions to something which another has
said, structures questions to keep the flow of information moving, and summarizes
the conclusions at the end. All of this is a very difficult task and can mean the successor failuree panel experience.
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The of the subject for discussionshould be of importance to the group and worded in
the form of a specific question. It is futile,for example, to get a group of experts
together for 30 minutes to discuss sex education. One might talk about sex education
in the school, another in the home; still another may pull out some biblical aspects of
sex. The end result would be a hodgepodge of nothingness because no specificdirection was indicated for the panel.
Try to load the panel with different points of view. It will be of no value to the group
if every panel member says the same thing, and the time is spent watching them pat
each other on their ideological backs. One of the major purposes of a panel is to air
different positions. For this reason, it is necessary to bring together persons of similar
competence so that those positions will have fair and equal hearings.
Always allow time for a summaryof the discussion. The summary might take place attwo points: immediately after the panel finishes, to pull together ideas which they
have presented; and at the end of the expanded session, to crystallize any conclusions
which have emerged from the total experience.
Chapter 2:
How To Conduct ASuccessful Panel Discussion.
Depending on the importance of the topic, different panels operate within different
rules. Some panels, for example, expect consistency and conformity of opinion
among the panel members. Other times, it's expected that panel members will
disagree and even aggressively debate the topics under discussion. Be open to the fact
that each panel member has different strengths and perspectives, so it is important to
know the basic skills to conduct a panel discussion.
1. Identify the goal and purpose of your panel discussion:a. Establish what you want to achieve by conducting the discussion, and
what general questions will be answered. Focus on 1 or 2 main topics
to direct the panel discussion in an organized way.
2. Invite experts to become panelist:a. Choose knowledgeable, well-educated experts or individualsfrom
diverseperspectives, each of whom has expertise on the topic.Invite
local coordinators and community partners to participate in paneldiscussions that involve projects within your community. Apanelist
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does not have to have an impressive degree or years of experience to
offer insightful discussion during the presentation.
b. Invite panelists at least three or three weeks prior to the discussion to
allow them time to prepare.
c. [Ensure Comfortable seats that allow panelists to face each other, and
no table as barrier to the audience.]
3. Event format:Provide panelists with a clear understanding of the event
format, types of question that will be asked and whats expected of the
panelists. Several days prior to the event, send an email to the panelists,
including logistics, dress code, room setup and expected attendance. Help
them feel confident that the experience will be well organized and positive so
they can focus on their own performance.
4. Select and invite a moderator:a. A moderator who understands the issues, listens carefully to the
panelists, and can roll with the flow but keep to the key issues.
Sometimes the facilitator has to gracefully interrupt panelists to keep a
good momentum going.
b. Pick a moderator who will keep the conversation moving, adhere toand enforce the guidelines and rules of the panel discussion, and can
act as an emcee for the event.
5. Determine the rules for the panel discussion:a. Establish the guidelines for open discussion, if that's how you wish the
panel discussion to proceed. Open discussion panel forums usually
begin with a question and conversation ensues between panelists based
on their comments. Guidelines often include a time limit for each
discussion item.
b. Create time limits for limited discussion methods. Many times eachpanelist will be allowed a certain amount of time to answer each
question as asked by the moderator. Discussion between panelists does
not occur in this type of format.
c. Determine how questions from the audience will be handled. Someformats allow questions during the panel discussion. Others provide
time after the panel discussion for audience members to ask questions
of the panelists.Distribute the rules of the panel discussion to the
invited panelists.
6. Write questions for the panelists:Questions should be open-ended andrequire more than "yes" or "no" answers. Create more questions than you
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think you will need in case the panel discussion proceeds more quickly than
anticipated.
7. Present and introduce the panelists at the beginning of the paneldiscussion:
Introduce the moderator, and he should inform the audience of the purpose of the
discussion and provide a brief summary of the discussion format and rules. The
moderator should give a short biographical introduction of the panelists before
leading into the panel discussion.
8. Conduct the discussion as planned, following the established rules.a. The moderator should ask questions and coordinate the discussion as
planned.
