Conducting Birkat Hamazon with a Zimun
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Question
Hello, During a meal with a zimun, 1. Should the leader recite the first blessing aloud? 2. Should the other participants respond with 'Amen'? But should they themselves recite the first blessing quietly? 3. If they recite quietly, should they start the blessing together with the leader or wait until he finishes and then start?
Answer
Hello
According to the Shulchan Aruch, one only needs to hear the zimun itself from the leader. According to the Rema, one should also hear the first blessing from him.
In our times, listeners do not fulfill their obligation through the leader at all, and even the first blessing is recited by each person individually.
However, according to the Rema, the leader should recite the first blessing aloud, and the listeners should recite the first blessing together with him, quietly. They should hasten slightly at the end of the blessing to finish before the leader, so they can respond 'Amen' to the leader's blessing.
Source
Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, Siman 192, Seif 2. Siman 183, Seif 7. And Mishnah Berurah there.