# How to write a two-minute feedback survey people actually finish

By the debrief team · Published 2026-10-22 · Updated 2026-10-22

Seven habits from debrief. Short beats thorough, and specific beats generic.

## 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.


## 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.


## 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.


## One idea per question

"Was the pace and content right?" is two questions. Split it.


## Use the same 1 to 5 scale everywhere

Label the ends. Consistent scales let you compare sessions later.


## Promise anonymity, then keep it

No names, no emails unless someone opts in. Never show a breakdown for fewer than five people.


## Report counts, not adjectives

"6 of 8 participants" is evidence. "Most people" is a feeling. A 3.6 is a 3.6.


## Sources


- [Create a free survey](https://debrief.so/new)
- [Free feedback templates](https://debrief.so/free-feedback-templates)
- [Plan details](https://debrief.so/pricing)