How to say goodbye in an online meeting

Questions play a crucial role in audience engagement and interaction, as well as in the successful delivery of the message. Not all questions are equally effective; some may generate apathy or even hostility, while others encourage the exchange of ideas.

In this section, we will explore the characteristics that distinguish good questions from bad ones. In addition, we will provide valuable guidelines for formulating them appropriately in the context of a presentation.

Negative characteristics: Questions that do not promote active audience participation or stimulate constructive dialogue are characterized by the following:

• Closed questions: These are questions that can be answered with a simple "no" or "yes", which limits reflection. For example, questions such as "Do you agree?" or "Do you understand what I am saying?" do not generate a meaningful exchange.

• Ambiguous questions: make it difficult for the audience to understand what is expected of them. These questions can be too broad, such as asking "What do you think about this?" without providing clear context.

• Excessive rhetorical questions: Rhetorical questions, which do not expect a literal answer, succeed in emphasizing a specific point. However, their excessive use can be monotonous, as the audience knows that no real answer is expected.

• Overly complex questions: Questions that are too long, complicated or technical can make participants uncomfortable and confusing to answer.

• Biased or prejudiced questions: Questions that imply a personal opinion or obvious bias can generate hostility and negative feelings in the audience. It is important to avoid asking questions that suggest a "right" answer or that may offend or exclude certain individuals or groups.

Positive characteristics: On the other hand, good questions encourage reflection and the exchange of opinions, stimulating critical thinking. This manifests itself in several ways:

• Open-ended questions: they invite the audience to reflect and respond more broadly, taking into account diverse perspectives. These questions allow different approaches to be explored without having a single "right" answer. For example, "What impact do you think this initiative could have on our community?" or "What are your ideas for improving efficiencies in our work process?"

• Thought-provoking questions: Good questions invite the audience to think more deeply about an issue or consider different points of view. These questions challenge participants to analyze, evaluate and argue their opinions, thus fostering a const