how to write demonstration speech

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How to Write a Demonstrative Speech

Last Updated: September 19, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 272,470 times.

Demonstrative speeches are intended to teach an audience how to do a specific thing. They can be long and detailed, or short and simple. Even if you're an expert at your topic, the process of writing your speech can seem difficult. However, once you sit down to write a great speech, you're likely to get more excited about your topic than ever.

Choosing a Topic

• For example, to give a speech about how to perform general car maintenance, you might need an hour for your presentation. That's because it's a broad topic. If you only have 15 minutes, you should narrow your speech to something like how to change a car's oil.
• If you don't have control over the length of time or the topic, you'll need to adjust your speech accordingly. If you have too much information for a short amount of time, don't go into much detail. If you have a long time for a simple topic, you can expand your speech with some history or related facts.

• For example, if you're giving a speech to professional bakers, it might not be appropriate to choose the topic, “How to Bake a Cake.” You'd probably want to make your topic more interesting to them with something like, “How to Bake Authentic French Style Pastries.”
• The age of your audience matters, too. For example, if your audience is young children, you might choose the topic, “How to Take Care of a Plant” instead of, “How to Grow Perennials.”

• Look up your topic online. Other people may have made instructional videos that you can get tips from.
• If you know any experts on your topic, ask them for advice.
• Visit your local library and checkout books on your topic. Books are excellent sources of information, and are considered reliable sources when doing research.

• You should be able to use useful visual aids via a PowerPoint presentation or manageable props and examples. So a topic like, “How to replace your car's transmission” is probably not a great topic. However, something like, “How to make a spinach salad” would be easy to do.

Writing the Speech

• The outline should contain three sections: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.
• The body should be broken up into the various steps of the process.

• When writing a speech, you want to simply write notes. You don't need to write out the speech word for word. Write enough to make you comfortable with the material, but not so much that you'll be reading off of your paper.
• Try to remember what it was like when you learned how to do this thing. What steps required more explanation than others?
• Unplug the saw.
• Locate the screw under the blade.
• Turn the screw enough to loosen the blade.
• Remove the blade.
• To keep the audience engaged, think of how you can involve them. Will you include audience participation? Will the demonstration be hands-on? Will you tell jokes or ask the audience questions? These can all be great strategies for keeping people engaged.

• Your call to action could be something like, “By learning to change your own motor oil, you'll be able to save money and feel the empowerment of taking care of your own car!” or, “French style pastries are a welcome addition to any gathering, as you'll see when you bring them to your next party.”
• Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. That will leave the audience confused and with unanswered questions.

• Writing the introduction last is a good idea, because then you'll have already thought hard about your speech. By now, you know everything you want to say about the speech, so you can determine what is most essential to get people excited about it.
• To get people excited, use inspiring language such as, “You may have never thought you'd be able to change a flat tire yourself, but actually, it's remarkably simple!” or, “French pastries are one of the treasures of European cuisine.”
• Even though you write the introduction last, it is always the beginning of the speech.

• Take note of anything you'll want to add to the speech to explain the visual aids. For example, do you want to say something like, “I'm using unbleached white flour, but you can also used bleached flour if you prefer.”

Practicing Giving the Speech

• Review your notes as you would before giving the speech in front of people.
• Try performing the speech in front of a mirror. You should be able to look yourself in the eye much of the time, instead of always having to look at your notes.
• Go through the complete demonstration, along with your visual aids. If you don't, you might not realize that parts of the demonstration don't work as you've written them.

• Once you've made the changes, practice and try performing the speech for yourself again.
• Always use the visual aids, even if you've already used them once.

• You may want to invite some friends who know nothing about the topic and some who are experts in the topic. That way, you can get different perspectives on how useful your speech was.

• Ask specific questions of your test audience. You can ask them if they understood the different steps, or if there was anything they felt you missed.
• You may want to write down the feedback you get, or ask your friends to write it down so you can look at it later.

• You don't always need to incorporate others' feedback. Sometimes it won't be useful or accurate. However, if you got the same feedback from more than one person, chances are that it would be worthwhile to consider.

Sample Demonstrative Speeches

Expert Q&A

• Writing a speech and giving a speech are related, but are different skills. When it's time to deliver your speech, practice good public speaking. Be warm, upbeat, and clear. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Watch videos of other people giving demonstrative speeches. Notice what you appreciate about the good ones, and what doesn't work for you. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.myspeechclass.com/demonstration-speech-topics.html
• ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-demonstration-speech
• ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/oralcommunication/guides/how-to-outline-a-speech
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/visual-aids
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-delivery
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/14-4-practicing-for-successful-speech-delivery/

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• Understanding demonstration speeches

What is a demonstration speech?

- the essentials of great 'how to' speeches.

By:  Susan Dugdale   | Last modified: 08-27-2023

What are the characteristics of great demonstration speeches?

In a nutshell, an effective demonstration speech teaches. Your audience, through listening, watching or actively participating, learns something new.

As their guide, you will take them through a 'show and tell' covering each step of the process in chronological order from set-up to finish. Think of it as a 'how-to' type of speech.

It's a variation of an informative speech with visual aids, (often powerpoint presentations) and it's used everywhere: in classrooms, training centers, lecture theatres and other places: sometimes well, sometimes badly.

