Get a free consultation

How to Present as a Group in Business. Group Presentation Made Easy.

How do you present as a group?  What does it take for a group presentation to work?  What tips will improve your next group presentations? Make presenting as a group more effective.

Benjamin Ball Presentation Coach

Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball

Ben is the founder of Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London.  Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page

When you present as a group, the audience does not see individuals. They see one message, one flow and one level of confidence. Your job is to make sure the entire presentation feels joined up, even when different people are speaking.

This guide shows you the best way to deliver an effective group presentation, with practical examples you can use straight away.

What do we mean by a group presentation?

A group presentation is any presentation where more than one person is speaking.  It may be an event where 20 people are speaking at a conference, or perhaps it’s just two of you speaking at a board meeting. 

Whatever type of group presentation you are talking at, this guide shows you many essential tips that you can adopt to make your next event work more successfully.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation


1. Start with a clear objective

Before you create slides or split sections, agree what you are trying to achieve.

Ask yourselves these essential questions:

  • What is the clear objective of this presentation?
  • What is the key message you want audience members to remember?
  • What action do you want your audience to make afterwards?

Example:
If you are presenting business plans to senior leaders, your key message might be “This plan reduces risk and delivers results within six months.” Every part of the presentation should support that message.

If you skip this step, team members will pull in different directions and the whole presentation will feel confused.


2. Agree the structure as a group

You need a logical structure that everyone understands.

A strong structure usually includes:

  • A brief introduction to grab attention
  • An outline of your key messages
  • Main points in a clear order
  • A confident end to your presentation

Using bullet points at this stage (for planning, not to show your audience) is a good idea. It helps the entire group see how their part of the presentation fits into the whole.

Example:
In a small group working on group projects, you might agree:

  1. Problem
  2. Options
  3. Recommendation
  4. Next steps

This keeps the key points of your presentation clear and avoids overlap.


3. Be clear on roles and leadership

Group presentations work best when leadership roles are agreed early.

Decide:

  • Who acts as project manager and keeps things on track
  • The role of the lead presenter, who owns the story
  • Which group members own specific sections

As a member of the group, you are responsible for your part of the presentation, but also for supporting the whole team.

Example:
For team projects, one person might open and close, while others handle data, risks or real-world examples.


4. Plan smooth transitions

Transitions often let groups down, especially when people rush or change at the last minute.

Make transitions part of the plan:

  • End your section by setting up the next presenter
  • Keep it simple and direct
  • Use every option you have to reinforce key messages
  • Practise it out loud as part of the whole presentation

Example:
“So far you’ve seen the problem. Next, Sam will walk you through the options we tested.”

This helps the group of presenters feel confident in front of an audience.


CASE STUDY – Preparing a law firm for their annual client event

For the last five years the Benjamin Ball Associates team has been working with an international law firm to prepare them for their annual event.  At this event, they invite clients and potential clients to get updates on the law and regulation.  This is the process we use to prepare them:

  1. Agree key messages for the day, and who says what
  2. Individual coaching to help each person polish their presentations
  3. Group presentation, to make sure it all fits together and the transitions are smooth

This event has become a set piece in the industry and the law firm has gone from strength to strength.  The event is a real showcase for the firm’s expertise and it help position these professionals as the go-to organisation in the industry.


5. Use visual aids carefully

Visual aids should support your speaking, not replace it.

Across the entire group:

  • Only use visual aids if you definitely need them
  • Get away from PowerPoint.  Perhaps a white board or a demo might be more appropriate
  • Keep any text short

Example:
Instead of preparing dozens of PowerPoint slides, perhaps one story, one picture or a product demonstration might be more effective.

This approach can transform a boring presentation into a powerful and effective communication.


6. Edit ruthlessly

Presentations are usually improved when they are shorter, simpler and clearer. The biggest mistake most people make is to add extra content into their presentation and talk for too long.

Across the entire group:

  • Cut everything that is non-essential
  • If you have a long list, break it up into chunks
  • Use specific examples rather than long explanations

Example:
Instead of listing every risk, show a simple chart and explain the top two risks from your own experience.

This process of editing is tough.  But its where you can add huge value.


7. Rehearse together, not just alone

Practising alone helps with public speaking, but group practice is where quality improves.

Rehearse together as the whole team so you can:

  • Check timing across the entire presentation
  • Align energy and speaking style
  • Remove repetition and any conflicting points

Example:
You may discover two group members are explaining the same point in different ways. Decide on one clear version.

This is especially important if this is your first time presenting together.


