Microsoft Teams has become an essential tool for remote collaboration, offering features that streamline communication and decision-making. One such feature is the ability to create polls, which allows team members to gather quick feedback or make group decisions efficiently. This guide will walk you through the process of creating polls in Microsoft Teams using two different methods: the built-in Forms app and a third-party app called Polly.
Method 1: Creating Polls Using Microsoft Forms
The built-in Forms app in Microsoft Teams provides a straightforward way to create polls directly within your team conversations or meetings. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the team or chat where you want to create a poll.
Step 2: Click on the “New conversation” button or locate the message box at the bottom of the chat.
Step 3: Look for the “Forms” icon below the message box. If you don’t see it immediately, click on the three dots (…) to expand the menu and find “Forms” there.
Step 4: In the Forms window that appears, enter your poll question in the “Ask a question” field.
Step 5: Add answer options in the “Option 1,” “Option 2,” etc., fields. You can include up to 10 options for your poll.
Step 6: If you want to allow multiple selections, toggle on the “Multiple answers” option.
Step 7: Decide whether you want to share results automatically after voting and if you want to keep responses anonymous by toggling the respective options.
Step 8: Click “Next” to preview your poll, then click “Send” to post it in the chat or channel.
Once sent, team members can vote by selecting their preferred option(s) and clicking “Submit.” The poll results will update in real-time, allowing everyone to see the current standings.
Method 2: Creating Polls Using Polly
For users who need more advanced polling features or are using the free version of Microsoft Teams, Polly offers an excellent alternative. Here’s how to use Polly to create polls:
Step 1: In Microsoft Teams, go to the chat or channel where you want to create a poll.
Step 2: Click on the three dots (…) below the message box and search for “Polly” in the app list. If you don’t see it, click on “More apps” to find and add it.
Step 3: Once Polly is added, click on it to open the Polly interface.
Step 4: In the Polly window, click on “Create New” to start building your poll.
Step 5: Choose the type of poll you want to create: Single Question, Multiple Questions, or use a template.
Step 6: Enter your question and add answer options. Polly offers various question types, including multiple-choice, open-ended, and rating scales.
Step 7: Configure additional settings such as allowing multiple selections, setting a poll schedule, or enabling audience-added choices.
Step 8: Customize result settings and audience settings as needed.
Step 9: Click “Preview” to review your poll, then click “Send” to post it in the chat or channel.
Polly offers more advanced features compared to the built-in Forms app, such as recurring polls, reminders, and the ability to save poll templates for future use.
Tips for Creating Effective Polls in Microsoft Teams
To make the most of polling in Microsoft Teams, consider these best practices:
- Keep questions clear and concise to avoid confusion.
- Provide enough answer options to cover likely responses, but don’t overwhelm participants with too many choices.
- Use polls sparingly to maintain their effectiveness and prevent survey fatigue.
- Consider the timing of your poll – send it when team members are most likely to be available and engaged.
- Follow up on poll results to show participants that their input is valued and acted upon.
Creating polls in Microsoft Teams is a powerful way to engage your team, make quick decisions, and gather valuable feedback. Whether you choose the built-in Forms app or a third-party solution like Polly, polls can significantly improve your team’s collaboration and decision-making processes. Give it a try in your next meeting or team discussion!