What's on this page:

• how to choose an excellent demonstration speech topic : 5 vital aspects to take into account before settling on a topic, links to 3 pages of good demonstration speech ideas
• how to plan, prepare and deliver a good speech - a step-by-step guide
• links to more resources eg. a printable demonstration speech outline , rehearsal guidelines ...

Choosing the perfect topic

Before you leap enthusiastically on a 'how to' topic and decide that's the one for you, it's a smarter, and better idea to think through the five following tips. They're here to help.

1.Who is your target audience? What will be of interest to them?

It's much, much harder to persuade a disinterested and bored audience that you have something vitally interesting to show and teach them!

Ask yourself:

• Why does my audience want to listen to my speech on xxx {insert your particular topic idea}?
• What benefit or value will they gain from it?
• Will it save them money?
• Will it save them time?
• Will it make them smile?
• Will it make them a better person? How?

Put yourself in their shoes. If you were them, is there an angle that could make your topic irresistibly appealing?

How are their lives going to be made better through your demonstration speech? 

We pay attention and listen when we're satisfied there's something in it for us. (It's the WIIFM principle at work: What's in it for me?)

2. Can this topic be broken down into easily followed sequential steps?

If the answer is 'YES', how many steps are needed from start to finish? The fewer steps there are, the easier it is for an audience to follow you. 

If the answer is 'NO' you'll need to think again.

3. Can this topic adapt to fit the setting for the speech?

For example:  My preferred topic is  'How to saddle a horse correctly' .

The setting for my speech is the classroom, or perhaps a hall. Understandably, I won't be bringing my horse along because I don't want to frighten it, or my teachers! ☺

However is there another way to show saddling a horse? Could I use video-clips I shot and edited? Or a sequence of photographs?

Before you get too involved in looking for alternatives to bringing along the real thing ...

4. Check the assessment guidelines 

If your speech is part of an assessment process, be sure to ask before committing yourself to using media forms like power point or video. It would be really disheartening to find out too late that what you had used was not permitted.

5. Am I passionate about, or genuinely interested, in the topic?

Your enthusiasm (or lack of it) for what you are speaking about communicates directly with the audience. It bypasses your words and shows in your body language .

Are you committed? Are you interested? Do you really care?

Great demonstration speeches are a combination of confidence and information. You need both to succeed.

Now choose your topic!

Here's a collection of 290+  demonstration speech topics , including that evergreen favorite: 'how to choose a pet'.

There's another selection of  good demonstrative speech topics  here arranged by theme: business, entertainment, frugal living, caring, public speaking.

And yet another splendid collection here:

50 how to speech ideas  focusing on soft skills.

There's also 188 funny how to speech topics , including How to yarn bomb with aplomb! ☺

And 100+ 10 minutes (or less) demonstration speech topics . 

When you've chosen come back for delivery suggestions. The success of your demonstration speech, aside from choosing a great topic, lies in your planning, preparation and delivery.

Return to Top

Planning, preparation & delivery of your speech

Planning and preparation.

The goal of any 'how to', or demonstration speech is to successfully teach those listening and watching a process or skill. Your speech's success, or failure, relies on how you teach or show the steps needed to achieve the desired result.

For example: if your demonstration speech is about 'how to knot a tie', then the desired result is an audience capable of knotting their own ties or at the very least, inspired to try. ☺

Use a structured 3-part format

You will have an introduction in which you tell the audience the specific thing they're going to learn, why they'll benefit from learning it and give them a brief overview of the process involved.

Next you have the body of the speech . This is the demonstration itself and lastly, you'll have a conclusion summarizing what it is that's been learned, reinforcing its benefits and finish with a question-and-answer session.

Woven throughout each of these segments you'll use visual aids or props, (either the items themselves or charts, diagrams, photographs, video etc.), and personal stories to illustrate.

You may even invite audience participation if it's appropriate. For example, if you're tying ties, then having one for everybody to practice with as you're going through the steps would be an excellent idea.

The body of demonstration speeches

In your planning concentrate on the outcome you want and then focus on the logical steps needed to achieve it. This will form the body of your speech.

The easiest way to get this part right is by doing it yourself .

As you go through the process, (of making a friendship bracelet, tying a tie, fixing a flat tire on your bike, leaving an effective telephone message asking for assistance from a business ...), keep your audience in your mind.

Put yourself in their shoes, hear through their ears, see through their eyes ...

What do they need to know about each step? What will make it easier for them to understand? Do they need to see it? Do they need to do it? Do you need to include every step or can you safely either miss some out, or clump them together?

Talk through the entire process out loud to yourself making sure you use simple language which is free of jargon. Or if you do use specialist words, that you explain them fully.

This is the heart of your speech, and you will want to make sure you have found and sorted any potential problems well before you deliver it.

Getting feedback

When you think you have it flowing smoothly invite a few trusted people to watch. Ask for feedback so you can fine tune the balance between 'showing and telling'.

Questions you'll want answered are:

• Are the steps in the process logical?
• Are my instructions or explanations about each step clear?
• Are my visual aids or props relevant and effective? (Click to find out more about  how to use visual aids effectively.)
• Is it interesting, amusing, effective? Will it hold my audience's attention?
• Does it fit within the time limit? 
• What do I need to do to improve?

