6 'Secrets' of a Great Software Demo
Giving a great software demo can be a bit unnerving.
But, it doesn't have to be. You want everything to go off 'without a hitch', right? Keeping in mind some key points about how to give a great software demo may make a difference in your level of success and outcomes with your clients. One of the key components of success is simply having demos regularly! The act of performing them and having them as part of your cadence in your project lifecycle is a huge win and will bring you closer to success. Now that you are committed to a software demo with your clients, here are six 'secrets' of giving a great one!
1. Practice!
You should practice your demo to ensure the feature set you are wishing to highlight can be shown within the time allotted for the demo. Practicing your workflow will give you confidence and the appearance of polish and preparedness to your client - a big win for everyone and ensures the focus stays on the content and not the execution.
2. Test Your Environment
Things can go wrong in technology. Look up Murphy's Law. You should test not only the software, (consider having a pre-taped component for any feature that may be a little more volatile as a back-up) but, also your demoing tool, conference line, and internet connection before-hand. Getting the kinks worked out before you are in front of the client will prevent any embarrassing snafus or delays.
3. Level-set Expectations from the Top
Making sure to tell your audience what they can expect is always a good idea. Let them know what you will be covering and when might be a good time for them to provide feedback. Grooming your viewers to to be great participants before your demo will help keep you in control, accountible to your agenda, and timely.
4. Eliminate as Many Distractions as Possible
Email and instant messenger are incredible tools for facilitating quick communication, but closing out of the programs and silencing notifications before a demo is a must. When you are receiving notifications on even the screen that is not in presentation mode, your attention gets stolen away from your client with each ping. Even if you have notifications silenced, remember to close all non-essential programs in case you need to navigate to a different window during the presentation. The possibility of running across something that contains your open email or instant messenger creates a risk that sensitive or private information from another client or co-worker could be exposed.
5. Go Slowly
The viewer does not have the luxury of seeing everything firsthand if you are using a screen sharing tool. Subtle movements such as moving your mouse over a certain area may not be reflected on the viewer's side due to latency of the internet connection. The viewer may also not have the luxury of seeing the software or application every day, so they may have a hard time tracking where to look if you are not overtly descriptive with your language. Going slow will allow for your viewers to appropriately follow along.
6. Encourage Participation
Make any data you are demoing a little more realistic by asking the audience for reasonable data they would actually be putting in. This helps keep them engaged and also tests the software for usability. Remember to take feedback at key moments; stopping to take feedback at unplanned times during your presentation may interrupt your planned flow and distract from the moment or feature you're trying to highlight. It may also take your demo down a rabbit trail you weren't quite planning to go on. This can be difficult if you don't have a helping hand to take notes for you.
Demos, show-and-tells, or progress presentations are great ways to keep your client informed, provide confidence, and garner consensus.
They help the imagination beyond what screen shots and written reports can do. Keep in mind a few of the above 'secrets' to help your next demo go well. Everyone loves a good show-and-tell and you shouldn't stop doing them just because you are no longer a kid.









