Considering demo automation? Test drive Demoboost for free!
Start Your Trial

How to write a Product Demo Script [Essential Guide to Writing Scripts That Sells]

min read
  min read
Share
Copied!
Table of contents

In the world of software, selling a compelling product demo can mean the difference between a triumphant success and a forgettable flop. A demo is more than just a showcase; it's a narrative, a story that weaves the product's features with the client's needs. And like any great story, it requires a compelling script. 

Effective scripting is the backbone of a successful product demo. It ensures clarity, resonates with the audience's pain points, and, most importantly, drives action. In this guide on How to write a Product Demo Script, we delve deep into the art of crafting demo scripts that don't just inform but sell. Let’s begin

What is a Product Demo Script?

A product demo script is a thoughtfully crafted narrative that guides the presentation of a product to potential clients or stakeholders in the purchase decision. It's not merely a list of features or functionalities; instead, it's a structured storyline that highlights the product's value proposition, addresses the audience's pain points, and showcases how the product stands out in the market. 

High performers recognise the power of a well-prepared demo script. They leverage it not just to inform, but to engage, persuade, and drive action. By adhering to a compelling script, these top-tier professionals ensure consistency in their presentations and tailor their approach to resonate with their audience. This ultimately increases the likelihood of converting prospects into paying customers.

4 Steps to Write a Product Demo Script

The structure of a demo script is not just a sequence, it's a strategic narrative designed to captivate, resonate, and drive action. The proper structure ignites curiosity, ensures clarity, maintains engagement, and, most importantly, drives the desired action. Here's how to craft this structure effectively:

Step 1: Build a Strong Intro to Engage the User

First impressions matter. Start with Last Thing First. Make a compelling introduction that captures the essence of your product and resonates with the audience. This "AHA" moment is where the audience truly sees the product's value, making it a pivotal point in the conversion process. Craft this moment meticulously, ensuring it leaves a lasting impression.

 This isn't about building suspense and letting the audience wait for the most important information. They need to see it in the opening statement clearly. Check out more insights on engaging your audience. Setting the right tone from the outset ensures your audience is hooked and eager to learn more.

Step 2: Create Paths from Facts & Features to Emotions & Benefits 

As surprising as it might be, your potential clients are not as passionate about your product as you are. They are looking for solutions to their problems and the best way to showcase your ability to help them is by appealing to their emotions. 

For instance, when you are selling an API Management/ Security policy feature, the benefit you deliver might be securing applications and APIs against attacks. Most importantly however you are selling peace of mind, relief, trust, and confidence. In your pitch use phrases like ‘When was the last time you haven’t been nervous because of your new HR applications API? 

Step 3: Use storytelling techniques to gain impact and influence s

When presenting the advantages of your product, narrating a real-life scenario in which you've already assisted a comparable client facing a similar issue will yield the most potent effect. This approach not only establishes credibility and fosters trust but also presents your product in the most favorable manner. So, how can you effectively articulate this narrative?

  • Introduce PAIN: Describe the problem. Position your client as a hero with the goal of facing the problem.
  • AGITATE: Drill deeper into the problem. Lead your hero into the valley of despair by having them feel the pain. Use emotions!
  • SOLVE: Release the tension by showing a solution. Set yourself up as the guide.

Step 4: Wrap up the Product Demo With Reinforcement

Concluding the demo is as crucial as starting it. Reinforce the key points discussed, reiterate the product's value proposition, and end with a clear call to action. This ensures that the message is not only delivered but also remembered, prompting the desired response from the audience.

Why Script Is Important in Product Demos?

A well-crafted and coherent script is critical in ensuring a seamless and effective product demo. It provides the following benefits:

1. Structure and Flow for Clarity: A well-crafted script ensures that the demo follows a logical sequence, moving seamlessly from one point to the next. This structure helps in presenting the product's features and benefits in a coherent manner, making it clear for the audience to follow and understand.

2. Consistency Across Presentations: Especially in larger organisations, multiple team members might conduct demos. A standardised script ensures that every presenter conveys the same core message, maintaining brand consistency and ensuring that key points are always highlighted.

3. Confidence and Preparedness: Knowing there's a well-thought-out script to follow can boost the confidence of the presenter. It acts as a safety net, ensuring that no critical information is missed, and helps in handling unexpected questions or scenarios.

4. Objection Handling: Every seasoned salesperson knows the importance of being prepared for objections. A robust demo script showcases the product and anticipates and addresses potential concerns or reservations. This proactive approach enhances the overall customer experience, making them feel heard and valued.

5. Driving Desired Outcomes: A script isn't just about showcasing the product; it's also about guiding the audience toward a desired action, whether that's signing up for a trial, making a purchase, or scheduling a follow-up. A strategic script ensures that the demo concludes with a clear and compelling call to action.

What’s the Role of Research in Writing Effective Product Demo Scripts?

Research isn't just a preliminary step; it's the backbone of crafting compelling product demo scripts. Here's how research plays a pivotal role in this

1. Understanding the Target Audience: At the core of any effective demo is a profound understanding of the target audience. Researching who they are, what drives them, and what they value ensures that the demo speaks their language. It's not about presenting a product; it's about presenting a solution tailored to them.

2. Verbalizing Specific  Pain Points and Challenges: Every product seeks to solve a problem or fill a gap in the market. By researching and understanding the specific pain points and challenges faced by the target audience, a demo script can be crafted to emphasise how the product provides tangible solutions. This makes the demo not just informative but also deeply relevant.

