What type of question is used to stimulate thought without expecting an oral response from the group?

The choice of a rhetorical question is appropriate in this context because it is specifically designed to provoke thought and reflection among the audience without requiring a direct answer. Rhetorical questions serve to engage listeners and encourage them to think critically about the topic at hand, often leading them to consider their own opinions or feelings related to the subject.

By using rhetorical questions, an educator can highlight important points and stimulate discussion internally within the minds of the audience. This can be particularly effective in educational settings, such as fire and life safety education, where participants may benefit from considering various perspectives or implications of safety practices without being put on the spot to respond verbally.

In contrast, the other types of questions mentioned serve different purposes. Overhead questions typically involve visual aids and encourage responses, while direct questions ask for specific answers from participants, and relay questions would usually involve responding to someone else's statement or inquiry. None of these other types capture the essence of prompting thought without expecting a verbal response in the way that rhetorical questions do.