12 Days of Magic: How OpenAI Gave Us A MasterClass On Incredible Product Demos

If you’re a team looking to wow stakeholders (or even just explain what you’re working on without seeing blank stares), there is SO much you can learn from OpenAI's latest demos from their "12 Days of Open AI".

OpenAI's recent demos were nothing short of inspirational, not just for their innovation, but for how they presented it. It felt like the ultimate masterclass on how to showcase complex products or work in a fun, informative, and engaging way.

Here are 12 Powerful Demo Practices you can take into your next stakeholder meeting... and because it’s the holidays, let’s make this a little more fun. Think of each as a “gift” you can offer your audience, unwrapping one layer at a time. :)

1: Tell the Story Before Showing the Slides

OpenAI didn’t start by diving straight into technical details. They framed everything around a story: Why this innovation matters and what it could change. Stakeholders don’t want to sit through a list of features—they want to know the point. So, before jumping into your slides, think: What’s the story here? Why should they care?

2: Make It Relevant to Their World

Every OpenAI demo felt grounded in real-life applications. They didn’t say, “Here’s what the model does.” They said, “Here’s how you’ll use this in your life or work.” For your demo, think like a translator. Stakeholders are asking, How does this help me? How does it make my life easier or my team better? Speak to them, not just about your product.

3: Don’t Drown Them in Details

I know you did a million things to get here. So did OpenAI. But instead of saying everything, focus on one or two impactful moments. Stakeholders don’t need a deep dive into the engine. They need the high-level overview that keeps them engaged. Give just enough to show depth but not so much that they zone out.

4: Create An Experience

OpenAI nailed this. Their demos weren’t lofty or abstract. They were visual, practical, and interactive. Think of this like hosting a dinner party: it’s one thing to describe the meal, but it’s way better to let people taste it. Whether it’s a prototype, a simulation, or even a simple diagram, give them something to see or experience.

5: Practice Beforehand

I'm sorry to say this, but we can tell when you haven't prepared. Practicing the demo beforehand DOES make a huge difference in how you deliver it and how it's received. It's clear from watching OpenAI's demos that the team took their time to prepare and rehearse as a group beforehand. It won't make your demo feel 'scripted', it will make it feel like it's thoughtfully prepared.

6: Have Fun With It

The OpenAI team wasn’t robotic ... they were REAL!! They stumbled at times, explained complex ideas simply, and kept the conversation casual. That’s the key to a great demo: clarity and connection over proving and perfection. Your audience isn’t looking for flawless. They’re looking for authentic, relatable, and understandable.

7: Add a Dash of Magic

Remember that this is a celebration! Even if your stakeholders have been hearing about these features for months, seeing them live and in production makes a massive difference! Be proud of what you've accomplished. Share your key insights. Bring in the "WOW" factor! Stakeholders love moments like that.

8: Highlight the Possibilities

OpenAI emphasized how their tools partner with humans. This wasn’t about replacing people, it was about enhancing them. When you demo your work, focus on how it supports collaboration. How does this help teams or stakeholders work better together? What does it make POSSIBLE?

9: Be Honest About What’s Hard

Here’s a bold move OpenAI made: they openly talked about what their tools can’t do yet. And guess what? It built trust. Stakeholders know nothing’s perfect. They just want to know you’re thinking about the bigger picture. Don’t shy away from sharing challenges or trade-offs. It shows you’re grounded and solutions-oriented.

10: Let the Data Tell Part of the Story

OpenAI didn’t just show flashy features, they backed it up with data. Stakeholders love to see evidence, so bring the receipts: metrics, case studies, or findings that show why this works. Numbers + a great story = winning combination.

11: Wrap It Up With a Bow

Every great demo ends with a clear call to action, and OpenAI was great at this. Whether it was an invitation to try something new or get ready for updates, they left the audience knowing what to do next. Don’t let your demo fizzle. End strong with a clear, inspiring next step.

12: Record And Share It

Let's be honest. We all have super busy lives. Sometimes, it's tough to stop everything we're doing to attend a demo.. but that doesn't mean we aren't interested or don't care. I often watch or listen to the OpenAI demos when I'm cooking, walking my dog, or need a mini-work break in between meetings. Because the demos are recorded, I can watch them on my time and when I can be fully present. Record your demos and create a simple space for them. (Here is a great example: https://openai.com/12-days/). Share it with your stakeholders!

Why These Practices Matter

Your demo isn’t just about showing progress, it’s about building trust. It’s about making stakeholders feel confident in what you’re delivering and excited about what’s next. Just like OpenAI, your goal isn’t just to inform; it’s to inspire and align.

As you prepare for your next stakeholder meeting, ask yourself:

• Are we telling a clear, relatable story?
• Are we showing how this creates real outcomes?
• Are we BEING honest? Are we being ourselves?
• Are we having fun with this?! (Believe me, if you're not having fun, no one is)

The best demos aren’t just presentations—they’re moments of connection. Have some fun! It makes a difference!

*As a massive fan of OpenAI, it should come to no surprise that I did use ChatGPT to help me write this post. <3 It's literally the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks OpenAI!!!!