In software engineering, Murphy's Law - "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong" - often seems tailor-made for demos. Yet, rather than fearing it, we should embrace it. Unforeseen issues during demos aren't just setbacks; they're opportunities for showcasing our problem-solving skills, revealing unforeseen bugs, and demonstrating real-world performance. These moments also humanize us, illustrating the common struggles that underpin the success of every software engineer.
So, the next time a demo doesn't proceed as planned, remember it's okay. Each hiccup is an opportunity for growth, a testament to the realness of software development. As we troubleshoot on the spot, handle unexpected problems, and still manage to convey our software's story, we are reminding our audience, and ourselves, that perfection isn't the goal - continuous learning and adaptability are.