blog
August 30, 2023

Quarterly business review (QBR) presentation: The all-in-one guide

Learn to create and deliver winning QBR presentations, everything from planning and preparation

Hey there!

Welcome in our guide to quarterly business reviews (QBRs)!

If you've ever been stuck in a never-ending, yawn-inducing QBR presentation, fear not. In this comprehensive guide, we're going to transform your QBRs from drab to dynamic using Prezent, the ultimate AI presentation software for enterprise teams.

Get ready to learn how to structure an effective QBR presentation that keeps your audience engaged and informed.

What is a quarterly business review (QBR)?

Let's start with the basics. A Quarterly Business Review, commonly known as a QBR, is a crucial business practice where teams and stakeholders come together to review the performance and progress of the past quarter. It's not just about crunching numbers; it's an opportunity to assess your company's quarterly journey, your client's success, and your team's achievements.

Is your QBR boring?

Before we dive into the details of creating an engaging QBR presentation, let's address the elephant in the room - boring QBRs. You know the ones - never-ending slides filled with jargon and mind-numbing charts. It's time to say goodbye to those snooze-fests and say hello to dynamic, compelling QBRs that leave a lasting impact.

How to structure an effective QBR presentation

Creating an impactful successful quarterly business review presentation is an art, and we've got the palette and canvas ready for you. Here's a step-by-step guide to structuring your QBR presentation for maximum impact:

  1. Start with purpose: Your QBR should have a clear purpose. Are you celebrating successes, addressing challenges, or planning for the future? Define your goals.
  2. Know your audience: Tailor your presentation to your audience's preferences and needs. Understand what matters most to them.
  3. Structure matters: Organize your presentation logically, focusing on key sections like goals, achievements, challenges, and next steps.
  4. Visual appeal: Use Prezent's 15 slides to create a visually appealing presentation. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words.
  5. Tell a story: QBRs should be more than just data dumps. Craft a compelling narrative that takes your audience on a journey.
  6. Highlight KPIs and metrics: Showcase key performance indicators and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your efforts.
  7. ROI insights: Discuss the return on investment (ROI) and how your work contributes to the company's bottom line.
  8. Actionable takeaways: Provide clear action items and next steps to drive progress.

Do’s and don'ts on a QBR presentation

Now that you have the structure in mind, let's explore some do's and don'ts for creating a memorable QBR presentation:

Do's:

  • Share best practices and a roadmap for the future.
  • Engage your audience with high-level insights.
  • Encourage interaction during the QBR session.
  • Utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) effectively.
  • Use Prezent's QBR template for a professional and branded look.

Don'ts:

  • Overwhelm with data; keep it concise.
  • Make it all about your sales pitch.
  • Neglect to discuss challenges and opportunities.
  • Forget to let your audience know the impact of your product or service.
  • Stray from the purpose of the meeting.

Summarizing key takeaways

To sum it up, your QBR presentation should serve as a powerful instrument, one that brilliantly highlights your team's accomplishments, candidly addresses challenges, and charts the path forward towards a promising future. By adhering to best practices and harnessing the capabilities of Prezent's tools, you can masterfully execute your upcoming successful QBR, ensuring it becomes an indelible and remarkable experience.

The Quarterly Business Review (QBR) presentation transcends the ordinary; it's an opportunity to put your team's immense value on display, harmonize your objectives, and propel your organization towards triumph. Armed with the correct framework, the art of storytelling, and the formidable tools offered by Prezent, you can guarantee that your QBRs are not just informative but also enthralling and unforgettable.

Always remember, the key to a triumphant QBR presentation goes beyond mere numbers; it revolves around crafting a captivating narrative that leaves an enduring imprint on your audience. Take the plunge, create your next QBR presentation, and let your success shine brilliantly!

FAQ's

1. What exactly is a QBR presentation, and why is it important for my business goals?

A QBR presentation, short for Quarterly Business Review presentation, is a comprehensive review of your company's performance over a quarter. It's a crucial opportunity to assess your quarter's achievements, discuss challenges, and set the course for the future. By presenting your progress in a clear and engaging manner, you can align your sales team, account managers, and customer success strategies toward common goals. It's more than just a PowerPoint; it's a strategic tool to help you achieve your business objectives.

2. How can I structure a successful QBR presentation for my sales team?

Structuring a successful QBR presentation is essential for delivering meaningful insights. Start by creating a compelling narrative that tells the big picture of your quarter's journey. Use Prezent's QBR template to craft visually stunning slides that showcase the data and graphs representing your quarter's performance. Remember, a QBR presentation isn't just about numbers; it's about demonstrating the value your sales team brings to the organization.

