While product demos are a common aspect of the product management craft, it’s odd to look all the way back to 1968 when roughly a thousand people watched ‘The Mother of All Demos’, presented by Douglas Engelbart. 52 years later, with all the amazing technology we have at our hands and the number of products being launched every day, we still see how elusive is to craft an outstanding demo.

In this Sunday Rewind post, we look back to when Oscar Santolalla offered engaging insights and practical advice on making a product demo that stands out.

In his piece, Oscar breaks down the different types of demos and how to structure each one from start to finish. “For any product demo, a clear structure is a must. The exact structure will depend on many aspects such as the available time, type of product, type of event, etc.” he says.

After explaining the structure, he goes on to explain common pitfalls. The main tips to avoid these are to:

• Test your demo
• Minimize the number of steps in the demo
• Prep backup devices and kit
• Get help
• Control what you know

He closes by saying, “as you can see, a lot goes into the preparation of a great product demo. But, by preparing methodically and with a little inspiration – such as Engelbart! – you’re on your way to a successful demo”.

Think about how you’d like your demo to be perceived 40 years time and give it your all. Now the stage is yours.

If you’re looking to gain engaging takeaway advice on making product demos, then read: How to make a product demo that stands out in full.