This should be one you file in the “duh” category, but I have seen this more times than I care to remember.

Whenever you are giving a presentation or a demo, take the time to make sure everything is working before it is time to actually give your presentation. I have seen everything from expired licenses on products which were to be demoed all the way up to Powerpoint not being installed on the presenter’s computer. Seriously.

When you do a review of your system to make sure everything is working, give yourself ample time to address any problems you might encounter. Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency for someone else.