So I'm in a bit of a unique situation. I have a group of friends that I play board games with a few times a month, and recently they have shown interest in RPGs. I have a fair amount of GM experience, and am the only one with tabletop RPG experience (the others have some experience with video game style RPGs and the fantasy genre in general though.)
I picked up the Beginner Box after hearing rave reviews and have read through it a few times. We're using the pregen characters, FYI. I'm ready to GM, but I have a few questions for you guys. I'm planning on being verrrry gentle with them in combat, but other than that:
What's the best way to go about communicating the rules?
What's the best way to help new players learn to roleplay?
What should I do if one or more players feel uninterested after playing for a bit?
Any general tips and tricks to help make a player's first time memorable?
1) lend them your rulebook or point them to the SRD, and point out a couple of sections they should read there. Combat for example, and their class of course, how magic works. I think those are the bare essentials everyone should know.
2) Throw them into it. If they're interested they'll pick up on it.
3) Hit them over the head, then tie them down so they can't leave. No just kidding, it's not for everyone, so if someone doesn't like it, it might be best to say "ok, we don't have to do everything together".
4) can't help here sorry
Making a session memorable can be really tough, and it is going to depend a lot on your players. In my group, the most memorable moments happen spontaneously when one of the players does something unexpected as opposed to what the DM has planned. Just remember that from your end its all in the presentation to the players, not mechanically how it looks from behind the DM screen to make it interesting.
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Don't get down if people don't like it right off the bat. There are LOTS of classes and options in this game. Maybe after the trial run get a few books and see if any of the other classes spark some interest. I love me some D&D but the Alchemist and Ninja class are the ones that make me love making characters.
Already into playing games, your friends, the odds are 9:1F you'll have a blast.
Rules: you know them, players will tell you what they wish to do and you'll interperet through the guidelines.
Roleplaying: More than likely, they'll pick up on your cues. If you present colorful characters or locations they will engage them.
Sweat: don't sweat it
Tips: bring snacks