What I’m Learning About Giving Product Demos

I’ve always had a knack for public speaking, thanks to years of school presentations and debates. But translating that skill to tech and product showcases, especially when you’re demonstrating features that might still been development, is a whole different challenge.

I’ve had the chance to give a few presentations at my company. Most recently, I presented our project at a company-wide meeting. This showcase was particularly exciting because it was the first time our hackathon project was being introduced as a product ready to go live. I’ve learned a lot from my previous presentations—one during my internship, and another at the company hackathon—but this one felt like a significant milestone. Along the way, with valuable guidance from my Manager, the Director of Product, and Teammates, I’ve picked up some insights on making these presentations more effective and less nerve-wracking. Here’s what I’ve discovered so far.

Figuring Out My “Why” 🧐

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that is that every demo should have a “why”. Early on, I’d jump straight into demonstrating features, clicking through buttons and explaining their functionality. But my manager pointed out a crucial insight: “The audience doesn’t know the context or the meaning behind these features. Just showing them how things work isn’t enough. You need to explain why it matters.”

This advice was a game changer. I realized that, as someone deeply involved in the product, I understand what it does and why it’s important. But the audience doesn’t have that background. If I don’t clearly convey the value and relevance of the features, the demo won’t resonate.

Turns out, answering that question makes everything easier. When I understood the real value of what I was showing and why it mattered, my demos started to feel less like a chore and more like an opportunity to share something cool. I wanted to show people how this product solves the problem, not just show them how it worked. That shift in mindset made me more passionate and, surprisingly, more confident.

So this time, I took a step back and asked myself, “Why does this matter?” It’s helped me focus on what’s really valuable about the product, which in turn makes the demo feel more purposeful (and less like I’m just rambling).

Telling a Story (Because Everyone Loves a Good Story) 📖

Once I found my “why,” I realized that just running through a list of features wasn’t going to cut it. I needed a story. People love stories, and I found that framing my demo as a narrative made it way more engaging. I’ll admit, storytelling doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’ve been practicing. I’ve learned that a demo without a story is like code without comments. It might work, but it’s hard to follow.

For example, instead of just saying, “Here’s how this feature works,” I try to start with a problem: “So, we’re trying to do X, but Y keeps getting in the way. Here’s how this feature can help.” It’s a small change, but it makes the demo feel more relatable and less like a dry technical walkthrough.

Small Details Matter (Like, Really Matter) 🕵️

Here’s something I’ve come to realize recently: the smallest details in the UI, design, and even the text on the screen can significantly impact how a demo is received. In my last demo, I spent extra time making sure the UI looked polished, the text was clear, and everything flowed smoothly.

Initially, it seemed like these details might be minor, but it’s amazing how these little things can elevate and contribute to a smoother presentation. When the UI is intuitive and the design is clean, people focus on the value of the product rather than getting distracted by inconsistencies or awkward elements. It turns out, these small details matter more than you might think.

Highlight What Really Matters ✨

Another thing I learned was to be picky about what I highlighted. I used to try to show everything, but that just led to information overload. Now, I focus on the most impactful features—the ones that really make a difference and keep the demo crisp and to the point. And I don’t just show them; I explain why they’re important and people leave the demo with a clear understanding of the product’s value.

Practice (And Then Practice Some More) 🚀

This one’s obvious, but I learned the hard way that winging a demo is not the best strategy. My manager suggested doing a few practice runs, and I’m so glad I did. I ran through the demo with my team, and we caught a bunch of little things that could’ve gone wrong—like a feature that didn’t work quite right or a part of the story that didn’t make sense.

Each time I practiced, I felt a little more confident. By the time I did the actual demo, it felt almost natural. I still got nervous, but I knew what I was going to say and how to handle any hiccups, which made a huge difference.

It is a Team Effort 💪

One thing I’ve realized is that demos are never a solo act. Even though I’m the one presenting, it’s a team effort all the way. During the hackathon and afterward, my teammates and I worked closely together to fine-tune the product and the demo itself.

They gave me feedback on everything—from the flow of the demo to the best way to explain a tricky feature. Knowing that I had the team’s support made the whole experience less daunting and way more fun.

Keep It Exciting 🎉

I’m still working on this, but I’ve found that keeping a demo lively isn’t just about interaction—it’s also about energy. It turns out, how you say something can be just as important as what you’re saying.

Injecting energy into your voice and showing genuine excitement can transform a demo from a monotonous lecture into an engaging experience. Plus, it’s a lot easier for everyone to stay engaged when the presenter is clearly passionate about what they’re sharing.

Confidence Comes With Practice (And That’s Okay) 😊

Finally, let’s talk about confidence. I’m still working on this and confidence comes with practice. The more I do these demos, the more comfortable I get. I still get nervous—who doesn’t?—but it’s less overwhelming each time.

One thing that’s helped is focusing on the audience. When I shift my attention to how I can help them, I stop worrying so much about how I’m coming across. And if I mess up? I’ve learned that it’s okay. People are usually pretty forgiving, and as long as I keep going, it’s all good.

So, that’s what I’m learning about giving product demos. I’m definitely not an expert yet, but with each demo, I’m getting better. It’s been a team effort, and I’m grateful for all the advice and support I’ve received along the way. If you’re also new to this, I hope some of these tips help you out. And if you’ve got any advice, I’m all ears!