Rehearse your demo before you go to make sure that you have the tools and material you need. Take spares.
Have clean, sharp tools (unless you are doing a sharpening demo
) and a clean turning jacket.
Make sure that the chucks or other ancillary equipment that you are taking is compatible with the lathe that you will be using. Nothing worse than to find your favourite chuck or tool rest will not work
Explain clearly and concisely what you will be, and are doing as you go. Explain why you may use a different method or tool than what is considered normal.
If you can, use just safety glasses instead of a face shield unless they have a microphone. It is very hard to talk through a face shield and be heard.
If someone asks a question repeat it back to the audience. Something like," I have just been asked why I do that cut or xxx that way."
Most audience members have their backs to the person asking and don't always hear it and the answer makes no sense to them.
If you do not know the answer say so. Someone in the audience more than likely will but don't let it get into chitter chatter.
Have clean hands and especially fingernails as people are watching them more than anything else.
Do not have Garlic or similar for 2 days before. Nothing worse than speaking to someone and they reek. Not good inside a faceshield either.