Tips for Group Project Presentations

There may come a time when you are asked to deliver a group presentation. Although most people prefer a group presentation because it is less nerve wracking, it doesn’t come without its own unique challenges. It can be difficult to collaborate with several people in order to produce one cohesive presentation. With a group presentation, it’s important to have a strong leader, a fair division of work, and a sense of camaraderie between group members in order to deliver a dynamic presentation. Here are some helpful tips for making the most of your next group presentation. 

Decide on the Purpose of Your Presentation

The first step in putting together a group presentation is to decide on the overall purpose. This is a very important step, because it might surprise you at how differently people can perceive the same topic. That’s why you should always sit down with your group to discuss your topic. Ask each group member what points they think should be included and once everyone has given their input, come to a consensus on what information you wish to include in the presentation. 

Select a Presentation Moderator

To assist with organization, the group must first select a presentation moderator who will act as the leader of the group. The moderator will be the person responsible for making sure the group is functioning properly. They will lead brainstorming sessions, assign roles within the group, have the final say in decision-making, and they will lead the Q&A portion of the presentation. The most effective way to select a moderator is by group vote.

Divide the Work Fairly

The next step is to divide the work among group members. The best way to do this is to break the presentation into equal parts and assign each part to a group member. When you assign each part, be sure to consider the individual strengths, preferences, and experience of each person in the group. For example, if one person is particularly strong with putting together slideshows, assign that task to them. Make an outline of the tasks so everyone is clear about their roles and expectations. Just be sure that the work is divided fairly and everyone is doing their equal share. 

Create Smooth Transitions

One of the most common mistakes with group presentations is awkward transitions. When you move from one point to the next, it should flow smoothly. For example, “That was an introduction to our project and now Sue will explain how this works.†At this point, you look over at Sue and she takes over. Awkward silence, fumbling, and hesitation between points will feel uncomfortable for the audience and will make your presentation appear less polished. So, make sure you spend some time perfecting your transitions.

Rehearse Individually and Together

Each member should spend time rehearsing their own part as if they were the sole speaker. This will ensure that everyone is confident and comfortable with their own material. In addition to individual practice, it is also important to rehearse as a group so you can grow comfortable talking in front of each other. This is when you can practice your transitions and also get a feel for your timing. Practicing also gives you a chance to work through any hiccups that you might encounter along the way.