How can you use online polls to engage your audience?

1 Choose the right tool

There are many online tools that allow you to create and conduct polls during your presentation. Some of them are integrated with popular platforms like Zoom, PowerPoint, or Google Slides, while others are standalone apps that you can use with any software. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose a tool that suits your style, budget, and audience size. Some of the features you might want to look for are: ease of use, customization, analytics, and interactivity.

2 Plan your polls strategically

Online polls are not just a gimmick. They can help you achieve specific goals and objectives in your presentation. For example, you can use polls to: assess your audience's prior knowledge, expectations, or opinions; test their understanding or retention of your key points; stimulate their curiosity or interest in your topic; solicit their feedback or suggestions; or spark a discussion or debate. To make the most of your polls, you should plan them carefully and align them with your purpose, message, and structure. You should also decide when and how often to use them, and how to present the results.

3 Craft your questions wisely

The quality of your polls depends largely on the quality of your questions. You want to ask questions that are clear, relevant, and engaging. You also want to avoid questions that are too easy, too hard, too vague, too biased, or too controversial. Depending on the type of poll you are using, you can choose from different formats, such as: multiple choice, rating scale, open-ended, or word cloud. You should also consider the number and wording of your options, and the time limit for your respondents.

4 Engage your audience actively

Online polls are not meant to be passive. They are meant to be interactive and dynamic. You should not just show the poll and move on. You should use the poll as an opportunity to connect with your audience, elicit their thoughts and feelings, and create a dialogue. You can do this by: explaining the purpose and instructions of the poll; encouraging your audience to participate and share their opinions; commenting on the results and highlighting interesting or surprising findings; asking follow-up questions or inviting comments; and thanking your audience for their input.

5 Evaluate your polls regularly

Online polls are not only useful for your audience, but also for yourself. They can help you improve your presentation skills and content. You can use the data and feedback from your polls to: measure the effectiveness and impact of your presentation; identify the strengths and weaknesses of your delivery and design; understand the needs and preferences of your audience; and adjust your approach and style accordingly. You should review your polls regularly and look for patterns, trends, and insights that can help you enhance your public speaking online.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?