4 Ways to Run a Microsoft Teams Poll During Meetings

In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication and collaboration are paramount. Microsoft Teams, a leading platform for workplace collaboration, offers various features to enhance meetings, one of which is the ability to create and run polls. Polls empower meeting participants to engage actively, share opinions, and provide valuable feedback in real time. Conducting a poll can help gather insights and streamline decision-making processes. In this article, we will explore four different ways to run a Microsoft Teams poll during meetings.

1. Using Microsoft Forms Integration

One of the most straightforward methods for creating a poll in Microsoft Teams is through the integration with Microsoft Forms. This feature is beneficial because it allows for real-time collaboration and provides visual results during the meeting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Poll with Microsoft Forms

Step 1: Access Microsoft Forms

Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the channel where you want to conduct the meeting.
Locate the “+” icon at the top, which allows you to add a tab.
From the apps menu, select "Forms."

Step 2: Create a New Form

Click on "Create a quiz" or "Create a form," depending on your polling needs.
Enter a title for your poll and add a description if necessary.

Step 3: Add Questions

You can choose from different question types: multiple choice, text, rating, or date.
After adding the question, you can provide answer choices, set correct answers for quizzes, or adjust the point value if relevant.

Step 4: Share the Poll in a Meeting

Once the poll is created, start your Microsoft Teams meeting.
To share the poll, click on the chat icon in your meeting interface.
Select your newly created poll from the Forms tab and click "Send" to share it with the participants.

Viewing Responses

After sharing the poll, participants can respond directly in the chat. As the meeting organizer, you can see the results in real-time. Once everyone has participated, or at a designated point, review the results with the group, leading to informed discussions.

Advantages of Using Microsoft Forms

Easy to Use: The interface is user-friendly and intuitive.
Visual Feedback: Real-time responses make it a dynamic part of your meeting.
Integration: Seamlessly connects with other Microsoft 365 tools.

2. Leveraging Built-in Polling Options in Teams

Microsoft Teams offers built-in polling functionality that allows you to create quick polls within a channel or during a meeting without leaving the platform. This feature is suitable for casual polling or instant feedback from participants.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Built-In Polling Features

Step 1: Start Your Meeting

Join or initiate your scheduled Microsoft Teams meeting.
Ensure all participants are present before launching the poll.

Step 2: Open the Poll Feature

In the meeting controls, locate the "…" (More actions) menu.
From the dropdown menu, select “Poll.”

Step 3: Create the Poll

A window will appear prompting you to create your poll.
Enter your question and answer options.
You can choose to allow participants to select more than one option if that fits your polling needs.

Step 4: Launch the Poll

Once the polling question is set up, you can choose to launch it immediately or save it for later in the meeting.
Click on "Launch Poll" to send it out to the participants.

Viewing Results

Participants will see the poll appear on their screens, and they can respond instantly. You, as the meeting host, can monitor the results in real-time and, when ready, display the results on-screen using the “Show results” option in the Poll dialog.

Advantages of Built-In Polling

Instant Feedback: Get immediate responses that can guide the flow of discussion.
No Third-Party Tools Required: Keeps the meeting within the Teams environment.
User Accessibility: Participants can easily engage with the poll.

3. Third-Party Polling Apps

For more intricate polling needs, utilizing third-party applications can help enhance the options available to you during a Microsoft Teams meeting. Tools like Polly, Slido, or Mentimeter can offer advanced features for polling, such as customizable templates, various question types, and detailed analytics.

Getting Started with a Third-Party Polling App

Step 1: Choose and Install a Polling App

Go to the Microsoft Teams App Store and search for a polling application that meets your requirements.
Follow the instructions to install the app into your Teams environment.

Step 2: Set Up Your Poll

Launch the app from the "Apps" section in Microsoft Teams.
Create an account if required and set up your poll by following the app-specific steps.
You can customize aspects, such as anonymity, question formats, and more.

Step 3: Share the Poll During the Meeting

Once your poll is ready, go back to your Teams meeting.
Use the chat feature or the app’s built-in sharing options to share the poll link with meeting participants.

Advantages of Third-Party Polling Apps

Advanced Features: Offers more customization and analytics compared to standard Microsoft options.
Engagement: Some apps provide gamification features to enhance engagement.
Versatile Results: Detailed analytics can provide insights after the meeting.

4. Creating Interactive Presentations with Polling Components

Another effective way to run a poll during a meeting is to incorporate polling questions into your presentations using tools like PowerPoint Live. This method allows you to engage participants while presenting information, enhancing interaction and maintaining attention.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using PowerPoint for Polls

Step 1: Create Your Presentation

Open Microsoft PowerPoint and build your presentation as usual.
Decide which slides will contain polling questions.

Step 2: Insert Polling Elements

Use the “Insert” menu to add buttons, images, or links that will serve as your polling question.
Create questions directly on the slides or embed links to external polling platforms.

Step 3: Present with PowerPoint Live

Start your meeting in Microsoft Teams and share your screen or select “PowerPoint Live” to present your slides.
When you reach the polling slide, prompt participants in the meeting to respond.

Collecting and Reviewing Responses

If you’ve utilized links to third-party tools, you can monitor responses from those platforms. Alternatively, if you have created questions directly in your PowerPoint slides, you can ask participants to raise their hands or use emojis to indicate their votes.

Advantages of Using PowerPoint for Polling

Visual Appeal: Integrates polling seamlessly into your existing presentation.
Engagement: Keeps participants involved as they respond during the presentation.
Interactive Learning: Enhances informational presentations with audience feedback.

Conclusion

Running a poll during a Microsoft Teams meeting can significantly enhance engagement, participation, and the overall effectiveness of your communication. Whether you choose to use Microsoft Forms for simple polling, leverage built-in polling features, explore third-party polling apps for advanced capabilities, or utilize interactive PowerPoint presentations, there is a method that will suit your specific needs.

By incorporating polls into your meetings, you not only facilitate better decision-making but also foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within your team. So, don’t hesitate to utilize these polling options to transform your meetings into dynamic and participative experiences. Embrace the power of polling in Microsoft Teams, and watch your meetings become more engaging and fruitful.