How to write a two-minute feedback survey people actually finish
By the debrief team · Published
Seven habits from debrief. Short beats thorough, and specific beats generic.
1.Ask about the thing you taught
Replace "Was the training good?" with "How useful was the live sales pitch exercise?" Pick the two or three most distinctive or time-heavy parts of your session. Never invent a module you did not teach.
2.Put the overall rating first
If someone drops off at question three, you still have the number that matters. Open-text questions go last and stay optional on longer surveys.
3.Stay at six or seven questions
Over eight and response rates fall. Under four and there is too little to learn from. The hard ceiling is ten.
4.One idea per question
"Was the pace and content right?" is two questions. Split it.
5.Use the same 1 to 5 scale everywhere
Label the ends. Consistent scales let you compare sessions later.
6.Promise anonymity, then keep it
No names, no emails unless someone opts in. Never show a breakdown for fewer than five people.
7.Report counts, not adjectives
"6 of 8 participants" is evidence. "Most people" is a feeling. A 3.6 is a 3.6.