How do you demonstrate new technology to users and investors?

One of the best intelligent method of knowing your audience that is very occasionally used is to develop your ability for remembering names and greet everyone as they come into the room, asking for their name. Then when you ask for questions, you can say 'Yes, Bob, what was your question'.

- Find a common problem your audience faces - Help them understand that they are not alone in these problems, and others like them also struggle by having real-life examples - Help them understand the impact (Revenue, Labour and Customer/ Employee satisfaction) of not addressing that problem in the long term - Then have a simple visual of how something can help address those problems - Doesn't have to be a full platform, but the concept

When it comes to investors, I noticed that they often care far less about a technological demonstration and far more about a market validation demonstration. This might discourage the inventor types among you, but don’t be discouraged- it is exactly what they should do and they are doing you a huge favor. When investors force you to deal with the practical aspects of innovation (i.e. will someone buy it) rather than the romantic aspects of innovation (i.e. creating something no one ever did), they can save you years of chasing the wrong dream and from building a zombie product. Rather than showing investors how your technology works, show them proof that people want your technology.

Clearly outline what you want to achieve with your technology demonstration. Ensure your objectives are specific, realistic, and aligned with your audience's needs. Have a clear call to action for your audience to follow after the demonstration. Tailor your presentation to address the interests and concerns of your target audience. Use compelling storytelling and data to persuade investors of the technology's potential for revenue generation and impact.

Keep your content concise and avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive technical details. Anticipate potential questions or objections your audience may have and proactively address them during your demonstration. Provide evidence, case studies, or testimonials to back up your claims and build credibility. Choose content formats (slides, videos, live demos) that best convey your message and are compatible with your presentation platform and equipment. Ensure visual consistency and clarity in your media to enhance understanding and engagement.

Another crucial consideration is to provide a real-world example that directly aligns with your audience's objectives. Sometimes, technology is showcased using an example that doesn't quite match the audience's needs, leaving them wondering how it applies to their business. By understanding your audience's specific use cases in advance and tailoring your demonstration accordingly, you can deliver a seamless presentation that not only builds trust in the technology itself but also in how it can be applied to their unique business model.