Once you've integrated the feedback and run it through several more times, you're ready to add your introduction and conclusion. The addition of those segments completes the 3-part speech format: introduction, body and conclusion.

Remember to leave time for a question-and-answer session too, either directly after you've finished the demonstration or after the conclusion.

(For more to help you give your speech the x-factor:

• How to write a speech introduction| 12 of the best ways to start
• How to end a speech memorably | 3 example closes with power
• How to handle a question-and-answer session well )

Complete a demonstration speech outline

To help you get the structure right, here's a blank demonstration speech outline to complete. It takes you through the entire speech each step of the way from the beginning to the end.

Filling it out carefully after you've had a couple of trial runs will make preparing cue cards* much easier. Click the image to download it.

*See the FAQs below for more about cue cards.

See a completed demonstration speech outline

If seeing a completed demonstration speech outline would help, do look at this page: demonstration speech sample outline . 

I've used the same template outline that you can download from the link above. The speech itself covers the steps involved in leaving a good message.

I've also made a video (audio + slides) so that you can hear as well see the flow of information from one point to the next.

FAQs about 'how to' speeches

Do i need to write out my speech 'word for word'.

If you know your topic thoroughly, have rehearsed it, and completed an outline, all you really need are notes on cue cards to keep you on track.

Use them, and with practice you will talk fluently and easily about each step.

This has the added advantage of making your speech more spontaneous and therefore 'real' for the audience.

(In addition, a set of cue cards is also very reassuring if you're feeling anxious about remembering the sequence everything comes in and what you want to say about each step.)

Do I really need to rehearse my speech?

Answer: YES! Demonstration speeches are notorious for going awry. You need to rehearse to eliminate all the possible glitches before you get in front of an audience.

It's only through rehearsal that you find out if your ideas translate well into reality. The smallest of oversights can trip you up. Rehearsal helps you find them before you have a audience watching you fall flat on your face.

• Getting the main points muddled through not having thought them through carefully.
• Forgetting an essential piece of equipment.
• If your speech is about grooming your dog, not anticipating your normally placid Fido would take fright and bolt in front of a group of strangers!
• Spending far too much time on one or two steps which in turn means the ending is rushed and the question-and-answer session is dropped off.

This page walks you step by step through the rehearsal process.

Can I use humor in my speech?

Answer: Absolutely! Please do. Demonstration speeches and humor belong together. When you have your audience laughing with you, you know you're onto a good thing. The trick is to make it relevant. Click here for more about using humor in speeches.

How do I stop feeling anxious about giving my speech?

Answer: The first thing to do is to prepare thoroughly. That's the best way to overcome anxiety. When you eliminate as many possibilities for failure as you can, you will feel more in control.

Here are 14 easily implemented and excellent strategies for dealing with   fear of public speaking .  (I know they work as I use them myself and, over the years have seen them work for umpteen of my students too.)

In addition to tackling anxiety head on you'll find links to pages to help with every aspect of delivery: pacing your speech, using vocal variety, how to get the power of the pause, breathing correctly, and more.  (Yes, the page is a bit of a blockbuster:   acute anxiety help for public speakers .)

Psst! Are the words in your speech 'blah, blah, bland'?

Discover the joy of action verbs and make your writing vocally vibrant, succinct and precise.

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10 Killer Demonstration Speech Ideas to Wow Your Audience

• The Speaker Lab
• May 15, 2024

Table of Contents

No matter whether you’re hitting the books, climbing the corporate ladder, or just keen on boosting your way with words, mastering a killer demonstration speech can really change the game. In this article, we’ll introduce you to 10 outstanding demonstration speech topics. Each one is designed not just to impress but also create moments your audience won’t forget anytime soon.

But what exactly is a demonstration speech? Simply put, it’s a type of informative speech that teaches your audience how to do something step by step. From mastering a new skill to understanding a complex process, demonstration speeches are all about breaking things down in an easy-to-follow manner. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can become a demonstration speech pro!

10 Great Demonstration Speech Ideas

If you’re looking for some engaging demonstration speech topics, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a high school student or a seasoned public speaker, these ideas will get your creative juices flowing. Let’s take a look.

• How to make a perfect cup of coffee
• The art of folding origami
• Mastering the perfect golf swing
• Creating a delicious summer salad
• Tips for taking better photos with your cell phone
• The science behind paper airplanes
• Protecting yourself from identity theft
• Choosing the right running shoes for your feet
• DIY hair dye techniques
• How to complete some basic yoga exercises

Remember, the key to a great demonstration speech is to choose a topic that you’re passionate about and that will engage your audience. Whether you’re demonstrating a practical skill or sharing a fun hobby, your enthusiasm will shine through and make your speech a hit.

So go ahead and pick a topic that speaks to you. With a little creativity and preparation, you’ll be ready to wow your audience and deliver a demonstration speech that’s both informative and entertaining.

What Is a Demonstration Speech?

If you’ve ever watched a TED Talk or attended a conference, chances are you’ve seen a demonstration speech in action. A demonstration speech is a type of informative speech that walks the audience through a process or task, step by step.

The goal? To teach the audience how to do something new, whether it’s making a recipe, using a product, or mastering a skill. Demonstration speeches are all about breaking down complex ideas into easy-to-follow steps, using visual aids like props, charts, and videos to drive the message home.

