What is strategic use of questions in public speaking?

The strategic use of questions in public speaking primarily serves to provoke thought and engage the audience. When a speaker poses questions, it invites listeners to participate mentally, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences or viewpoints related to the topic at hand. This engagement helps create a connection between the speaker and the audience, making the presentation more interactive and memorable.

By prompting the audience to think critically, questions can also stimulate discussion and foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This interactive element not only keeps the audience attentive but can also make them feel valued and involved in the conversation, which enhances the overall effectiveness of the speech.

While testing the audience's knowledge, making a speech longer, or simply moving on to the next topic can have their uses, they do not capture the core purpose of using questions strategically in public speaking, which is fundamentally about fostering engagement and enhancing the audience's experience.