Tips to Avoid Demo Drama - Tip 9: Expect the Unexpected
Yesterday, we talked about the importance of having a Plan B, in case something goes wrong. However, sometimes even your Plan B (or C) is not enough.
What happens if you have a hostile audience, your software doesn’t work properly, the internet connection is not stable, or you are missing a cable that you need for your presentation? All these things can derail your demo before you have even started. How can you avoid demo drama under those circumstances?
The answer is that you have to develop something that I call “adverse circumstances resilience”. You have a responsibility to provide the best possible content and presentation for your audience. Try to include them in finding an alternative, and be prepared to deliver something you have not fully prepared. I have to admit that developing this capability can be painful in the beginning, but it is well worth the grief.
There are many reasons why you might have to leave your prepared demo path even if you have fully prepared. For example, it might become clear that your prepared content is not a good fit for your audience. In that case, be honest with your audience and tell them that you are going ‘off piste’ and will need to improvise to meet their needs. Your audience will appreciate your flexibility even if you do not deliver a polished demo.
