Chairing a meeting: Questions' intonation

Chairing a meeting: Questions' intonation

When chairing a meeting, you might have to ask questions to the participant. However, different questions might have different intonation patterns.

Take a look at the following questions. They require a 'yes' or 'no' questions. They are usually called 'yes or no questions'.

• Do you agree with this proposal?

• Are the benefits of this proposal clear?

• Are there any other quesions?

Look at the image on the right. As you can see, the intonation of the question goes 'up'.

Listen to the intonation of the sentences on the last flipchart.

You also might have questions that generate an 'open answer' instead of 'yes or no'. These are called 'Wh- Questions'. Check the examples below:

• What's the name of your main competitor?

• Which other markets can be explored?

• What's the profit margin?

  
  

Look at the image on the right. As you can see, the intonation of the question goes 'down'.

Listen to the intonation of the sentences on the last flipchart.

Now that you know it, look at the questions. Decide if the intonation should go 'up' or 'down'.

Multiple Choice

Do you think we should invest in sales?

• Intonation goes up

• Intonation goes down

Multiple Choice

How much can we invest in marketing?

• Intonation goes up

• Intonation goes down

Multiple Choice

Do you think this is the right time for a transition?

• Intonation goes up

• Intonation goes down

Multiple Choice

Are there any other points to consider?

• Intonation goes up

• Intonation goes down

Multiple Choice

What's the best way to approach this situation?

• Intonation goes up

• Intonation goes down

Multiple Choice

Why is this time period so long?

• Intonation goes up

• Intonation goes down

Congratulations! Keep on practicing to learn even more. Cheers!