Let's make a thread of just DMing advice. It can be aimed at new DMs or veteran DMs. It can be yours, or something you read/heard from someone else. It can be obvious or mind blowing. But you only get one.
----------
Mine:
Be Flexible. It does not matter whether you are running a pre-written* scenario going from level 1 to 20, or making the adventure up as you play. The ability to respond to what the players do apparently seemlessly is the most important skill in a game where literally anything can happen. Be flexible when it comes to player choices. Be flexible when it comes to dice outcomes. be flexible when it comes to real life circumstances. It isn't a book or a movie and you aren't the writer or director. It is storytelling, but it is collaborative, emergent storytelling impacted by randomness and rules. Nothing is set in stone and no outcome is predetermined. Be Flexible.
*I'm looking at you, self, and your Avernus issues.
----------
Mine:
Be Flexible. It does not matter whether you are running a pre-written* scenario going from level 1 to 20, or making the adventure up as you play. The ability to respond to what the players do apparently seemlessly is the most important skill in a game where literally anything can happen. Be flexible when it comes to player choices. Be flexible when it comes to dice outcomes. be flexible when it comes to real life circumstances. It isn't a book or a movie and you aren't the writer or director. It is storytelling, but it is collaborative, emergent storytelling impacted by randomness and rules. Nothing is set in stone and no outcome is predetermined. Be Flexible.
*I'm looking at you, self, and your Avernus issues.