# Ask a Question Block (Text Message)

The **Ask a Question Block** is used to collect information from users during a conversation. It allows the bot to ask a question and store the user’s response for further use in the automation flow.

#### How to Use the Ask a Question Block

1. Open your **Chat Flow**.
2. Click the **+ (Add Node)** icon.
3. Select **Ask a Question**.

#### Configure the Question

**1. Select Message Type**\
Choose the type of message you want to send. Available options include:

* Text
* Image
* Video
* Document
* Audio

For collecting simple information such as names or emails, **Text Message** is commonly used.

**2. Add the Question Text**\
In the message body, type the question you want to ask the user.\
Example: *“Please enter your full name.”*

**3. Answer Type**\
Select how the user can respond:

* **Single Reply Answer** – The user can send one response.
* **Multiple Reply Answer** – The user can send multiple responses.

**4. Save Response To**\
Choose the field where the user's reply will be stored.\
This can be a **Bot Field** or any previously created field such as *First Name* or *Email*.

For example, if you select **First Name**, whatever the user types will be saved in that field.

**5. Expected Answer Type (Validation)**\
You can apply validation to ensure the correct type of response.\
Examples include:

* Text
* Email
* Image
* Video

For collecting a name, select **Text**.

**6. Response Waiting Time**\
This defines how long the bot should wait for the user’s reply before timing out.\
You can configure the time according to your needs.

It is generally recommended to keep the waiting time within **12 to 24 hours**, since messaging sessions typically expire after 24 hours.

#### Save the Question

After configuring the settings, click **Save Question**.

The **Ask a Question Block** helps collect user data efficiently and store it for use in personalization, lead capture, or further automation steps.

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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://helpdocumentation.gitbook.io/user/bot-builder/whatsapp-chatbot/question-blocks/ask-a-question-block-text-message.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.