Benefits of Giving a Demonstration Speech

So why give a demonstration speech? For starters, it’s a fantastic way to share your expertise and help others learn something valuable. But the benefits don’t stop there. Just imagine doing the following:

• Showing the members of your team how to navigate new software
• Teaching students how to perform a procedure, solve a problem or use a piece of equipment
• Highlighting the benefits of using a product for your target audience
• Proving the effectiveness of a procedure or product in comparison to another
• Pitching a sellable good or service for production or investment to company leaders and other decision-makers

Whether you’re in sales, education, or leadership, being able to clearly explain and demonstrate ideas is a valuable skill that can open up new opportunities and help you make a real impact.

How to Give a Demonstration Speech

Ready to dive in? Here are a few tips for giving a killer demonstration speech:

• Choose a topic you’re passionate about and know inside out. Your enthusiasm will be contagious.
• Break the process down into clear, logical steps. Think about what your audience needs to know and in what order.
• Use visual aids to clarify and reinforce your message. Props, images, and videos can make abstract ideas concrete.
• Practice, practice, practice. The more comfortable you are with your material, the more engaging and natural your delivery will be.
• Engage your audience by asking questions, encouraging participation, and leaving time for Q&A. Make it a conversation, not a lecture.

Remember, a great demonstration speech is all about empowering your audience with new knowledge and skills. So don’t just tell them—show them how it’s done.

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Choosing a Demonstration Speech Topic

Now that you know the power of a great demonstration speech, you might be wondering: what should I talk about? The possibilities are endless, but the key is to choose a topic that you’re passionate about and that will resonate with your audience.

Your Interests

First and foremost, your demonstration speech topic should be something you’re genuinely interested in and excited to share with others. After all, if you’re not passionate about the subject, how can you expect your audience to be?

Think about your hobbies, skills, and areas of expertise. What do you love to do in your free time? What are you known for among your friends and family? Chances are, there’s a demonstration speech topic hiding in there somewhere.

Time Constraint

Of course, passion alone isn’t enough. You also need to consider the practical constraints of your speech, like time. How much time do you have to prepare and deliver your demonstration? If you only have a few minutes, you’ll want to choose a topic that can be explained concisely, with a few key steps or takeaways. If you have more time, you can dive deeper into the details and nuances of your subject.

Audience Engagement

Finally, think about what will engage and benefit your audience. What problems are they trying to solve? What skills do they need to learn? In addition, what interests and values do they share?

The best demonstration speech topics are those that are both personally meaningful to you and relevant to your audience. So don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. Whether you’re teaching your coworkers how to use a new software program or showing your friends how to make your famous chili recipe, the key is to choose a topic that you’re excited about and that will leave your audience feeling inspired and empowered.

How to Structure Your Demonstration Speech

You’ve chosen your demonstration speech topic, and you’re ready to start preparing. But how do you even plan a demonstration speech? The key is structure. Structuring your speech is key to delivering a clear, engaging presentation that your audience will remember. Consider the following steps as you outline your speech.

Begin with “Why”

Before you dive into the details of your demonstration, take a moment to explain why your topic matters. What problem does it solve? How will it benefit your audience? By starting with the “why,” you’ll capture your listeners’ attention and make them eager to learn more.

Outline the Process

Once you’ve established the importance of your topic, it’s time to outline the process you’ll be demonstrating. Break it down into clear, logical steps that your audience can follow along with. Use simple language and avoid jargon or technical terms that might confuse your listeners. Alternatively, choose just one or two terms that you can explain briefly without having to go too in-depth.

Progress Through Each Step

As you move through your demonstration, take your time and explain each step thoroughly. Use visual aids like props, diagrams, or slides to help illustrate your points. And don’t be afraid to pause and check in with your audience to make sure they’re following along.

Invite Questions

After you’ve completed your demonstration, open the floor for questions. This is a great opportunity to engage with your audience and clarify any points that may have been unclear. Be prepared to answer questions thoughtfully and provide additional resources if needed.

Summarize and Conclude

Finally, wrap up your speech by summarizing the key points you covered and reiterating the importance of your topic. Leave your audience with a clear call to action, whether it’s to try out the skill you demonstrated or to learn more about the subject.

By following this simple structure, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a polished, effective demonstration speech. Remember to practice, stay focused, and have fun, and your passion and enthusiasm are sure to shine through.

Tips for Delivering an Effective Demonstration Speech

You’ve picked your demonstration speech topic, outlined the key points, and practiced your delivery. However, there are still a few more things you can do to really make your speech shine. Engaging your audience, for instance, and delivering a memorable, impactful presentation are two great ways to really drive your speech home.

Use Visuals to Guide Your Speech

Visual aids are an essential element of any great demonstration speech. They help illustrate your points, break up the monotony of straight talking, and give your audience something to focus on. But don’t just throw together a bunch of random images and call it a day. Your visuals should be carefully chosen to support and enhance your message.

Start by considering what type of visual aid would work best for your topic. Are you demonstrating a step-by-step process? A series of photos or diagrams might be the way to go. Explaining a complex concept? An infographic or chart could help simplify things. Trying to evoke an emotional response? A short video clip might do the trick.

