Would You Rather Questions for Public Speaking Groups (42+ Ideas)

Running out of ways to spark lively discussion in your public speaking community? Would You Rather questions are a playful and effective tool to energize members, inspire creativity, and break the ice. Use these ready-made prompts to get everyone talking and sharing their unique perspectives.

Public Speaking 42 Templates

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Why This Works

Would You Rather questions tap into our natural curiosity and encourage members to think outside the box. By offering two intriguing options, these prompts invite participants to share their preferences and the reasoning behind them, which often leads to deeper conversations and surprising insights.

This content type works especially well in public speaking communities because it helps members explore different scenarios they may face on stage, consider their personal speaking style, and reflect on their comfort zones. The playful tone lowers barriers to participation, making even shy members more likely to join in. Ultimately, these prompts foster a sense of camaraderie and help members learn from one another's experiences.

42 Ready-to-Use Templates

1

Would you rather deliver a speech to 100 strangers or 10 close friends? Share your choice!

πŸ’‘ Example: "I would rather speak to 100 strangers because it feels less personal."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #audience #comfort zone
2

Would you rather use no notes or only have 2 minutes to prepare your talk?

πŸ’‘ Example: "No notes! I need a little time to collect my thoughts."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #preparation #challenge
3

Would you rather give a speech standing or sitting? Tell us why you chose that.

πŸ’‘ Example: "Standing helps me feel more confident on stage."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #delivery #style
4

Would you rather speak on a stage with bright lights or in a dimly lit room?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Dimly lit room feels less intimidating to me."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #environment #stage
5

Would you rather present with slides or props? Which helps you more?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Slides keep me organized, so I choose them!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #visuals #tools
6

Would you rather have a 5-minute speech on a topic you love or a 20-minute speech on a topic you know little about?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I prefer the 5-minute speech on my favorite topic!"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #passion #knowledge
7

Would you rather answer tough audience questions or get no questions at all?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Tough questions help me learn, so I choose those."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #Q and A #audience
8

Would you rather forget your opening or your closing line? Why?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I would rather forget the closing. First impressions matter most."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #memory #structure
9

Would you rather give a speech outdoors or in a formal auditorium?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Outdoors feels more relaxed to me."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #venue #atmosphere
10

Would you rather present to a silent audience or one that reacts loudly?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I love energy, so a loud audience for me!"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Top #audience #feedback
11

Would you rather use humor in every speech or always stay serious?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Humor helps me connect, so I choose that."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #style #tone
12

Would you rather have a speech recorded or only remembered by those present?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I like the idea of a recording to revisit and improve."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #legacy #impact
13

Would you rather get constructive criticism or only positive feedback after your talk?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Constructive criticism helps me improve."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #feedback #growth
14

Would you rather use a microphone that is too loud or too quiet?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Too quiet is less distracting than too loud."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #tech #equipment
15

Would you rather improvise your speech or write it out word for word?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I like improvising, it feels more natural."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #preparation #style
16

Would you rather speak about a personal story or share research data?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Personal stories make a bigger impact for me."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #content #personal
17

Would you rather present with a co-speaker or solo? Why?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I like sharing the stage with a co-speaker!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #teamwork #preference
18

Would you rather address a group of kids or senior citizens?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Kids are fun, so I pick them."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #audience #age group
19

Would you rather have more time to rehearse or more time for Q and A?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I would like more Q and A time."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #preparation #audience
20

Would you rather deliver a keynote or host a panel discussion?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Keynote speeches are my favorite."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #event type #format
21

Would you rather speak first or last at an event? Share your strategy.

πŸ’‘ Example: "Speaking first helps me set the tone."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Top #timing #event
22

Would you rather forget your slides or your water bottle?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I would rather forget my water bottle."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #preparation #essentials
23

Would you rather use creative props or engaging stories in your speech?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I love using stories to connect."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #tools #storytelling
24

Would you rather face a technical glitch or a disruptive audience?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Technical glitches are easier to fix than people!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #challenge #audience
25

Would you rather be known as a funny speaker or an inspiring one?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Inspiring others is my goal."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #reputation #style
26

Would you rather give a speech with no visuals or only visuals and no words?

