Browse resources
Resources
Designing effective polling questions
Last reviewed: 31 August 2026
A clear question gives people a better chance to respond and gives the presenter a result worth using.
Start with the decision
Before writing the question, decide what you want to understand or decide next.
Begin with a purpose
State the decision, discussion or learning point the question should support. If the result will not change what happens next, the question may not need to be asked.
Ask one thing at a time
Avoid combining two ideas in one question. A single, focused question is easier to read, answer and interpret.
Make the response options usable
Use options that cover the likely answers without unnecessary overlap. Give people enough context to choose confidently and keep the wording consistent.