“Questions are the key to unlocking connections.”

Meetings are more than just tasks and updates. They’re the moments to connect with your team.

In a busy workday, meetings can feel rushed and disconnected. A good check-in question at the start of a meeting can shift the entire mood. It helps people feel seen, heard, and included. It brings energy into the room and reminds everyone that they are part of something meaningful.

And when paired with an interactive presentation software, check-ins become even more powerful. You can collect responses live, show word clouds, or run fun polls, all while keeping things simple and engaging.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to use check-in questions in meetings, when to ask them, and how to make them more interactive.

What Are Check-In Questions?

Check-in questions are short, simple questions asked at the beginning of a meeting.

They help:

  • Start a conversation
  • Build connection
  • Understand the team’s mood
  • Encourage participation

They are especially useful in remote or hybrid meetings where people may feel disconnected.

Why Are Check-In Questions Important?

  • Make meetings feel more personal
  • Help shy people speak up early
  • Break the ice and reduce tension
  • Boost trust and team bonding
  • Set a friendly, relaxed tone

When people feel comfortable, they are more likely to share ideas and solve problems together.

Best Practices: Do’s and Don’ts for Check-In Questions

Do’sDon’ts
Keep questions short and simpleAvoid asking personal or sensitive topics
Allow people to pass if they wantDon’t pressure everyone to respond
Match the tone to the meeting typeDon’t use check-ins as performance checks
Use light humor to ease into the meetingAvoid overexplaining the question
Encourage honest, brief responsesDon’t interrupt or judge any answers

When to Use Check-In Questions

1. General Meetings

Check-in questions set a positive and open tone.

Examples:

  • What’s something you’re hoping to get out of today’s meeting?
  • How are you feeling about this week?
  • What’s one thing you’d like to learn today?
  • What’s on your mind right now?
  • If this meeting had a theme song, what would it be?

2. One-on-One Meetings

Build trust and make it easier to share feedback.

Examples:

  • How has your week been so far?
  • What’s been your biggest challenge recently?
  • What support do you need today?
  • What’s one thing that’s going well?
  • Is there anything you’d like to share that we haven’t covered?

3. Team Meetings

Boost connection and alignment among team members.

Examples:

  • What’s one win you’d like to celebrate?
  • How are you feeling about the team’s progress?
  • What’s something you’re excited to work on?
  • What’s one area where we can improve as a team?
  • What’s a highlight from your work week?
Create Your Check-In Questions

4. Daily Meetings

Quick check-ins to gauge team energy and focus.

Examples:

  • What’s your focus for today?
  • Any blockers you’re facing?
  • What’s your energy level this morning?
  • What’s one task you’re excited to tackle?
  • What do you need from the team today?

5. Project Meetings

Check progress and mindset related to project work.

Examples:

  • What’s one challenge you’re seeing in this project?
  • What’s going well so far?
  • Any feedback from stakeholders?
  • What’s your next big milestone?
  • What are you most proud of in this project?

6. Fun/Icebreaker Sessions

Lighten the mood and encourage casual sharing.

Examples:

  • If you were an emoji today, which one would you be?
  • What’s your favorite snack during meetings?
  • If today was a color, what would it be and why?
  • What’s one fun thing you did recently?
  • Coffee, tea, or something else today?

Make It Simple with Interactive Presentation Tools

Interactive presentation software like Slidea offers multiple interactive slide types that work great for check-in questions:

  • Use Open-Ended slides to collect thoughts in detail
  • Try Word Cloud to show common responses visually
  • Use Polls or This or That to spark quick engagement
  • Add Truth or Lie to lighten the mood and energize the room

Participants can respond using a QR code, link, or number code. Their answers appear live, turning check-ins into two-way conversations and no technical skills needed.

Final Thought

A small question can open big doors. The next time you start a meeting, try asking a check-in question. It might just be the spark your team needs to feel connected, seen, and ready to work together.

FAQs

Q1: How often should I ask check-in questions?

A: You can ask one at the start of every meeting or whatever feels natural.

Q2: What if someone doesn’t want to answer?

A: That’s okay. Let people pass. The goal is comfort, not pressure.

Q3: Are check-in questions only for remote teams?

A: No. They’re great for in-person, remote, or hybrid meetings.

Q4: Can I use the same question more than once?

A: Yes! Feel free to repeat them. Answers change with time.