Ever jumped straight from one meeting into a demo, feeling unprepared and scattered?
I’ve been there.
When you’re rushing from one call to the next, it’s hard to be fully present. You start your demo on autopilot, go through the motions, and only halfway through, you feel like you’re actually “in it.” By then, you might have already lost your customer’s attention.
That’s why I follow a simple 10-minute pre-demo routine to get in the zone and set myself up for success.
These small steps make a huge difference in focus, confidence, and overall demo quality.
Step 1: Avoid Back-to-Back Meetings (If You Can)
It’s tempting to pack your calendar, but back-to-back demos are a bad idea.
Why?
- If a previous meeting runs over, you enter your demo already stressed.
- You don’t get a moment to reset your thoughts.
- You risk carrying over the energy (or frustration) from the last call.
Even just a 10-minute buffer between meetings can help you clear your head and refocus before a demo.
Step 2: Do a Quick Tech Check
Nothing ruins a demo faster than technical issues.
Before you start, spend one minute on these basics:
✅ Is your mic working?
✅ Is your camera on and well-positioned?
✅ Do you have the right tabs and apps open?
✅ Are there any distracting notifications that might pop up?
This simple check prevents awkward delays and fumbling when the meeting starts. You want to show up like a pro.
Step 3: Block Out Interruptions
Your focus is everything.
- Turn on „Do Not Disturb“ mode on your laptop and phone.
- Close unnecessary apps and tabs—Slack, email, and anything else that might steal your attention.
- Silence your phone and put it out of sight.
A smooth, interruption-free demo feels way more professional.
Step 4: Set Your Goal
Before you jump into the call, ask yourself:
🎯 What do I want my customer to walk away with?
🎯 What’s the most important thing I want them to remember?
🎯 What does success look like for this demo?
Demos aren’t about showing everything—they’re about making the right impact.
Having a clear goal makes your presentation sharper and more intentional.
Step 5: Visualize the Ending
This is a small mental trick, but it works.
Take 10 seconds and picture your customer at the end of the call.
What do you want them to say?
- “This is exactly what we need.”
- “This solves our problem perfectly.”
- “Let’s talk next steps.”
When you start with the end in mind, you naturally steer your demo in that direction.
Step 6: Take a Deep Breath & Get in the Zone
You don’t want to sound robotic. You don’t want to sound nervous.
Take one deep breath before you start. Shake off the last meeting.
This tiny reset helps you enter the demo calm, focused, and engaged.
Final Thoughts: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Demos aren’t just about knowledge—they’re about presence.
A few minutes of prep help you get in the zone, feel confident, and deliver with impact.
Try this 10-minute routine before your next demo and see how it changes your energy.
