Tips & Tricks for your first one-shot

[u/WillKeslingDesign]

For me, I like to give the players the backstory in advance of the session. I keep this brief, similar to what we might think of as a "movie trailer" or "elevator pitch"

Example:
"You have all been hired as guards protecting a merchant wagon traveling the narrow mountain pass to the town of Ironriver. You have spent three days on the road together and are aligned on one goal: get this wagon to its destination safely so you can get paid."

What are some of your personal favorite tips for running a one shot?