Are you eagerly awaiting an event solely for the guest speaker? You’re not alone in that anticipation. Many of us find ourselves in that position, attending events just to hear from someone who serves as our role model or a great source of inspiration. Whether you’re hoping to have a chance to chat with them or to ask insightful questions during their speech, it’s essential to be well-prepared.
Being prepared means having a set of thoughtful questions ready, especially if there’s an opportunity for audience interaction. To ensure you make the most of this golden chance, we’ve compiled a list of questions tailored for engaging with guest speakers.
Take a moment to peruse the following questions, and equip yourself with the tools to engage meaningfully with the guest speaker. Whether you get a chance to shake hands or pose a question during the Q&A session, you’ll be ready to make the most of the occasion.
Also check – catering questions to ask clients / business quiz questions
Questions to ask guest speaker
1. When did you know you wanted this job?
2. How did your earlier career choices lead you to where you are now?
3. What career mistake has given you the biggest lesson?
4. What research did you do to prepare for this role?
5. What was your first “win” that made you confident that you were doing the right thing?
6. How do you avoid being complacent in your role?
7. What is the biggest risk that you’ve taken?
8. What did you do at work yesterday? (This is a spin on the “what is a typical day” question that will yield more specific, informative answers.)
9. How can we advance the [field/topic/industry]?
10. How has the [field/topic/industry] changed in the past 5 years? What do you predict will happen in the next 5 to 10 years?
11. What is the biggest challenge in the [field/topic/industry] at the moment?
12. What are the most critical changes that we must make to face the future effectively?
13. What effect has [specific technology] made on the [field/topic/industry]?
14. Who is making the greatest advancements in the [field/topic/industry], and what are they doing?
15. What is the most interesting trend for 2021?
16. What do you think the best outcome for the [audience/industry/planet] would be?
17. What is the number one way we can make a substantial difference?
18. In your publication [book/article/etc] you stated that [view point]. How did you come to that? [Follow up question to another panelist]: Do you have a different perspective?
19. What made you decide to tackle this subject? How did you get into the [industry/field], and why do you stay?
20. What are some of the ways people from your [industry/field] are making a difference in the world?
21. What has helped you get to where you are [influential/effective/in the forefront] and what advice would you have for others who want to set off in a similar direction?
22. What are common misconceptions people have? How can we combat these misconceptions and communicate more effectively?
23. Do you remember a specific experience of where you wished that [you/your organization/your industry] had done something differently? If you were to do it over, what would you change?
24. A follow-up to the previous question: By way of comparison, do you remember something you’ve done or something you wish everyone was doing, and why?
25. What’s the question you are most tired of hearing on this subject, and what would you like to say about it so you never have to answer it again?
26. What question would you like to hear [specific panelist] answer?
27. What is one piece of practical advice you would give to someone starting out?
28. What is the best resource for people who want to dive in deeper?
29. Is there anything we’re leaving out here that needs to be addressed?
Related: Active Listening & Asking Quality Questions / Signs Your Boss Sees You As A Leader
Conclusion
Here’s a compilation of top-notch questions tailored for engaging with guest speakers. Our aim was to include generic questions that resonate across various fields, ensuring everyone can find relevance in them when interacting with the guest speaker. We trust you found these questions insightful and beneficial. Thank you for visiting our page, and remember, we’re always here to assist you. Be sure to check back for more articles in the future.