9. Conclude the panel discussion with a summary and closing remark.a. The moderator should thank the audience and panelists, and give any
pertinent information for follow-up activities or events.
b. After the event, gather audience feedback on the meeting and topic,
your panel and you. Share positive comments with the panelists. Useconstructive criticism to improve your next panel and your own
performance.
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Chapter 3:
The Moderator and His Importance
In a perfect world, there really isnt a need for a panel moderator, just like there isnt
a need for a soccer referee. But because some panelists dominate discussions, others
dont contribute much, and discussions tend to go off-topic, the panel moderator plays
an important role.
But while the role is an important one, the moderator should always remember that
they are not the stars of the show, even though some of them may be stars in their
own right. The moderators role is to bring out a good discussion from the panel, and
stay out of the way when its happening. Just like you dont want the soccer referee tobe kicking the ball or worse, scoring a goal.
Sure, there are times when it makes sense for the moderator to give an introductory
presentation to help the audience have a basic understanding of the topic at hand, but
it would do well for the moderator to remember that it should be introductory, and as
brief and succinct as possible. Its tempting to add in fascinating bits of information
to interest the audience, but this should be left for the panelists to do.
Once the introductions to the topic and the panelists are out of the way, the discussion
proper commences. This is probably the toughest part of the moderators job, and this
is where a good moderator makes the greatest difference.
Nothing is more unfair and disrespectful to the audience than for a discussion to go
completely off topic. The audience has chosen to invest their time to listen to a
discussion on that topic, so the moderator should keep checking and deciding if
theres a need to pull the conversation back on topic. But unlike in a so ccer game
where the referee blows the whistle every time the ball crosses the white line, themoderator has a large gray area to work with. And even if a panelist goes off topic,
the moderator has to exercise judgmentis the off-topic anecdote interesting enough
and short enough to be allowed through? Or is the audience getting impatient, so that
the moderator should step in?
Then there are panelists who talk too much, and those who contribute too little. The
reason we have panels is so that we can hear different views on a topic. If a panelist
dominates the discussion, or a panelist doesnt contribute enough, the audience is
shortchanged, and things arent moderate anymore.
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If the moderator can keep the discussion on topic with all panelists contributing more
or less equally, that would make the moderator a pretty good moderator, but not a
great one. A great moderator introduces tension into the discussion tension in the
form of controversies, contradictions, and conflicts.
Controversies:
Almost all topics have their controversies, and a good and easy way to create tension
is for the moderator to ask the panelists on their view of the latest controversies.For
example Would itbe a good idea for Singapores ruling political party to blog? I
might ask a panel discussing blogging in Singapore. The best controversies will bring
out different views from different panelists.
Contradictions:
It takes a sharp moderator to catch the contradictions made by the panelists. For
exampleYou mentioned X just now, but now you seem to be saying Y. Could you
clarify this? or, you once mentioned X in your blog, but now youre saying Y
The panelist who self-contradicts is not giving the audience enough respect,
especially if that panelist hopes to get away it. The audience will appreciate the
moderator who catches this, and soon the moderator will be seen as the star of the
show. Wait; did I just contradict myself about being the star?
Conflicts:
Its hard to catch panelists contradicting themselves, but its much easier to catch
them contradicting one another, giving the moderator a chance to create conflict. For
example:Panelist A mentioned X just now. What is your view on X? Good
panelists (and dominant ones as well) will create conflict on their own, but quieter
panelists would need a little more prodding. Again, conflict helps to add more views
to the discussion, besides creating tension. Of course, the amount of conflict should
be controlled, even though an escalation to physical conflict may make the panel a lotmore memorable for the audience. So far, Ive never encountered very serious (or
exciting) conflicts during panel discussions. Unless you count the part when the
audience gets to ask questions.
Then you have the audience member who rambles on and on before reaching the
question, assuming that they even have a question. Nothing is more annoying than the
audience member who needs to make a statement, or monopolizes the microphone. A
good moderator must know how to firmly but politely remind the audience to get to
the question quickly, and dismiss anything irrelevant. That audience member withissues may hate the moderator, but everyone else would be in love.
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And when the time is up, the moderator must know how to give the session closure
usually by asking for some final words from the panel. Again, this should be kept
short.
