"I know we need a Quarterly Business Review (QBR) presentation, but I’m not sure what exactly goes into it. Is it just a recap of what happened last quarter, or is there more to it?"
This was a conversation we had with a client during a project, and it sparked a lightbulb moment for us. See, we’re a presentation design agency, so we often hear this kind of question—especially when we’re working with teams who are under pressure to make their QBR presentations not just informative, but compelling.
Our creative director—who’s no stranger to crafting great presentations—answered, “Well, yes, a QBR is about reviewing past performance, but it’s also about future vision, strategic adjustments, and demonstrating value. It’s a chance to reflect, recalibrate, and really connect with your audience. It’s not just a deck full of numbers; it’s a strategic narrative.”
Our client’s response was a mix of realization and relief. They had been thinking about it all wrong. This is the beauty of creating presentations: they’re not just about slapping data on slides. They’re about telling the right story, connecting dots, and guiding your audience through a narrative that feels both meaningful and motivating.
At Ink Narrates, all of our blogs are inspired by real client conversations like this one. We know that most of you reading this are probably thinking, “Okay, I need to craft a QBR presentation that ticks all the boxes. But where do I even begin?” Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
In this blog, we’ll discuss exactly how to craft a quarterly business review presentation that not only delivers the facts but does so in a way that keeps your audience engaged and eager for more. We’ll take you step-by-step through the process, with insights and tips you probably won’t find in the usual “how to make a business presentation” articles. So, let’s dive in!
How to craft a quarterly business review presentation [Expert Guide]
1. Know Your Audience (And Their Needs)
First things first—who will be in the room (or on the Zoom call)? Is it your executive team? Your client? Stakeholders with little patience for fluff?
A key mistake that many people make when preparing their QBR presentations is assuming that the audience already knows the context. You might think, “Everyone knows the numbers. Let’s just focus on the strategy.” But here’s the thing: context matters. Every data point, every strategic pivot, needs to be framed in a way that speaks to the people you’re presenting to.
Pro Tip: If your audience includes non-technical people or stakeholders who are only casually involved, don’t go overboard with jargon. Keep it accessible. If it’s a smaller, more specialized group, you can go deeper into the numbers and data-driven insights.
Empathy moment: Think about it—how many times have you sat through a presentation where the speaker just dives into the data without giving you any context? It feels like they’re speaking another language, right? Your QBR shouldn’t be like that. Make sure everyone in the room is on the same page, from the get-go.
2. Craft a Compelling Narrative (Not Just a Data Dump)
We get it: the temptation to throw a bunch of charts, tables, and graphs on slides is real. After all, you’ve got all that great data, so why not show it off, right?
Wrong.
A good quarterly business review presentation is a story, not a spreadsheet. Your goal is to craft a narrative that takes your audience on a journey. Start with a strong introduction that sets the stage: What were the initial objectives for the quarter? What was your vision going in? Then, show the progress, highlight the wins, and don’t shy away from the challenges. Be transparent about where things didn’t go as planned and what adjustments you’re making moving forward.
Pro Tip: Structure your presentation like a story. Here's a basic structure to follow:
Introduction: Briefly outline the key objectives and goals.
The Middle: Present the performance data, wins, and learnings.
The End: Discuss next steps, strategies for the upcoming quarter, and action items.
Empathy moment: Think of your presentation as a conversation. You’re not just delivering cold, hard facts. You’re guiding your audience through your journey. And just like any good conversation, it should be engaging, clear, and forward-thinking.
3. Focus on Value, Not Just Metrics
Okay, we hear you—“But the numbers are important! We have to show the metrics!”
Yes, you do, but don’t stop there.
It’s easy to get bogged down in the details of revenue growth, cost-saving measures, or conversion rates, but your QBR needs to showcase more than just the results. What you really need to focus on is the value those numbers represent.
For example:
If you’ve hit a sales target, what does that mean for the team, the client, or the business?
If you’ve reduced costs, how does that impact future budget allocations or operational efficiency?
Your audience isn’t just looking for numbers. They want to understand why those numbers matter and how they impact future strategies.
Pro Tip: For each key metric or achievement, ask yourself: “What’s the bigger story here?” Then, weave that story into the presentation. For instance, if your sales numbers are up, don’t just say, “We achieved a 10% increase in sales.” Instead, say, “Thanks to our focused efforts on targeted marketing, we grew sales by 10%, unlocking a new revenue stream that will be crucial for our next product launch.” Now, that’s a story!
4. Design Matters: Don’t Just Make it Pretty—Make it Purposeful
When it comes to presentation design, the rule is simple: form follows function. Sure, we love beautiful slides as much as anyone else, but at Ink Narrates, we believe that a visually appealing presentation is only valuable if it enhances the message. That means the design should always serve the content.
The worst thing you can do is create a presentation that looks amazing but doesn’t help the audience understand or retain the information. Colors, fonts, and imagery should be carefully selected to reinforce the message, not distract from it.
Pro Tip: Use a consistent visual theme—it helps your presentation feel cohesive and professional. Make sure your design complements the data. Use bold charts for important metrics and visuals that support your key points.
Empathy moment: It’s easy to get carried away with design trends, but remember: simplicity is your friend. Your slides should help the audience follow the narrative, not confuse them with flashy animations or excessive details.
5. Make It Actionable (The Next Quarter Starts Now)
The final piece of the puzzle in your quarterly business review presentation is to leave your audience with clear takeaways. A QBR isn’t just about reflecting on past performance—it’s about preparing for the next quarter. Your closing slides should outline specific actionable steps, like:
New goals for the upcoming quarter.
Adjustments to strategy.
Key initiatives and how you’ll track their success.
Pro Tip: Don’t just list action items. Frame them in the context of your broader objectives for the quarter. For example, instead of simply saying, “Increase customer satisfaction,” say, “To drive our customer retention strategy, we’ll implement a feedback loop to gauge satisfaction after every interaction, aiming for a 15% improvement in retention by Q2.”
Empathy moment: Your audience wants to leave the room feeling like they have a solid understanding of where things are headed. Don’t leave them wondering what the next steps are. Be clear and decisive.
6. Final Thoughts: The Power of a Well-Crafted QBR
At the end of the day, a quarterly business review presentation isn’t just about showcasing how well things have gone—it’s about reinforcing your commitment to continuous improvement. It’s a chance to pivot, adjust, and refocus. A well-crafted QBR should give your team (and your clients) confidence in your ability to deliver results, while also showing your strategic foresight for the future.
Let's work together
If this all sounds like a lot of work, don’t worry—we’re here to help. Our presentation design agency specializes in creating tailored QBR decks that combine compelling narratives, eye-catching design, and impactful messaging. So, if you need a hand with your next QBR, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make your presentation not just a review, but a celebration of the progress made and a roadmap for the road ahead.
Ink Narrates is a niche agency in presentation design
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