5 Tips for Handling Group Presentations

When it comes to group presentations, there are two types of people: those who are excited about the opportunity to collaborate, and confident that the final product will be better than what they could accomplish on their own; and those who dread it, fearing that the process will be difficult and chaotic and the quality will suffer.

Wherever you stand, there’s no question that a group presentation is more complicated than going solo. So here are my tips for a more seamless, effective experience, whether you’re part of a team delivering a new business pitch, a client update or a project proposal.

1. Speak with one voice.

While it’s important to define clear and distinct roles for each team member (perhaps one does an overview, another covers strategy, another presents tactics, etc.), those components must add up to a cohesive whole.

Everyone should agree on an overarching set of messages, and the slides, structure, style and tone should be consistent from one person to the next.

2. Demonstrate chemistry.

In a new business pitch especially, the audience isn’t just focused on the content; they’re also evaluating whether the team acts as a team.

After all, if the group can’t get it together for a presentation, how are they going to collaborate on a complex campaign or project? So, it’s important to demonstrate some level of natural chemistry. And if it’s not there, then it needs to be conjured!

That means plenty of give and take, where members of the team chime in, add additional perspective, complete each other’s thoughts and generally show they’re in tune with each other.

3. Be likable.

We’re naturally attracted to people we “click” with. 

So, in a new business pitch, when credentials and experience among competing agencies are roughly equal, it often comes down to that X factor. Who can the client picture spending hours, weeks and months with in the trenches? 

And in any type of group presentation, creating affinity is key to connecting. So be warm, be open and be funny (where appropriate). Show some personality. Exude passion for the idea and the opportunity.

Pro tip: Being likable starts with liking each other!

4. Tune in.

How often have you seen this in a group presentation? When one person is presenting, the others are buried in their notes, preparing for their moment in the spotlight.

That’s not a good look! Even when others are doing the talking, everyone needs to be “on” and engaged. That means looking at the speaker, paying attention to what they’re saying, and offering verbal and nonverbal reinforcement.

It’s also important to monitor the audience. Gauge the temperature of the room. Take note of their expression and body language. Do they look confused? Skeptical? Bored?

That might be a time to break in and ask if they have a question or need clarification.

Remember: The best presentations are a dialogue, not a monologue. Involve the audience. Make it a conversation.

5. Practice together.

I’ve been part of group presentations where we spent so much time discussing and developing the material that there was almost no time left to rehearse.

So be sure to do several run-throughs. Don’t speed through them or skip around — you have to know whether it fits the allotted time.

Work on the transitions. The handoffs should be as smooth as possible (which again demonstrates teamwork). Tee up the next presenter, as in: “That’s our recommended strategy. Now Stuart is going to walk us through the deliverables and milestones.” 

And refer to other presenters: “Here’s a look at the customer care team that Kevin referenced” or, “As Stacey will outline later…”

Finally, of course, in a group setting, all the usual rules about presenting apply. You have to understand your audience, structure the content clearly, tell stories, create sharp visuals, bring energy to your delivery and all the rest.

If you do it right and make it a true team effort, then the result should amount to more than the sum of its parts.