ENGINEERING

The Art of Asking Questions for Engineers and Data Professionals

A Guideline for Asking Impactful Questions in Meetings

The image is created by the author via Meta AI.

As engineers, data scientists, or data analysts, we’re often tasked with providing feedback or asking questions in meetings where new ideas, data product, ML model, or etc are being pitched. Especially for junior and mid-senior engineers and scientists, the ability to ask thoughtful, constructive questions can elevate the discussion and drive better outcomes for the project.

However, not all questions are created equal. Asking questions that are too basic, overly complicated, or unnecessary can derail conversations and reduce your credibility. So, how can you ask the right questions at the right time? Here are four guidelines to help you ask better questions in meetings.

1. Read the Room

Have you ever asked a question in a meeting, only to later regret it because you underestimated the expertise of the presenter or audience? Or perhaps you asked something so detailed or complex that no one in the room understood, leaving you feeling it wasn’t the right time for such a deep dive. Don’t worry — you’re not alone!

One of the most important aspects of asking good questions is understanding who’s…