TALKBACK Questions Instructions

TALKBACK Questions is one of the most unique training games you will ever use. TALKBACK Questions can be used as a video or in PowerPoint- slide format. The TALKBACK Questions application uses proven techniques to increase overall retention of your training material. As you present, introduce TALKBACK questions throughout your presentation to improve memory retention, stimulate feedback and discussion as you present. The questions in this product were professionally created to work with almost any training material and uses a blend of memory techniques in their design.

Here’s how it works. As you present you’ll introduce thought provoking questions to randomly selected members of your audience. The kinds of questions that make your learners think about what has just been presented. Imagine how focused your audience will be if they know they may be asked to comment or answer a question at any time during your presentation, and that they will be awarded points for their team if they answer correctly. TALKBACK gives your participants a chance to be a part of the presentation, it’s fun; it’s engaging and most importantly, will help your audience learn!

Contained in the TALKBACK Questions ZIP file are the following:

  1. This Help PDF.
  2. A PPTX (PowerPoint) file for incorporating questions in your own presentations. Slide are made of images which can be copied and pasted into other applications.
  3. TALKBACK Questions HD Video.
  4. TALKBACK Questions SD Video.

The questions are organized in a manner that allows them to be played several different ways. There are 13 questions repeated 4 times for a total of 52 questions. One half of the questions have a red background and the other half have a blue background. Each of the four repeated questions have an assigned point value from 1 to 4.

Playing a game with individual players: Use the 1-4 numbers as points earned for answering a question. Keep track of scores on a blackboard, whiteboard or easel.

Playing with the group divided into 2 teams: Red questions are answered by the red team AND blue questions by the blue team. Optionally, keep track of questions answered correctly or use 1-4 points.

Playing a game with the group divided into 4 teams: In this case, use the numbers (1 – 4) on each question to represent a team. Questions with a 1 on them are answered by Team 1. Keep score allowing each question a standard point value.

If playing in teams, the order of the questions will determine which team gets the question and the team leader will be responsible to determining who gets to answer the question.

If not playing in teams, an option for determining who answers a question could be to use the SIMON SAYS method (any trigger word could be used). When you want to introduce a question, just say SIMON SAYS. The first person to raise their hand or say TALKBACK gets the question and a chance for points.

When and how to present TALKBACK Questions in your presentation:

  1. Depending on the number of questions you want to use, divide the projected presentation time by the questions and present questions based on time.
  2. Determine the key points in your presentation and target them for presenting a question.
  3. Keep it loose. You determine when to present a question depending on how your presentation is moving along.
  4. A combination of the above.

Tips for playing:

As the presenter, explain to the audience that you will not only be presenting, but simultaneously playing a game. In addition, your audience will be able to score points for their participation. Let them know of any prize/s they will receive should they win the game. Prizes can be of value (gift certificate/cash/etc.) or just for fun (big round of applause/extra coffee break/etc.). The presenter explains that occasionally during their presentation, class participants or a team will be selected to provide facts, recaps, questions or other material drawn from the information just presented. It is important that the player response references the specific part of the presentation “just presented”. Finally, the presenter tells the class to “get ready”, because they may be called upon at any time.

PHYSICAL SETUP. Determine how you are going to keep score and set it up ahead of time. If playing in teams, break up the room into even teams of either 2 or 4 groups. Appoint team leaders. Team leaders will be responsible for making sure all their team members have a turn at answering questions.

TALKBACK SETUP. If using the PPTX, then either start it OR move slides into your presentation. If using another format, copy and paste questions as necessary. If using a TALKBACK Questions Video, start the video and immediately PAUSE it. You or an assistant will be starting and stopping the video as needed throughout the presentation.