Chapter 28, p. 567
CHAPTER 28
Delivering Group Presentations
CHAPTER CONTENT OUTLINE
I. Presenting in teams
A. Group presentations are oral presentations prepared and delivered by a group of three or
more individuals.
B. Group presentations are common in the classroom and in the workplace and require close
cooperation and planning.
II. Use group communication guidelines.
A. Analyze the audience and set goals.
B. Assign roles and tasks.
2. Next, assign team members to various aspects of research, perhaps selecting different
3. Set firm time limits.
C. Establish information needs.
1. Gain agreement among group members on the scope and type of research needed.
Consider what types of sources will be most useful.
D. Establish transitions between speakers.
1. Working out transitions ahead of time will ensure smooth transitions between
2. Cautious presenters should be placed in the middle of the presentation.
3. Select another strong speaker to conclude the presentation.
F. Coordinate the presentation aids.
1. Consider giving one person the job of coordinating templates for slides and other
1. All team members should be aware of their nonverbal behavior, give their full
attention to the other speakers on their team, and project an attitude of interest to the
audience.
H. Rehearse the presentation several times.
1. Rehearsing the presentation as a group, using the presentation aids and incorporating
transitions, will create a smooth presentation.
1. In a panel discussion, a group of people (three to nine) discuss a topic in front of an
Chapter 28, p. 569
C. Symposia
1. A symposium is a formal meeting at which several speakers deliver short speeches on
1. A forum is an assembly for the discussion of issues of public interest. A commonly
recognized forum is the town hall meeting, in which citizens debate on issues of
community importance.
KEY TERMS
group presentation type of oral presentation prepared and delivered by a group of three or more
people
panel discussion type of oral presentation in which a group of people (at least three, and generally
not more than nine) discusses a topic in the presence of an audience and under the direction of
a moderator
moderator person who presides over a discussion or meeting
symposium formal meeting at which several speakers deliver short speeches on the same topic
CHAPTER STUDY GUIDE
I. SUMMARY QUESTIONS
What are the essential steps in preparing a team presentation?
1. Consider the audience’s interests and needs, and establish goals for the presentation on which
you can all agree.
3. Establish transitions between speakers to ensure a smooth presentation.
5. Coordinate the presentation aids to ensure visual continuity between the aids.
6. Rehearse the presentation with audiovisual aids several times until it runs smoothly.
What are the different types of team discussions?
A panel discussion takes place among a group of three to nine people who discuss a topic in
front of an audience. A symposium is a formal meeting at which various speakers deliver short
What are some tips for a successful group presentation?
1. Establish in writing each team member’s responsibilities regarding content and presentation
3. Specify each team member’s responsibilities regarding content and presentation aids.
5. Practice introductions and transitions.
7. Assign someone to manage the question-and-answer session.
8. Rehearse the presentation with presentation aids several times.
CONTENT PRESENTATION IDEAS
I. STUDENT ACTIVITY
1. What types of roles are you comfortable taking in a group presentation? Make a list of your
strengths and weaknesses to see what roles might fit you best.
II. GROUP ACTIVITY
1. Divide the class into groups of about five students. Give each group a presentation topic and
ask them to do the preliminary steps in preparing a team presentation. Each group member
should take turns acting as the team leader.
The groups must work to coordinate the audience analysis, assign roles and tasks, and
Chapter 28, p. 572
III. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS
The following questions may be used by instructors to help illustrate important points in the
chapter and to facilitate students’ learning of this material.
These questions can be used as:
• Homework questions
• Quizzes
Group presentations are oral presentations prepared and delivered by a group of three or
more individuals.
2. Identify the essential steps in a presentation.
• Consider the audience’s interests and needs, and establish goals for the presentation on
which you can all agree.
• Designate a team leader and assign roles and tasks to each team member.
• Establish transitions between speakers to ensure a smooth presentation.
3. Identify and define three types of formal team discussions.
A panel discussion is a team discussion in which a group of people (three to nine) discuss
a topic in front of an audience, using a moderator to direct the conversation.
A symposium is a formal meeting at which various speakers deliver short speeches on the
same topic.
A forum is an assembly for the discussion of issues of public interest. A commonly
recognized forum is the town hall meeting.
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