πŸ’‘ Example: "No visuals for me, I trust my words."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #delivery #tools
27

Would you rather get last-minute topic changes or last-minute venue changes?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Venue changes are less stressful for me."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #adaptability #event
28

Would you rather warm up with tongue twisters or breathing exercises before speaking?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Tongue twisters are my favorite warm-up."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #preparation #warm-up
29

Would you rather speak at a conference or a community meetup? Why?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Community meetups are less formal and more fun."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #event #preference
30

Would you rather lose your place in your notes or have your slides freeze?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I would rather my slides freeze."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #challenge #tech
31

Would you rather have a standing ovation or receive thoughtful written feedback?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Thoughtful feedback helps me grow."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Top #feedback #recognition
32

Would you rather deliver a speech entirely in rhyme or only use questions?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Speaking in questions would be fun and interactive!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #creativity #challenge
33

Would you rather have your speech broadcast live or available on-demand later?

πŸ’‘ Example: "On-demand speeches reach more people."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #format #audience
34

Would you rather use hand gestures or facial expressions to connect with your audience?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Hand gestures keep me animated and engaging."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #delivery #connection
35

Would you rather have to fill in for a missing speaker or extend your own talk at the last minute?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I would rather extend my own talk."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #flexibility #event
36

Would you rather speak on a topic you are passionate about or be paid double for a less interesting topic?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Passion is worth more than money for me."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #motivation #value
37

Would you rather have a noisy background or an unpredictable audience?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Unpredictable audiences keep me on my toes."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #distraction #challenge
38

Would you rather be remembered for your storytelling or your knowledge?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Storytelling makes messages last."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #legacy #strengths
39

Would you rather use humor to recover from a mistake or just move on?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Humor helps lighten the mood for everyone."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #recovery #style
40

Would you rather prepare with a group or alone? What works better for you?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I get more done when I prepare alone."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #preparation #preference
41

Would you rather speak about failure or success stories?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Failure stories are more relatable."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #content #theme
42

Would you rather use a teleprompter or cue cards?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Cue cards feel more flexible to me."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #tools #preparation

How to Use These Templates

To use these templates, simply copy and paste a Would You Rather question into your community platform of choice. Encourage members to not only vote or pick an option, but also share why they chose it. You can schedule these prompts as weekly conversation starters, use them as icebreakers before events, or integrate them into speaker training sessions. For even more engagement, invite members to suggest their own Would You Rather scenarios.

Best Practices

  • Keep scenarios lighthearted and relevant to public speaking.
  • Encourage members to explain their choices for deeper discussion.
  • Rotate question types to appeal to both beginners and experienced speakers.
  • Avoid controversial or overly complex scenarios.
  • Use visuals or polls where possible to boost interaction.

All Platforms Tips

For all platforms, keep questions concise and easy to read. Use polls or emoji reactions if your platform supports them. Pin or highlight Would You Rather posts to maximize visibility. Respond to comments to encourage further sharing. Adapt the frequency of these prompts based on your community's activity level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tailor 'Would You Rather' questions to address common public speaking fears, like stage fright or forgetting lines?

Integrate scenarios that reflect real anxieties, such as: 'Would you rather forget your opening line or your closing statement during a keynote?' This not only sparks discussion but also normalizes common challenges, allowing group members to share coping strategies and support.

Is it more effective to use 'Would You Rather' questions centered around impromptu speaking versus prepared speeches in this community?

Both have value, but alternating between impromptu and prepared speech scenarios (e.g., 'Would you rather deliver a 5-minute impromptu speech on an unknown topic or a 20-minute prepared speech on a familiar subject?') helps members reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, and preparation strategies relevant to public speaking.

Can I use 'Would You Rather' prompts to spark debate on controversial public speaking techniques, like using filler words or scripted gestures?

Absolutely. Questions like 'Would you rather pause in silence or use a filler word when you lose your train of thought?' directly address divisive issues in public speaking, encouraging members to discuss best practices and personal preferences in a non-judgmental format.

How do I ensure 'Would You Rather' questions remain inclusive of various public speaking formats, such as virtual presentations vs. in-person events?

Include prompts that compare different formats, like 'Would you rather present to a virtual audience of 200 or an in-person audience of 20?' This acknowledges the range of public speaking experiences and engages members with diverse backgrounds.

What are some ways to use these questions to help members practice audience analysis skills?

Pose dilemmas that require considering the audience, such as 'Would you rather adapt your speech for a corporate board or a group of high school students?' This encourages participants to think critically about tone, language, and contentβ€”key aspects of audience analysis in public speaking.

How can I use 'Would You Rather' questions to highlight the importance of nonverbal communication in speeches?

Craft questions that contrast nonverbal elements, for example, 'Would you rather deliver a speech with perfect eye contact but poor vocal variety, or vice versa?' This opens up targeted discussions about the impact of body language, facial expressions, and vocal delivery in effective public speaking.

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