3. What are some presentation tips to ensure I nail my next QBR?

To nail your next QBR, keep the presentation concise and focused. Use charts and diagrams to visually represent data that would otherwise be cumbersome in a report. Use Prezent's tools and the free quarterly business review template to your advantage. Engage your audience by highlighting key takeaways and actionable insights. Don't forget to let people know how your sales team's efforts contribute to the organization as a whole. It's about presenting quarterly results in a way that resonates with your audience.

4. How can I prepare for a QBR meeting effectively?

Effective preparation for a QBR meeting involves setting aside time to reflect on the past quarter's performance. Use the 30 minutes to plan the future and address any roadblocks. Consider increasing the frequency of separate calls or meetings to align your sales team's day-to-day operations toward goals. Ensure your data shows the value you bring to the organization and offers a glimpse into future goals. It's all about seizing the opportunity to show how your sales team's efforts fit into the organization's org chart.

5. What are some simple tips for presenting quarterly reviews that engage the audience?

Engaging your audience during a QBR presentation is vital. Start by creating a compelling narrative that tells the story of your quarter's achievements and challenges. Use Prezent's tools to craft visually appealing slide shows that captivate your audience. Incorporate simple tips, such as using Prezent's free QBR template and presenting quarterly data in a way that resonates with your audience. Make it a presentation that not only informs but also leaves a lasting impact.

Create your QBR presentation with Prezent

Why settle for just another run-of-the-mill QBR when you can elevate it to something truly extraordinary?

With Prezent at your disposal, you possess the means to craft a presentation that not only captivates but also visually dazzles your audience. Don't delay; embark on this journey today and transform your QBRs into a strategic cornerstone for your organization's success.

With Prezent, you have the tools to create a compelling and visually stunning presentation that captures your audience's attention.

Get started today and transform your QBRs into a strategic asset for your organization.

Sign up for our free trial or book a demo !

Ready to create impactful presentations?

Try for free

Related resources

BLOG
Bharti Jain
July 31, 2025
Master your scientific presentation: A comprehensive guide
Craft a compelling scientific presentation in 9 steps! Learn to tell a story, prepare slide outlines, construct slides, & make effective slides.
BLOG
Herwin Jose
November 14, 2024
15 must-have AI tools for product managers
Discover the top 15 AI tools for product managers that make product management easier.
BLOG
Lydia Abbot
July 30, 2025
How Contextual AI transforms business communication (and your presentations)
Traditional generative AI tools are powerful, but they lack the human element and context needed when communicating in business. Contextual AI and Prezent change that.
BLOG
Bharti Jain
July 29, 2025
6 presentation skills to master and how AI can help?
Master the 6 most crucial presentation skills for today’s digital world. Learn how AI tools can help you create audience-focused & visually clear presentations.
BLOG
Bharti Jain
June 16, 2025
Mastering communication: 10 principles of communication through the lens of Steve Jobs
Enhance your communication skills, from public speaking to presentations, and build better relationships.
BLOG
Supriya Sarker
April 24, 2025
The power of storytelling in business: Lessons from a Hollywood storyteller
Think storytelling is just for movies? Think again. This episode breaks down how emotional narratives can elevate your next presentation.
BLOG
Supriya Sarkar
July 22, 2025
AI in Biopharma: What's holding EU teams back from streamlining their presentations?
Discover why EU biopharma teams hesitate to use AI for presentations. Explore 3 key challenges and how modern AI tools could change the workflow.
BLOG
Bharti Jain
July 8, 2025
The accountability shift: What great leaders do differently (but rarely talk about)
Explore how real leaders build trust, drive results, and shift from blame to ownership.
BLOG
Lydia Abbot
July 1, 2025
How to Own the Room—and Your Presentation—with Lorraine K. Lee's 3 Cs of Modern Executive Presence
Have a big presentation coming up? Take help of Lorraine K. Lee’s 3 Cs of executive presence—communication, career brand, and credibility.
BLOG
Bharti Jain
June 30, 2025
The human touch in AI: Lessons on sales, strategy, and innovation from Medtronic’s Drew Logan
Discover how Medtronic’s Drew Logan blends AI with human connection to transform sales and healthcare innovation—without losing trust or empathy
BLOG
Supriya Sarkar
June 16, 2025
Story Builder made simple: Build powerful business presentation storylines
Learn how to craft clear, compelling business presentation storylines with Story Builder—a powerful feature that makes business storytelling fast
BLOG
Maithili Rao
October 9, 2024
Effective written communication at work: types, examples & tips to improve writing skills
Explore types, examples, and tips to improve your writing skills for business success.