Don’t Overwhelm with Features: Avoid the temptation to show every feature your product offers. Bombarding viewers with an exhaustive feature dump can dilute the core message. Prospects don’t need a tour of the entire interface – they need to see the parts that solve their problems. Stick to the highlights that matter most for this audience (quality over quantity).

Don’t Use Jargon or Vague Language: Using overly technical terms, internal jargon, or marketing buzzwords can confuse or alienate your audience. Speak in plain language and explain concepts in a way a newcomer could understand. For example, instead of saying “Our solution leverages NLP and ML algorithms,” you might say “Our solution can understand text and learn patterns, so it will get smarter at sorting your emails over time.” Clarity trumps impressing them with vocabulary.

Don’t Ignore Your Audience’s Cues: Pay attention to the prospect’s body language and interjections (in person or on a video call). If they look lost or you hear silence for too long, don’t just plow ahead. Pause and ask if they have questions or need clarification. A demo is meant to be for them, not a script you must get through no matter what. Also, if they show excitement or interest in a particular feature, take a moment to elaborate on it or let them interact, rather than rigidly moving to the next item.

Don’t Dismiss Questions or Objections: When a prospect raises a concern (“I’m not sure if this would integrate with our current system…”), never brush it aside or say “we’ll get to that later” and forget it. Address it earnestly and, if possible, demonstrate the solution right away. For instance, you can quickly show the integration menu or explain how your API works. Handling objections smoothly and respectfully builds trust. If you truly need to check something and get back to them, acknowledge it and promise a follow-up – but never make the person feel wrong for asking.

Don’t Run a One-Way Demo: Especially in remote webinars or pre-recorded demos, it’s easy to fall into a trap of talking at the audience nonstop. This can be a major engagement killer. Don’t forget to involve the audience – ask rhetorical questions (“Imagine you could do X in two clicks – let me show you how”), use the person’s name if it’s a 1:1 demo, or incorporate any interactive platform features available. A monotonous lecture will lose people’s attention quickly.

Don’t Forget to Follow Up: Failing to follow up after a demo is a common mistake. The demo might have gone great, but if you vanish afterward, the prospect might lose momentum or feel less important. Always send a follow-up email or call, ideally the same day or next, to thank them for their time and provide any additional info discussed. This shows professionalism and keeps the conversation going while interest is high.