Whatever you choose, make sure your visuals are high-quality, easy to see and understand, and flow logically with your speech. Practice integrating them smoothly into your presentation so they feel like a natural part of your talk, not an awkward interruption.

Engage Your Audience

No one wants to sit through a dry, boring lecture. To keep your audience interested and invested, you need to actively engage them throughout your speech. One simple way to do this is by asking questions. Pose a thought-provoking query at the beginning to get them thinking, or ask for a show of hands to gauge their experience with your topic.

You can also use humor, storytelling, and real-life examples to make your speech more relatable and memorable. Share a funny anecdote about a time you struggled with the task you’re demonstrating, or explain how this skill helped you succeed in a challenging situation. The more your audience can see themselves in your speech, the more engaged they’ll be.

Provide Additional Resources

Your speech is just the beginning. To truly empower your audience to put your teachings into practice, provide them with additional resources they can refer to later. This might include a handout with key takeaways and step-by-step instructions, a list of recommended tools or products, or links to helpful articles or videos.

You can also invite your audience to connect with you after the speech if they have additional questions or want to learn more. Provide your contact information or social media handles, and encourage them to reach out. By offering ongoing support and resources, you show that you’re truly invested in their success.

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Demonstration Speech Topics for Specific Settings

Now that you know how to choose and deliver a great demonstration speech topic, let’s explore some specific ideas for different settings. Whether you’re speaking in a business meeting, a classroom, or a community event, there’s a perfect topic out there for you.

Business Topics

Demonstration speeches are a common fixture in many business settings, from team meetings to industry conferences. These talks tend to focus on practical skills and strategies that can help attendees do their jobs better or advance their careers. Some potential topics include:

• How to use a new software program or tool
• Tips for effective time management and productivity
• Strategies for networking and building professional relationships
• Techniques for delivering persuasive presentations or sales pitches
• Best practices for remote teamwork and communication

When choosing a business-related demonstration speech topic, consider your audience’s needs and goals. What challenges are they facing in their work? What skills or knowledge would help them succeed? By addressing these questions, you can deliver a talk that’s truly valuable and relevant to your listeners.

Health and Fitness Topics

Health and fitness are popular subjects for demonstration speeches, as many people are eager to learn new ways to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. These talks can range from practical how-tos to more inspirational and motivational content. Some ideas to consider:

• Demonstrating proper form for common exercises like squats or push-ups
• Sharing healthy meal prep ideas and recipes
• Teaching stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing
• Offering tips for staying motivated and consistent with a fitness routine
• Exploring the benefits of alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage

When giving a health or fitness-related speech, it’s important to remember that everyone’s needs and abilities are different. Avoid making blanket statements or promises, and always encourage your audience to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen.

Student-Friendly Topics

Demonstration speeches are a great way for students to practice their public speaking skills while sharing knowledge with their peers. These talks can cover a wide range of subjects, from academic skills to personal hobbies and interests. Here are a few ideas:

• How to create an effective study schedule and stick to it
• Tips for researching and writing a great paper
• Strategies for managing stress and anxiety during exams
• Demonstrating a favorite art or craft project
• Teaching a useful life skill like basic car maintenance or sewing

When choosing a topic for a student demonstration speech, consider what would be most useful and engaging for your classmates. What skills or knowledge do you have that others might benefit from? What topics are currently relevant or interesting to your peer group? By selecting a subject that resonates with your audience, you’ll be more likely to deliver an impactful and memorable speech.

FAQs on Demonstration Speeches

What is a demonstration speech.

A demo speech shows how to do something. It guides the audience through the steps, making complex tasks simple.

What does demonstrate speech mean?

Demonstrate speech means using words and visuals to teach or show how a process works from start to finish.

What can I demonstrate in 5 minutes?

In 5 minutes, you could teach someone basic origami, mix a cocktail, or even change a tire—quick skills work best.

Which of the following is an example of a demonstration speech?

An example would be showing how to prepare your favorite summer salad step by step in front of an audience.

Nailing an impressive demo speech means finding a subject that lights up your crowd, laying out each step in simple terms, and presenting everything with energy and confidence. By following the tips and ideas we’ve explored, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable and impactful demonstration speech.

If you’re still feeling nervous, just remember—sharpening your skills takes consistent effort. The more you hone your demonstration speech skills, the more natural and effective your delivery will become. So jump on in, the world’s waiting for what you’ve got to say.

• Last Updated: May 9, 2024

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How to Master the Demonstration Speech

Demo speeches are ubiquitous. They are assigned to students in high school and college. They are a staple in corporate and other adult training environments. They are among the most common speeches given in Toastmaster clubs.

Due to the popularity of this speech form, the well-rounded speaker must master the demonstration speech . Despite this, many speakers don’t know the basics to delivering an effective demonstration speech. Do you?

In this article, we present a demonstration speech outline which gives the best chance for success, and discuss the necessary elements for a great demo speech .

Definition: The Demonstration Speech

A demonstration speech is a form of informative speech where the speaker’s primary purpose is to teach the audience how to complete a task (or process) , and this is largely accomplished by demonstrating the task (or process) through a series of steps.