3. Catalyst for Personalization: While personalisation might evoke images of multiple scripts tailored for individual clients, it's more about crafting a universal yet adaptable narrative. Research acts as a catalyst here. Even with a standard script, the essence of personalisation emerges when the demo evolves into a conversation, focusing on how the product aligns with the client's aspirations and goals.

4. Fueling the Discovery Call: One of the most potent tools in the research arsenal is the discovery call. This conversation between a prospect and a business sets the tone for the relationship and the potential sale. It's an opportunity to ask questions, gauge their needs, and understand their reservations. The information gleaned from a discovery call can be the difference between a generic demo and one that hits the mark.

10-Point Checklist to Follow While Writing Product Demo Script That Sells

Follow this 10-point checklist to create a compelling demo that addresses your audience's unique pain points and highlights the value of your product.

1. Research Your Audience Well: Delve into understanding your prospect's unique situation. Recognise their pain points, needs, and requirements to ensure your demo script speaks directly to them and addresses their specific challenges.

2. Define a Clear Goal: Clearly establish the core messages and value propositions you aim to convey. Determine the desired outcomes for your audience, ensuring that the script's direction aligns with these objectives.

3. Start the Script with a Hook: Set the stage by presenting an overview of prevalent business problems, narratives, and insights. This approach highlights the issues with the current status quo, making the need for a solution evident in the buyer's mind.

4. Give Them a Roadmap and Inform What's Next: Organise your demo script with a structured, step-by-step plan. Integrate a "WOW" moment within this roadmap to ensure the demo experience remains etched in the audience's memory.

5. Pay Close Attention to Length and Tone: Craft your script in a conversational tone, steering clear of lengthy and intricate sentences. Aim for an optimal demo duration, ideally around 45 minutes, to maintain engagement without overwhelming the audience.

6. Anticipate Objection Handling: Proactively address prevalent objections and questions within your script. Equip yourself to adapt your presentation based on varying situations and audience feedback.

7. Focus on Emotions and Benefits Rather Than Features: Go beyond merely listing features. Connect each feature to specific pain points, demonstrating how your product alleviates these challenges and emphasising the tangible value it offers.

8. Include Trust Factors: Bolster your script's credibility by weaving in case studies, reviews, ratings, and success stories. These trust factors serve as testimonials, showcasing real-world applications and successes of your product.

9. Talk About the Next Steps: Conclude by providing a clear path forward for the prospect. Whether initiating a free trial, scheduling a subsequent call, or guiding them towards a purchase, ensure they know the subsequent steps in their journey.

10. Revise and Practice: The script's evolution doesn't end once it's written. Continually refine it based on feedback and insights. Practice its delivery to guarantee a presentation that's both confident and captivating.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Writing Product Demo Scripts

By sidestepping some common pitfalls, you can craft a product demo script that showcases your product effectively and resonates deeply with your audience, driving desired actions and outcomes.

1. Being Too Technical

While it's essential to showcase the capabilities of your product, delving too deep into technical jargon can alienate your audience. Instead, use simple and clear language that everyone can understand. 

Remember, the goal is to resonate with the audience's needs and show them how your product can benefit them. Overloading them with technical details can make the demo confusing and less relatable. If you have to use a technical term, explain it in plain words.

2. Lack of Structure and Flow

A demo script without a clear structure can come off as disjointed and hard to follow. It's crucial to have a logical sequence that guides the audience through the product's features and benefits, ensuring they remain engaged and can easily grasp the value proposition.

3. Not Researching the Audience Well

One-size-fits-all rarely works in product demos. Before you start, take the time to understand who you're speaking to. What are their needs? What challenges do they face? Tailor your demo to address these points, focusing on what matters most to them.

4. Too Much Talking - Not Enough 

It's essential to strike a balance between presenting information and allowing room for interaction. Instead of just talking to your audience, engage them. Ask questions, get their feedback, and let them share their thoughts. This makes your demo more lively and helps you connect better with your audience.

5. Sticking to Dry Facts rather than stories 

A product demo is more than just a list of features; it's a story. Failing to weave a compelling narrative around how your product can transform the user's experience or solve their problems can result in a lackluster presentation. Storytelling adds a human touch, making the demo relatable and persuasive.

Conclusion

The art of crafting a compelling product demo script is a journey that requires understanding, precision, and a touch of creativity. It's evident that the right words, structure, and approach can transform a simple demo into a powerful sales tool. However, crafting an impactful product demo script is just one piece of the puzzle. 

To truly make your script come alive and resonate with your audience, you need the right platform. Demoboost is designed to elevate your product demos, making them more interactive, engaging, and effective. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, you can ensure that your well-crafted script gets the presentation it deserves. 

Book a demo to turn your compelling scripts into unforgettable demo experiences.

categories:
author
Anna Decroix
Co-founder and CMO at Demoboost

Anna serves as the passionate and curious Chief Demo Methodology Officer. As the driving force behind Demoboost's Presales Advisory Board, Anna actively engages with the presales community, accumulating invaluable insights and showcasing front-line expertise in demo thought leadership and practice.

Get sales tips and strategies delivered
straight to your inbox.
Learn how interactive software demos can showcase your product in all its glory.
Join the demo experience revolution
Demos have come a long way from the traditional product demo video consumers were once familiar with. Learn how interactive software demos can showcase your product in all its glory, revolutionizing the way you sell and transforming the way your customers buy.