Chapter 4:
Important Tips To Be A Good Moderator
The purpose of a panel discussion is to bring together top talent in one area so that a
group of experts can share and build upon each others experience. Panel discussionsare useful if an issue is too complex for one person to handle, or if the audience needs
to be exposed to various people or viewpoints at the same session. Typically, panel
discussions have a goal in mind, whether to introduce a new concept, disseminate
facts, show different points of view, get people thinking in a new direction, or any
one of a hundred other possibilities.
Unfortunately, many panel discussions fall short of their objective and deteriorate into
long-winded, disjointed, and boring mini-presentations from the various panel
members. This is why having an effective panel moderator is so important. Even the
most brilliant panelists need someone to guide the discussion, keep everyone on task,
and ensure that the audience is engaged in a meaningful and lively discussion that
ultimately benefits them.
To succeed as a panel moderator, use the following ten tips.
1. Keep the Panel Small and Focused:
Just because youre having multiple perspectives on a topic doesnt mean you need an
army of panelists. Panels that are too large are unwieldy and difficult to manage,
while panels that are too small make it difficult to flesh out all the points of view. The
ideal panel number is the fabulous fourfour experts in the chosen topic who have
different experiences and who dont always agree with each other.
2. Get to Know Your Panel Members:
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Gather the panelists ahead of time on a conference call to discuss the content and the
format of the session. Plan out whether each speaker will be given a set amount of
time, or if the session will be wholly interactive, meaning a moderator firing
questions at the panel. If each speaker has a set amount of time, determine which
panelist will focus on which part of the topic to keep from duplicating presentationpoints. Finally, collect biographies of the speakers for introduction purposes. Make
sure you have the pronunciation of each speakers name correct.
3. Plan the Questions Ahead of Time:
No one likes to be surprised by curveball questions. And while a little controversy
and throwing people off guard can keep things interesting, you want your panel
members to feel comfortable and confident in the topic at hand. Therefore, plan two
or three questions per panel member, and send them your questions ahead of time.Ask that they dont create scripted answers to your questions, but that they merely
review the questions and come up with some bullet points to discuss during the panel
presentation.
4. Meet and Greet the Day or Night of the Event:
Arrange for you and your panel members to meet in the Speakers Lounge or the
actual session room to introduce them and check in. Plan to arrive at either location at
least 30-45 minutes before the session is due to start. Hold a brief rehearsal,reviewing the format of the session and either the questions youll start with or who
will present first. Also use this time to hook up and test any equipment, check
microphones, set up notes, and get settled before the audience arrives.
5. Open with a Brief Reference to the Topic Being
Discussed:The moderator sets and maintains the tone for the panel discussion, so its important
to welcome the audience and lead into the topic with a short hook. A lengthy story is
not appropriate, but a short quote, analogy, or anecdote will kick off the discussion,
warm up the audience, and highlight the importance of the event.
6. Introduce the Panel Members:
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When it comes to introducing the panel members, you have two options. 1) You can
have each panel member introduce him or herself with a short two-minute
introduction, or 2) You can introduce the panelists. With the first option, you give the
audience a chance to settle in and have a more personal connection to the panel
members. With the second option, you set a more formal tone. With either option,make sure you or the panel member adds a human element to the introduction.
Simply listing job titles and credentials gets boring; therefore, try to mention some
interesting tidbits, such as, Jack is the father of quadruplets, or Shirley is also a
backyard gardener who specializes in award-winning tomatoes.
7. Keep the Focus on the Panel, Not on You:
Even though you may be a well known expert in the topic or have some celebrity
status in your industry, dont make the panel discussion about yourself. Your role is
to guide the conversation, maintain an appropriate tone, keep people on task, and
ensure everyone gets ample time to present his or her point of view. You are not there
to give a formal presentation or state your opinions, so for now, keep them to
yourself.
8. Picking the right panel members:
Often, a moderator is asked to select the panel (cricket commentary), this isnt always
the case, but more than likely you will be involved in the approval process. Find folks
that are experts in the field and have varying points of view. It has been found that 3-
4 panelists is ideal, any less becomes difficult to flesh out all the viewpoints , and
anymore becomes unwieldy.