“ A demonstration speech is a form of informative speech where the speaker’s primary purpose is to teach the audience how to complete a task (or process). ”

Demonstration speech topics are numerous, including all of the following:

• How to prepare a recipe (as in standard cooking shows)
• How to operate a software application
• How to tie a knot
• How to calculate a mortgage payment
• How to swim the back stroke
• How to process a purchase order
• How to throw a frisbee
• How to compose a photograph
• How to line dance
• How to write a limerick
• How to set up a blog
• How to make origami
• and many, many more

The Demonstration Speech Outline

Just as there are many demonstration speech topics, there are many ways to organize a demonstration speech. You will rarely go wrong, however, if you apply this basic speech outline:

• Start with why
• Give a brief overview of the entire process
• For each, describe it, then show it
• (Optional) Discuss options, extras, or variations
• Allow time for Q&A
• Summarize briefly

1. Start with why

A demonstration speech is about training the audience to perform a task or complete a process. Just as with any educational task, it helps tremendously if your audience is motivated to learn.

This is why it’s important to tell your audience how they will benefit from the knowledge you are about to share. Once your audience knows why they are learning this new task, they will be motivated to learn.

Will learning this new task or process help your audience:

• Earn or save money?
• Earn a promotion?
• Build their range of skills?
• Save them time?
• Make their life easier?
• Provide enjoyment or satisfaction?
• Make them happy?

There are many ways to motivate your audience, but one of the best ways is to open with a story. Paint a picture of how their life will improve with this new knowledge.

2. Give a brief overview of the entire process

Before you dive too deep in the details, it is essential to present an overview of the overall task or process.

• A brief, high-level overview of the steps involved provides a mental framework for the audience upon which they can hang the details as you provide them later in the speech.
• When learning a new task, some people in your audience will fear that it is complicated. An early overview assures your audience that it is not overly complex . For example, “We’re going to discuss how to cook a quiche in just four easy steps…”
• If you fail to present an outline, it’s difficult for your audience to see how the steps will fit together later on. The audience won’t have the necessary context.

A great way to present the overview is with a diagram illustrating the steps of the task at a high level. You can refer to this diagram throughout.

Along with the overview, you should also list the prerequisites needed for the task, and any assumptions you are making. For example, what is needed before one begins this task? What supplies or resources are assumed?

3. Go through the steps, one-by-one

From a speaker’s perspective, one of the best things about a demonstration speech is that the core of your outline is prepared for you : you simply need to go through the steps of the task in sequential order.  (Occasionally, you may decide to present the steps in a different way, but be sure to let your audience know that you are breaking a convention.)

Keep the series of steps as simple as possible . Break the process down to the most essential steps that will lead your audience successfully from start to finish. There’s no “best” number of steps, but keep the number of steps as low as possible. Don’t present a 19-step process unless your goal is utter confusion.

Defer optional steps for later in your presentation (or, for the Q&A). It is best to avoid complicating matters on the first pass.

For each step , you should:

• Explain the purpose of the step ( why is this step necessary)
• Explain the step in simple, straightforward language ( what needs to be done)
• Show how to complete the step ( how should it be done)

4. (Optional) Discuss options, extras, or variations

Now that your audience has seen the task or process demonstrated from start to finish, you can (if time permits) provide some additional options or variations.

For example, if you are explaining how to cook a certain recipe, start with the basic version first. After that’s done, you can discuss alternate ingredients, different flavours to try, and other ways to build on the basic recipe.

5. Allow time for Q&A

Many types of speeches benefit from taking questions from the audience and answering them, and a Q&A session is particularly well-suited for a demonstration speech . This allows the audience to seek clarification on any of the steps which were unclear.

Depending on your topic and the forum in which you are speaking, you may choose to take questions at the end, or you may invite questions throughout your demonstration. Either way, monitor your time.

6. Summarize briefly

Finally, you should summarize the process briefly, and recap the benefits which your audience will realize if they perform the desired process or task.

How to Elevate Your Demonstration Speech

Once you’ve mapped your topic onto the basic speech outline given above, there are many ways that you can elevate the quality of your content and the manner in which you present it to maximize the effectiveness for your audience:

A. If you can, get audience members doing it.

Your options for audience participation are often determined by how long your presentation is, the setting in which the demonstration takes place, and the availability of supplies which can be shared by the audience.

Having said this, it’s great if you can get the audience participating in the demonstration. Actively engaging the audience and having them perform the steps will improve the likelihood that they will remember the steps and be able to carry out the task or process independently long after your presentation.

If the situation doesn’t allow for you to involve the whole audience, try to get one or more audience members to help you out as volunteers.

B. Visuals are critical for a demonstration speech.

Nearly every demonstration speech can be made better by incorporating appropriate visuals to accompany your verbal descriptions and instructions.

You have many options:

• Your body is often the best visual. If your speech is about some physical task to perform (e.g. throwing a ball), then the most important visual is your own body. You can demonstrate each of the steps individually, and “animate” the process at various speeds to enhance the demonstration.
• Physical props make it real. There are two main types of props: “real” and models. Real props include the actual objects that are used when performing the task. Models include both “fake” versions of the real objects, as well as scaled-down versions.
• Use photographs or diagrams as necessary. If your body and props aren’t sufficient, use photographs and diagrams. As you present these, it sometimes helps to immerse yourself in the photograph or diagram to animate the action that would be involved.

