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Message: <blockquote data-quote="timbannock" data-source="post: 9777054" data-attributes="member: 17913">Prep more than you need, but keep it modular because you will absolutely throw a bunch of it out. Watch the clock and run more for dramatic timing and putting a lid on the scenario by the end of the session, unless you are running a dedicated, consistent group/campaign, which I've never been able to successfully do at an FLGS.Promote the store's wares, whether it's stuff for the game (books, dice, cards, add-ons) or stuff for the people at the table (food, drinks, esp. water!!). If the store doesn't get value out of their play space, it will not last.Take frequent breaks, because as I mentioned, water!! Being hydrated is important, even if you're just sitting down rolling dice. Encourage people who don't have to use the bathroom during those breaks to get up and move around, maybe peruse the store. "Hey, you should check out that new comic/game/dice set." Of course, people with mobility issues shouldn't be pushed away from the table.Having a page or individual card on the table for each player with "good play" reminders is always good. "Player's Agenda" from PbtA games and the like. Because you WILL get problematic players, but they are most often problematic not because they are bad people, but because they haven't been properly taught sporting play and good manners. You may get folks with disabilities and who are on the spectrum and any number of other things that may be new to you, but that usually all have very simple, direct, easy-to-resolve ways of speaking with/to them about how to keep things enjoyable for everyone and inclusive for everyone. Read up on that sort of thing, especially from convention reports and threads on various forums. A welcoming table is key.As a GM, you talk a lot, so you will have various moments of being tongue-tied, mispronouncing stuff, misgendering a character (like when a player is playing a character of a different gender than themself), or Freudian slips. It happens. Rather than pray no one notices, be the first to call attention to it and chide yourself appropriately. Apologize if and when necessary. If anyone's frustrated, annoyed, angry, or any other negative emotion, don't hesitate to call for a break and give everyone time to chill out or discuss as they wish/need.</blockquote>

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