The 2019 Tesla Cybertruck unveiling represents a perfect storm of high expectations meeting unexpected reality. Elon Musk, known for his theatrical product launches, pitches confidently as design chief Franz von Holzhausen throws a metal ball at the truck's "armor glass." 

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The subsequent shattering wasn't just a technical failure

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—it was a moment that humanized Elon Musk. 

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Legendary Pitch Failures

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People advise ‘No Demos’ in your investor pitch. Because there is a fear that it can beat down the expectation that you set in your fundraising pitch deck.  They have a reason as even with the controlled environment some of the stories have met an anti climax during the demos. 

• Bill Gates' Windows 98 demo failure and The Blue Screen of Death (BSoD).  
• Steve Jobs' iPhone 4 Wi-Fi failure.
• Honda's Asimo robot taking a tumble on the stage.

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The Hero Use Case: Focusing Your Narrative

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However, for some startups, the product experience really is the whole point of their story. In that case, how does one work around this without overextending into untested features during high-pressure demos?

When it comes to ‘demo ing your product, take cues from the product managers.

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To mitigate the risks of demo failures, product managers often employ the "hero use case" approach. This strategy emphasizes showcasing the primary value proposition of a product—the core problem it solves for its target audience.

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Not anything more.

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By concentrating on this central narrative, companies effectively communicate their product's significance without overextending into untested features during high-pressure demos.

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To Err is Human: The Comprehensive Demo Day Preparation Checklist

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But still Murphy’s Law never disappoints in demos.

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Even with a focused approach and controlled environment, unforeseen issues can arise and a defensive approach can further alienate the audience, transforming the demo into a one-sided discourse that fails to convey your .

Also, give a read about 7 Shark Tank questions that every founder must anticipate to prepare yourself from any surprises.

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But take note of the below list lists before you pitch a demo to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

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Have a Recorded Video

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A pre-recorded demonstration isn't just a backup—it's an opportunity to perfect your narrative. Consider creating modular video segments that can be deployed selectively if specific live components fail. This approach allows for flexibility while maintaining presentation flow.

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Backup Workflow

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When designing alternative demonstration paths, prioritize those that highlight different aspects of your core value proposition rather than simply repeating the primary demo with minor variations. This way, even if you resort to Plan B, your audience gains a new perspective on your product's capabilities.

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Backup Wi-Fi Source

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Modern demonstrations often require more than just a secondary Wi-Fi connection. Consider a dedicated mobile hotspot with a different carrier than your primary connection, ensuring true redundancy. For critical demos, some product managers even arrange temporary dedicated lines with bandwidth guarantees.

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Disable Software Updates

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Beyond disabling automatic updates, create a comprehensive "demo mode" configuration: turn off notifications, screen savers, email clients, and any background processes that might interrupt. For mobile demonstrations, enabling "Do Not Disturb" mode prevents unexpected calls or messages from derailing your presentation.

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Most important: Have a Joke In Hand

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Most founders either get salesy from this point alienating themselves from the actual story of their pitch.  Some would call it on the IT. But here is a powerful hack.

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Have some humour in hand. 

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It helps a lot.