Starting a meeting with the right question can make a world of difference. Crafting fantastic questions for meetings and events is an art—and a science. This guide offers five go-to templates for creating connection-building, purposeful questions that you can easily adapt for any setting. Plus, I’ll share some best practices so that you can master this skill and keep participants engaged from the very start.
The Power of Purposeful Questions
A strong meeting question cuts straight to what matters. Great questions promote what I call “Connection Before Content,” an approach to make people feel heard, valued, and invested right away. I credit the phrase to author Peter Block, who says, “If you’re in a conversation that’s not making a difference, why the hell are you talking?” Thought-provoking questions don’t just open the floor—they make it meaningful.
Let’s dive into five powerful question templates you can adapt to start off any meeting or event.
1. “What is something you know about _________?”
This is a simple yet powerful question designed to let everyone share their existing knowledge on the meeting topic. Whether the blank is “sustainable practices,” “effective leadership,” or “team culture,” the question invites everyone’s insights and sets a collaborative tone.
Example:
What is something you know about impactful communication?
This question works in nearly any context because it encourages sharing and validates each participant’s expertise, making them feel seen and valued. When people know their voices matter, they’re more likely to engage deeply with the meeting content.
Check out our book, Ask Powerful Questions, for more insights on creating a culture of impactful questioning.
2. “What is one of the best examples of _________?”
Asking for examples provides concrete insights and encourages practical sharing. This template helps attendees think beyond their usual viewpoints and can spark new ideas and perspectives in a group.
Example:
What is one of the best recent examples of sustainable energy you’ve come across?
If you’re meeting to discuss new practices, strategies, or solutions, inviting participants to share examples can be invaluable. In today’s information-rich environment, we rarely take structured time to reflect on what we’ve learned—this question provides that opportunity.
3. “What do you think about _________?”
For a question that cuts to the heart of a matter, invite participants’ opinions. Whether you’re exploring a new policy, trend, or direction, asking “What do you think?” fosters an open dialogue. You’ll uncover a spectrum of views that can inform the group’s next steps.
To make this question even more powerful:
- Allow a moment of productive silence for participants to think or jot down their thoughts.
- Then, invite everyone to share their insights.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of introverts. Giving time for reflection helps them prepare and feel comfortable sharing.
4. “In what ways are we doing what we love?”
This question connects people back to the purpose behind their work. Reflecting on “doing what we love” reminds team members why they’re involved and can help reinvigorate commitment, especially if there’s a sense of routine or burnout.
Example:
In what ways are we doing what we love in our current projects?
This question goes beyond the tactical and reconnects participants to their personal motivations, which can improve both morale and productivity. If you need a reset or want to rekindle enthusiasm, this is an excellent question to ask.
5. “What do we aspire to?”
Taking a moment to reflect on values and aspirations can inspire higher engagement and intentional action. This question encourages participants to think about both individual and collective goals.
Example:
What do we aspire to achieve as a team, and how does that align with our current projects?
You might also explore the gap between written values and actual behaviors. This can be an eye-opening exercise, revealing areas for growth and alignment.
Best Practices for Asking Great Questions in Meetings
- Avoid Superlatives
When crafting questions, avoid words like “best” or “favorite,” which can feel intimidating. Instead, ask for “one of the best” or “a memorable example.” These are easier to answer and reduce pressure. - Start with “How” or “What”
Questions starting with “How” or “What” encourage open dialogue without judgment, whereas “Why” questions can make people feel defensive. For example, asking, “What motivates you?” instead of “Why are you here?” can create a more welcoming atmosphere. - Leverage Silence
If you want participants to reflect deeply, allow a brief period of silence for everyone to gather their thoughts. This can lead to more meaningful responses and help introverts feel prepared to contribute.
Want more tools to create connection in meetings? Download our FREE printable cards, book excerpts, and resources here.
Final Thoughts
Each of these question templates serves as a tool to create a meaningful and engaging start to your meeting. Great meeting questions open doors for connection, encourage honest sharing, and set a productive tone. Try one of these templates at your next gathering and see the difference in the level of engagement and insight your team brings.
For more on facilitating powerful conversations, join me live at the Connector Summit, where we’ll dive deeper into using questions to spark connection and creativity.