Characteristics of a good question

• Keep it simple and use plain English.
• There needs to be enough background information to enable people to understand the context, necessary information and key issues required to formulate an answer. But...
• The question should not be so long that it is difficult to assimilate all the information.
• The question should only have one question in it; beware of making multiple demands.
• The question should be jargon-free and be designed with the target audience in mind.
• The question should prompt reflection and provoke discussion around the implications of proposed options, i.e. a deeper thought, rather than a 'knee-jerk', superficial response. Referring to visual information on the board might be really helpful here.
• The question should be realistic and preferably stem from issues identified as important from previous experience/evidence, rather than simply made up.
• The questions should be pilot tested before they are used in any public setting. Any difficulties with language, ambiguity and misunderstandings should be carefully recorded and the question improved accordingly.
• The question should be part of a set of questions for your exercise. Look at the cumulative impact of the range of questions in line with your specific aims and goals.
• Ensure that you review the success of your questions and send us a case study template, critically reflecting on your questions and RUFkit experiences.