8. Prepare to answer questions as a group

Decide in advance how you will answer questions from audience members.  And as a group you must learn best practise techniques for dealing with questions and rehearse potential questions.

You might:

  • Let the lead presenter manage questions
  • Redirect questions to the most relevant speaker
  • Pause briefly before answering

Example:
If a question covers finance and delivery, the lead presenter can answer briefly, then invite another team member to add detail.

This shows control and confidence.


9. Be a team player when you are not speaking

In a group setting, you are always on display.  You want to look like a tight team.

When you are not speaking:

  • Face the speaker
  • Show interest in what they are saying
  • Avoid distractions such as shuffling through notes or checking your watch

Your body language affects how the entire group is perceived.


10. End clearly and together

The end of your presentation should feel deliberate.

Make sure you:

  • Restate the key message
  • Summarise the main points
  • Explain next steps, whether that is next week or next time

Example:
“To summarise, this plan reduces cost, improves delivery and is ready to start next week.”

Then stop. Do not dilute your message.


Final thought

A great group presentation requires careful planning, great preparation and disciplined rehearsals. When you respect different personalities and different perspectives, but commit to one clear objective, you give yourself the best chance of delivering one of the best presentations your audience will see.


Do you want help to give better group presentations?

At Benjamin Ball Associates, we rehearse groups for better presentations every week.  If your team wants help to look and sound impressive, and to make a real impact, we can help.

Call Louise Angus, our client service director, to discuss how we can help you prepare and rehearse your next group presentation.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation


Why Choose Us:
Transform your pitches and presentations with tailored coaching

Benjamin Ball Associates  Presentation skills coaching team

We can help you present brilliantly. Thousands of people have benefitted from our tailored in-house coaching and advice – and we can help you too.

“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”

Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky

For 15+ years we’ve been the trusted choice for leading businesses and executives throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. We’ll help you improve corporate presentations through presentation coaching, public speaking training and expert advice on pitching to investors.

Some recent clients

Benjamin Ball Associates Client List

Unlock your full potential and take your presentations to the next level.

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation


Frequently asked questions about group presentations

What is an effective group presentation?

An effective group presentation is one where the entire group delivers one clear message. You sound consistent, follow a logical structure and support each other throughout the whole presentation. Audience members should leave knowing the key message and next steps, not who spoke best.

What is the best way to prepare for a group presentation?

The best way is to agree a clear objective first, then plan the entire presentation together. You should decide roles, structure and transitions early, then rehearse as a whole team rather than only as individuals.

How do you divide roles in a group presentation?

You divide roles by assigning clear ownership. One person usually acts as project manager, one takes the role of the lead presenter and other team members own specific parts of the presentation. This avoids last minute changes and confusion.

How can a group present confidently in front of an audience?

You present confidently in front of an audience by rehearsing together, agreeing a shared tone and planning transitions. When you support each other with eye contact and body language, the entire group appears more confident. Rehearsing with a professional can make all the difference.

What should be included in the structure of a group presentation?

A strong structure includes a brief introduction, clear main points and a deliberate end of your presentation. Using bullet points during planning helps keep the whole presentation aligned.

How do you handle questions in a group presentation?

You should decide in advance how to answer questions. Often the lead presenter manages questions and brings in other group members where needed. This avoids multiple people speaking at once and reassures audience members.

How important are visual aids in group presentations?

Visual aids are important, but only when used carefully. They should support what you say, not repeat it. The best presentations use simple visuals and specific examples that reinforce the key points of your presentation.

How do you avoid poor transitions between speakers?

You avoid poor transitions by planning them. Each speaker should introduce the next presenter with a short, clear line and practise this as part of the whole presentation.

What are common mistakes in group presentations?

Common mistakes include unclear roles, speaking for too long, repeating points and poor endings. Many of these problems come from not rehearsing as a whole team.

How can a group presentation be improved next time?

After the presentation, review what worked and what did not. Ask for feedback, note where timing slipped or questions felt awkward and agree one or two improvements to apply next time.

Are group presentations different from individual presentations?

Yes. Group presentations require more coordination, clearer structure and stronger planning. You are managing not only your own delivery, but also how the entire group appears to the audience.


To get help with your next presentation, call our client services director Louise Angus on +44 20 7018 0922 or click the button below.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation

Read the ultimate guide to business presentations

Contact us now for free consultation

Start improving your pitches and presentations now

Contact us now and speak to an expert about getting award-winning coaching, training and advice

+44 20 7018 0922

Our Bespoke Presentation Coaching Services

Executive Presentation Coaching

Executive Media Training

New Business Pitch Coaching