CHECKLIST FOR DELIVERING A WINNING GROUP PRESENTATION

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The term is coming to a wrap; group projects are almost complete, and it’s time for your group to strut its stuff! I’m assuming your group has ironed the kinks out of the challenges of group work. Some of you will be presenting in person, some over ZOOM. Regardless, there are some tactics that experienced presenters have found to avoid the worst stumbles and bumbles:

  • Make sure that everyone has a relevant role: Leader, MC presenter, researcher, PowerPoint guru, Technology expert, editor, proofreader, fashion guru.
  • Schedule meetings to ensure all preparation is looked after.
  • Set up a master file that all group members can access. Back it up daily.
  • Check the syllabus or class instructions to make sure the presentation meets requirements.
  • Check out YouTube and Learning Commons resources for examples of the specific type of presentation you are required to deliver.
  • Outline the project presentation and assign each section to an appropriate group member for presentation. Assign alternative presenters, in case a presenter can’t be there on the critical day.
  • Structure the presentation by the book, unless you have a special project that doesn’t follow the book (e.g., dramatization or simulation).
  • Decide whether the presentation will be fast-paced with many slides shown briefly, or few slides, with more presenter elaboration of each slide. Be consistent between presenters.

A typical presentation can run like this:

  • Introduce the group and group members.
  • Start with the project statement and a “hook” to catch interest. 
  • Plan transitions between presenters.
  • Where relevant, build in audience participation activities such as surveys–and make sure the presenters have practiced using them.
  • Conclude with a summary of what was covered, and, where appropriate, conclusions from the project.
  • Show sources and research citations. Give credit to help from other sources.
  • Take questions.
  • Thank the audience.

Before the presentation,

  • Book and test any necessary technology or venues.
  • Test any presentation apps or software. Make sure that more than one group member can use the apps to present.
  • Print out any handouts. Hint: hand them out at the end of the presentation, not before or during. You want all eyes and attention on the presenters, undistracted by figuring out the handouts.
  • Edit and proofread all material. Edit and proofread again after any revisions.
  • Rehearse several times from start to finish.
  • Time the presentation then adjust to meet time limits. Marks are sometimes docked for going overtime. During the presentation you may have to limit the amount of time for questions, with a statement such as, “We have 5 minutes for questions, now . . .”
  • Check what you are all going to wear (that’s what the fashion guru position was about).
  • Record the presentation when it is polished and ready. Be prepared for technical failure and have backup plans.

These are the basics. Every term, marks are lost or presentations fall apart because of missing some of these basics. If you have given successful presentations and notice anything I’ve overlooked, let me know, or connect to discuss presentation challenges you would like to discuss [email protected] 

The information in this blog cannot take the place of support from your own mental health professional or community health resources. Reach out to them. And IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS PLEASE DIAL 911.