9. Prepare Your Cutoff Phrases Ahead of Time:
Be prepared to cut off long-winded panel members or those who ramble off topic.Having some pre-planned cutoff phrases helps. For example, if someone goes off on a
tangent that is not useful to the overall topic, you could interrupt and say, You have
an interesting point there, but we want to know more about ________. Likewise, if
someone is dominating the discussion, watch the persons natural breathing rhythm
and then interject between breaths, Thank you, Julie. Now lets hear Bobs
perspective on this topic. Its always best to ask the panel members what cutoff
phrases they respond to. Tell them you will use this tactic for keeping the discussion
focused and on time.
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11. Have Microphones in the Audience for the Question and
Answer Session:
Before opening the floor for questions, tell the audience any ground rules for askingquestions that you want them to follow. Then, encourage the audience to ask
questions, but never turn the microphone over to an audience member. If an audience
member starts to drone on, politely interrupt and ask him or her to state a question. If
an audience member asks a question thats overly specific to a single panelist or
otherwise not particularly relevant to the concerns of the wider audience, dont be
afraid to say, Thats an interesting question and perhaps better addressed in depth by
Panelist A after the wider Q&A were doing now. Finally, if youre in a big room,
not everyone will hear the questions when theyre asked, so always repeat the
question. Add one quick summary comment after each question to transition to the
next question.
12. Give a Gracious Thank You to Each Panel Member:
You certainly cant thank your panelists enough for sharing their expertise. In
addition to a verbal thank you after the panel discussion, some people give their
panelists a small gift at the event or send a handwritten note afterwards, or both. If
you received positive feedback from your audience about the paneleither on
feedback forms or just informally after the sessionyou should convey that
information to your panelists.
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Chapter 5:
Preparation For The Meeting
....
To be a successful moderator one must take his time out and prepare for the meeting, it is
important for all to know what to prepare, so the following list will help in pointing the
important grounds that need attention while preparation
Get to know the panelists:
This is often difficult as many panels never meet in advance, but in our social
world many folks are online and can be found. Do Google searches on their
name and the topic at hand, and you may be surprised what you find online.
Research the topic:
The most entertaining panels have a dash of debate, look at an issue from
many angles, practical steps to get started, and tell a few jokes. Find where the
points of contention are and be sure to bring it up, this is how youll bill the
panel. Use a blog post, Twitter or other feedback tool to glean questions from
the community.
Properly market the panel:
Successful panels will often have a title that is catchy, in tune for the
conference, and has a detailed summary of what the audience will get out of it.
You should blog about the upcoming panel, and the panelists should too.
Develop agenda bulletpoints:
I try to establish some general high level bullets, 3-5 is good, so it helps the
panelists to prepare and research. Dont get into overly detailed questions, you
never want them to be overly rehearsed. I always have some secondary
questions if no one asks questions, and its best to throw some curve balls to
panelists after they warm up.
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Have prepared notes:
Print out the research you did of their bios, points of contention, the high level
agenda, and follow up questions you may want to do. Im known for requiring
the panelists to bring a case study or example with measurable results.
Before you use power points, really think it through:
In most cases, panels should focus on the discussion and interaction between
the panelists. Presentations should only be used in these situations: They add
value by visualizing a conceptual concept, youve some industry stats that
preface the event, or theres a funny video that gets the crowd warmed up.
Have a mental checklist: Is this going to add value? Does this give each
panelist an equal response? Is this truly necessary?
Have a pre-briefing meeting:
Its really hard to get panelists to all get on the phone together, I can only
think of a few times when this has worked. Instead, have a quick meeting in
person before the panel actually happens, it will only take 15 minutes. This is
good bonding time be sure to remind them of the general structure, but make
sure theyre relaxed and going to have fun. Listen carefully to the
conversation, as youll pick up interest points that will help you setup
questions while on stage.
Housekeeping:
Prepare all your notes, laptops, make sure everyone has water before you get
on stage, in some cases, plan out where folks will sit. Remind the panelists,yourself, and the audience to turn off cell phones. Smile a lot, and have
funok, now we get on stage.
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