How to Conduct a Quiz with Mentimeter

While coming up with questions is the first step to creating a fun, lively quiz, the secret to a successful event lies in the execution. We’ve put together this guide to help you conduct a quiz that’s seamless, engaging, and, most importantly, memorable.

Table of Contents

• How to create a Mentimeter quiz
• How to conduct a quiz like a pro
• Why use Mentimeter for your quiz?
• Good quiz categories to get you started
• Start your next quiz today

How to create a Mentimeter quiz

Before you can host, you need to build. Unlike static forms, a Menti quiz is designed for real-time interaction and high energy.

Step 1. Log in to your dashboard

Start by clicking on "New Menti" to create a new quiz.

Step 2. Add a quiz slide

Want to build your own quiz from the ground up? Click on “start from scratch” in that case. Choose “import slides” if you’ve already created your slides elsewhere. Or click on “start with AI” if you want to build personalized slides.

Step 3. Add an "instructions" slide

Add an instructional slide to get your quiz started.

Step 4. Input your questions

Choose your question types and start adding your questions. Don't forget to mark the correct answers, and to add images to make your slides pop.

Step 5. Polish your slides

Add the final touches and personalize your quiz. Using the sidebar on the right-hand side, choose between different background colors and imagery, add the theme that fits the mood, and don’t forget to enable different types of “interactivity” for your audience.

Then, you’re ready to present.

How to conduct a quiz like a pro

Hosting a quiz requires a balance of technical preparation and a little bit of game-show charisma. Here’s how to run your next quiz that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.

1. Decide on your format

Decide on your quiz format early. Entertaining quizzes don't always need to follow the same script. Consider a mix of multiple-choice questions and open-ended answers. Keep the flow simple, which will let you focus on the audience and the atmosphere.

2. Structure your rounds and timing

How long should the quiz be? Too few questions and the energy ends prematurely; too many, and you risk fatigue.

• The sweet spot: Aim for 3–5 rounds of 5 questions each.
• Pause every now and then: Use breaks between rounds to check in on scores and allow for a bit of friendly banter.
• Time limits: Set a clear time limit for each question. Half the challenge lies in working under pressure.

3. Teams or individuals?

The number of players usually determines this choice. Individual quizzes work best for smaller groups or remote settings where everyone has their own device. For larger gatherings, teams of 3 or 4 encourage collaboration and thinking together, which often leads to more laughs.

4. Pick a scoring system

One point for a correct answer is the standard, but you can always make it more interesting. Why not award points for speed, or consider bonus points for the most creative team names?

5. Lead with curiosity (and fairness)

We believe that the potential of a group is unlocked when everyone feels they can contribute. So make sure your questions cover a broad range of topics. While niche science questions definitely have their place, including pop culture or general trivia ensures everyone has a fair chance to show off their skills and feel like they belong.

Why use Mentimeter for your quiz?

You might be used to traditional presentation tools when you’re creating a quiz. While those work great for data collection, they’re static. They’re excellent for presenting information, just not all too great at creating engaging experiences.

When you use Mentimeter for a quiz, you turn a presentation into a conversation. You get:

• Live leaderboards: Instant updates that create a true "game show" atmosphere.
• Real-time participation: No need for pens or paper; everyone joins the fun via their smartphone, tablet or laptop.
• Visual impact: Beautifully designed slides that look premium and professional without the extra effort.

Interesting quiz categories to get you started

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few unconventional categories to get those creative juices flowing:

• Guess the song: Play the first five seconds of a track and watch the race to answer.
• World flags: A visual test of geographical knowledge.
• Alter egos: List birth names of famous people and ask for their stage names.
• Movie plots: Give a basic, humorous summary of a movie and let the audience guess the title.
• Unique answers only: Award extra points for correct answers that no one else chose.

Start your next quiz today

Ready to get started? We have a library of free quiz templates and a dedicated guide with over 300 general knowledge quiz questions to help you build your presentation in minutes.

Hosting a great quiz isn't just about the trivia. It's about the moments of active participation and connection you create along the way. Let’s make it fun, and let’s make it memorable.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the rules of a quiz?

While every quiz is different, there tend to be some standard, more universal rules, like: no external help (like searching on phones), a strict time limit for submitting answers, and the host’s decision being final in the event of a dispute.

How do you start a quiz?

Start by setting the scene and explaining how to join. Display the Mentimeter join code or QR code prominently so everyone can connect via their mobile devices. It’s often helpful to run a practice or icebreaker question first to make sure everyone understands the setup before the points start counting toward the leaderboard.

How do you facilitate a quiz?

Facilitating a quiz is all about managing the energy of the room. As the host, your role is to introduce the rounds, read the questions clearly, and provide commentary on the leaderboard changes. Keep the pace brisk to keep people engaged and interested, but make sure to allow enough time for participants to react to the correct answers (and for everyone to have fun).