Whatever visuals you choose to include, be sure that your audience can easily see them . If they cannot see your visual (if it is too small, or their view is obscured), their understanding will suffer.

C. Extend your demonstration by providing follow-up resources.

A single demonstration — whether it be a 5-minute speech, or a 5-hour training session — is often not enough to guarantee that the new knowledge is learned perfectly. To improve the likelihood that your audience will successfully practice the task or process, it helps to provide resources they can use after your demonstration is complete.

This includes (but is not limited to):

• Websites, books, pamphlets, or other expert sources which they can consult for deeper information, or more advanced training.
• Handouts you prepare which summarize the steps in the process, as well as diagrams or photographs which illustrate key details.
• Contact details so your audience can ask questions in the future as they try to apply the knowledge you have imparted.

What do you like or dislike about demonstration speeches?

Do you have any tips to share about how to give an excellent demonstration speech?

Or maybe you’ve witnessed some particularly good or bad demo speeches?

Please share in the comments .

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16 comments.

Which other resources (books, mainly) would you recommend for the demonstration speech?

Cheers, Juan Amorocho

I don’t know of any books which focus entirely on this presentation form, but there are several which provide assistance with some of the needed skills.

On the training side, Telling Ain’t Training comes to mind to help with structuring the demo to enhance “learnability.”

On the visuals side, any number of books on slide design would help. In particular, slide:ology is excellent.

hey Andrew i’m working on a demonstration speech for MMA submissions and this is very helpful thx

I struggle with giving demonstration speeches. As an IT guy, figuring out the tech level of the audience can be infuriating. Especially when there’s a large variety.

I understand your struggle. Demonstration speeches can be very difficult to plan if your audience comes in with vastly different knowledge levels. I’d recommend aiming at the low knowledge end with your content (so you don’t leave anyone behind), but then interact with the audience to determine if you can move through the early steps at a quicker pace (to avoid boring too many people).

I’m hoping to provide help with this challenging issue in the audience analysis article series.

Are there any aspects beyond audience analysis that you particularly struggle with?

Joseph, unless you are absolutely sure your audience is full of IT “freaks :)” or scientists, you speech should not be too technical. Play it safe and consider your audience more from the “human” perspective. Even IT people want to entertained.

My #1 piece of advice for a demonstration speech is “show ’em the finished product first”. Think about a cooking show where they show you how to bake a beautiful cake. The first thing they show you is not the list of ingredients, but what the finished cake looks like!!

This is great advice, John.

It is consistent with “Paint a picture of how their life will improve with this new knowledge.” In the case of a cooking show, the finished product gets the audience dreaming about how good it will taste… and thus how their life will improve.

For me the most important element is that the “Demonstration Speech” starts with a “hook”. I usually start with a question, quotation, etc. As mentioned earlier here, you can start by showing the product, but I would leave it for a little bit later, so the audience get a sense what to expect. Let them play with an imagination for a bit. Also, I know this is a very specific type of speech, but I love stories, so I would definitely try to incorporate some short story to support the product. Short story how to use the product, how to overcome some challenges etc…

Starting with a hook, telling stories, and building anticipation are solid techniques which can be applied to any speech, including demonstration speeches. These techniques can be used to tweak and enhance the basic speech outline given in the article.

The goals of your demonstration speech could be: to show how to do something, how to make something, how something is done or how something works. The most easier thing is choosing to demonstrate something you know about.

I wish more people followed your outline. Demonstration presentations should be fun and easy, but some of the ones I’ve seen have been terrible.

Some move too fast (they assume we know something when it should be explained).

My favorite ones and teachers do this is to start with the end product and say: “this is what we will want to do today” and then walk us through this.

This is a terrific web site! Many thanks.

It gives us good reading about a subject many of us has avoided.

It is easy to get around.

You have books recommded to continue to learn.

And I learned! You taught me to be specific in my comments.

What I dislike about demonstration speeches is when speakers who are so comfortable with their talk that they speak too rapidly. I presume they believe that what they are sharing is as simple to understand for others as it is for them.

Indeed, Sherre. Presenters are often guilty of “The Curse of Knowledge” — they know something so well (and for so long) that they have forgotten what it is like to not know it.

Excellent outline and easy to follow. I was looking for additional tips for the kids I teach, and these work well! Thanks! 🙂

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Demonstrative Speech – Master the ‘How-To’ Speech (With Topic Examples)

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

What is a demonstrative speech?

Demonstrative speeches teach an audience how to do a specific thing. Even if you’re an expert at your topic, the process of writing a speech which assures the audience has learned something new, can be challenging.

As a demonstrative speaker, you will be their guide, taking them through a process of ‘show and tell’, covering each step from start to finish. It’s like an engaging ‘how-to’ speech.

They are also known as explanation speeches or a demonstrative presentation. It relies more on logic and information as opposed to emotions…although (to truly capture the audience’s attention) we must try and add an emotional element to these functional speeches as well (continue reading).

How to Pick the Correct Topic?

If you are unsure about what to speak on, there are three things to keep in mind when it comes to picking a topic for demonstrative speeches:

How Much Time Do You Have to Deliver the Speech?

