When you ask a rhetorical question, you don’t really expect an answer. The answer is understood. Like when you ask, “Why me?!”
Rhetorical – adjective 1. (of a question) asked only to make a statement or to produce an effect rather than to get an answer.
When something is rhetorical that means it is made for style or effect, likewise a rhetorical question is a question that is asked for mere effect, rather than a question that needs to be answered. Questions like “Who knew?” or “Who’s better than me?” are often rhetorical. This is often a technique used in presentations or speeches to draw the audience’s attention to a specific point or result eg. ” as you can see from the chart July’s 
profits were up 25% on last year’s July results…why?… well I will tell you.” So the question is not asked for the reason of receiving an answer from the audience but rather is asked to get attention….then the speaker quickly moves on to give the answer. Which was the speaker’s original intention. So the speaker’s question was rhetorical and required no answer. It was used for effect, that’s all.
It is often more interesting to present your ideas or information as questions rather than direct statements. Questions involve the audience, they are highly 
interactive and they get attention. They also make your presentation sound more conversational, more personal, and create anticipation in the minds of your audience. Which means you have a greater chance of keeping their attention..and keeping them awake !
Exercise:
The rhetorical questions below can be used in many different situations. Complete each of them using the following pairs of words: 
where+did how long+ making how+do how much+ is
how+working what sort+ looking how soon+ seeing what+waiting
what+attribute where+go how come+feeling what+take
1. For the the fifth year running we’ve managed to increase sales volume.
So, ……….. did we …………….. it?
2. The opportunities in Eastern Europe are better now than they’ve ever been.
So, …….. are ………… for?
3. We’ve lost ground to the Swedes both in Scandinavia and at home.
So, ………… do we …………..from here?
4. We’ve spent the best part of a year ploughing money back into R&D.
So, ……….. do we…….from here?
5. This is the third time we’ve launched a new product, only to have to withdraw it within the first sixth months.
So, ………… do we have to go on …………… the same mistakes?
6. The 8 million Dollars they offered us is good, but not good enough.
So, ………… of figure are we …………….. looking for?
7. We offered them a very attractive package, but they turned us down flat.
So, …………… of figure are we …………….for?
8. As you know, we launched a strict cost-cutting campaign last year.
So, ……………..we’re not ……………………..the benefits yet?
9. Turnover topped 2 billion Dollars again this year.
So, ……………..of that …………………..profit?
10. In spite of the recession, the demand for luxury goods is increasing.
So, ………………… do we ……………………………..this to?
11. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time our partners have been in breach of contract.
So, ……….action do we propose to ……………….?
12. Obviously, we won’t see the real results of the reorganisation for some time.
So, ………….do we know it’s ……………………………?
OK this was a brief look at rhetorical questions in the context of presentations, public speaking, essays and speeches. It’s great resource to add to your English language knowledge. So go through it try the exercises and please feel free to leave questions and or comments below.
Good luck with your English language learning.
Simon
Ok English