Software demo script template and breakdown - mmhmm example
Written by, Sergey Ross (Co-Founder at Sway One)
Overview
This framework breaks down the elements of one of the best presentation software demos [mmhmm] and explains what makes it so effective. So you can apply the same principles with your own scripts.
Phase 1: Intro (00:00 - 0:00:25): Establish the problem & solution, introduce the product. Start with a relatable problem:
1. Mmhmm example: "Hi there my name is Phil and I'm getting really tired of living all day on video." Immediately connects with viewers by acknowledging a common pain-point.
Your turn: [Your relatable opening about a problem your software solves] Transition to your solution (the software):
2. Mmhmm example: "It's so easy to feel like an anonymous head in a box, so we made a new app..." "...make it easier for people to present, inform, entertain over video..."
Your turn: [Transition from the problem to your software as a SOLUTION. Keep it concise and conversational.] Introduce your product, organically:
3. Mmhmm example: "... We call it, 'mmhmm,'..." " ...it's 'instant weekend update,'- it lets you live out your vicarious John Oliver fantasies (yes I know this is SNL)." Uses HUMOR and a playful, natural tone to make the product introduction memorable Mentions competing products CASUALLY, doesn't dwell on the competition.
Your turn: [Naturally introduce the name of your software. Inject humor or make it memorable.]
Phase 2: Core Features & Benefits (00:25 - 03:00):
Showcase capabilities in action divide this section into clear segments based on KEY FEATURES. Focus on HOW the features work and their SPECIFIC benefits for the viewer (NOT just listing features).
Template:
1. Feature focus: [State the key feature you're showcasing]
2. Action: [Demonstrate the feature through screen recording- verbally explaining what you are doing. Mmhmm does this very clearly.]
3. Relatable benefit: [Connect a feature to a practical benefit. Don't assume viewers understand why each action is useful.]
Example using Mmhmm (Repeat this structure for each feature you cover):
Feature focus: Controlling your "room" (background control)
- Action: Showcases different static, animated, indoor/outdoor backgrounds in rapid succession*
- Mmhmm Says: "...I can control the ROOM that I'm in — there's a wide selection of indoor, outdoor, and animated backgrounds.” ... I can have a screen and put whatever I want..."
- Relatable Benefit for Viewers: "Keeps presentations visually engaging. Presents opportunities beyond static stock backgrounds"
Your turn: Write how you would demonstrate one of your key software features using Mmhmm's structure:
- Feature focus (Your Software).
- Action (Verbally Recorded):
- Relatable benefit for users:
[… CONTINUE with this breakdown for visual-focused software features..]
Phase 3: Integrate Advanced Features Naturally:
If you have complex or niche-use features, SHOW, DON'T TELL extensively:
Mmhmm approach (AirPlay for Phone Demos) - Notice the structure:
- Setup, quick demonstration, implied application practical setup: Explains being able to "Airplay anything," including their own very relatable overflowing email.
- Speedy in-context example: Quickly navigates phone to bakery menu for another use case- ordering food.
- Benefit implied without explaining every detail: Transitions to features, assuming viewer now SEES the potential broadly.
Your takeaway: Showcase, not detailed lecture! Quickly show potential benefits.
Phase 4: Preview Upcoming Enhancements:(3:00- 4:30)
Don't bore with static roadmaps: Tease upcoming features as additions on already great functionality.
Frame it positively: Beta isn’t buggy; it's collaborative improvement...you're partnering with users.
Mmhmm: "Lots of features coming soon!...Dynamic Decks… no more boring powerpoints!" (implies their advantage solves real issues FOR the viewer).
- Shows, doesn't just tell again! Demonstrates Dynamics: Clicking= movie, also interactive with pausing, control returned to 'viewer' by them choosing how/when speaker advances slides.
- Multiplayer (very technical!), made simple demo-narratively: Frames it as a co-founder VC pitch – instantly relatable for target users. Demonstrates with another person to REALLY show the co-presenting potential visually.
Phase 5: Your Script Selection.
For major future capabilities (DON'T detail "how it'll work technically", just the high-level, user-focused benefit): Feature coming soon 1 title.
- How will you SHOW what it does, keeping the VIEWER's experience central?: [Refer to how Mmhmm demonstrated features to script how yours will quickly convey impact during demo).
Feature coming soon 2 title.
- And it's impact will improve users lives by helping them by doing [action]?* [Remember - show it being used to quickly highlight future value.
Phase 6: CTA with a PURPOSE, not just "try it! (4:30- until the end)
Target the right early users: "...We're an early invite only beta," builds exclusivity. Your takeaway: Use this when timing’s right (scarcity tactic works best if it's true).
- Mmhmm specific CTA – approach is broadly applicable: Looking for not just ANY users… “appeals to people who want to shape your roadmap (highly engaged beta pool).
Key Takeaways & Additional Tips:
- Conversational language: Imagine you're explaining the software to a friend. Use natural language, avoid jargon, and focus on clarity.
- Storytelling: Weave your features into a narrative. Show how they solve problems and make users' lives better.
- Visual interest: Keep viewers engaged with a mix of visuals – screen recordings, transitions, zoom-ins, etc.
- Humor & personality: Don't be afraid to be yourself and inject some humor. It makes your brand more relatable.
- Practice & feedback: Rehearse your script, record yourself, and get feedback to ensure a polished final product.