Demonstrative speeches can be as short as six minutes (‘How to do origami’) or go on for more than two hours (‘How to start an online business’)! So choose a topic depending on the amount of time you have been allotted.

It will help you determine how narrow or broad your topic can be.

If you have over 30 minutes to speak, a speech on ‘How to make a cheese omelette’ will restrict you. There isn’t enough to speak on such a topic for 30 minutes.

You need to broaden your topic to something such as ‘5 unique egg dishes you can teach your kids to make’.

Know Your Audience

This is the most important point. While you may love your speech topic, it’s not necessary that your audience even cares for it.

I’ve seen speakers who deliver passionate speeches about topics that they are experts in. But if the audience is not going to benefit from that topic, how does it make sense to deliver a speech on it?

For instance, I once had a Toastmaster demonstration speech to deliver. The average age group of the club was around 35+. My ‘how-to’ topic was ‘How to live cost-efficiently as a college student’.

Needless to say, although my speech content was strong, it made no difference to the crowd – because it simply did not apply to them.

Knowing your audience can even help you narrow down your speech topic into a specific niche.

For example, if you’re delivering a talk to a bunch of advertising professionals, a speech on the foundations of advertising won’t make sense, right? Even though it’s in the same domain, your audience is already familiar with the basics.

Maybe you can talk about something more specific such as ‘How to make copywriting effective through the use of behavioral science’. Now that’s a topic that would peak their interest as it’s relevant to their domain as well as not broad enough so as to bore them or appear too generic.

Is Your Topic Suitable for a Speech?

Demonstrative or ‘How-To’ topics can be very wide but not all of them fit into a speech. For example, a speech on ‘How to raise a Kickstarter campaign’ would be a better fit for a speech as opposed to ‘How to repair your truck’.

Some things just don’t fit into speeches.

Here are some examples of Demonstrative Speech Topics

I’ve tried to include examples which apply more to speeches as opposed to YouTube videos or the like. So I’ve left out topics such as ‘How to tie a knot’, ‘How to make origami’, ‘How to swim’, etc.

Here are some speech topic options that might help you:

• How to perform yoga to help you in your life & career
• How to edit your photographs online
• A ‘how-to’ guide on copy-writing
• How to negotiate your salary
• How to be less nervous at parties
• How to speak on stage with more confidence
• How online businesses are changing the world and how you can start one too
• How to manage stress in a digitized world
• How to unlock creative potential
• How to sleep correctly

There are a LOT more topics, but you get the idea. Depending on what tone you want your speech to go in or how much time you have, you can pick funny ‘how to’ topics or even ones that end in less than 5 minutes.

Just a note, before you deliver your speech, try and find someone who is similar to the audience you are going to be presenting to and run the speech by them.

See if the message is being delivered clearly to them – are they finding it hard to comprehend what you are trying to say? Are there some gaps them could help make the speech more comprehensive?

You will receive valuable feedback by running your speech by one person (who represents your audience) before your final performance.

Demonstrative Speech Outline

To get good at understanding speech outlines, we need to first understand how speeches are written from thought to delivery. When a speech is crafted with such precision, that’s when people will remember what you speak. Chris Haroun’s Public Speaking and Presentation online course on Udemy really helped me understand this at a holistic level. I urge you to check it out. It will not only help you understand how to deliver Demonstrative Speeches but also give you a strong public speaking foundation to build on.

Here is a basic outline for a demonstrative speech

• The purpose

Let’s tackle all these points in more detail now.

Writing a Demonstrative Speech

The purpose (what’s your point).

Remember I said you can add an emotional element to your demonstrative speech? Well, this is it. Before getting into how to do something, always start with why it is important to learn that thing in the first place.

Doing this gets your audience to care about your topic. Think about it, before someone teaches you something, wouldn’t it help to know why that topic is important to learn in the first place?

I remember watching this speech by a great salesman named Zig Zigler . He told a story about how his history teacher spent the entire first class selling them on the importance of learning history.

By talking about the ‘ why’ of the subject first, the students became much more eager to learn history.

If the teacher would have straight off jumped on to the lessons of history instead of talking about why it is important, the students might have not gotten so interested in the topic in the first place.

Establish Your Credibility (Why You?)

When you are delivering a demonstrative speech, your audience is expecting to learn something from you. But like how it is with most things, they want to ensure that whoever it is that is teaching them something, is credible.

So, use the beginning moments of your speech to establish why you are qualified to speak on that particular topic. It’s also a great way to involve story-telling right from the beginning of your speech.

For example, if you’re topic is ‘How to earn passive income’, a personal story on how you created a better life for yourself using passive income would be quite an engaging way to start your speech while establishing credibility for yourself.

That becomes the introduction of your demonstrative speech . Now let’s move on to the body:

The Story (Diving into Each Point with a Story)

After you have established why learning about your topic is important as well as why you are the right person to learn from on this particular topic, start with the body of your speech – the ‘how to’ part.

If you’re an expert on the topic, this is the simple part of the speech. You already know the steps. Now it’s all about writing them down in a manner that’s easy for the audience to comprehend.

Don’t forget, although you’re delivering something that is truly functional in it’s core, you are still required to keep your audience engaged. And the best way to do that? Tell a story.

You can also start off with a summary of all the points and then dive into each of them. However, I personally prefer starting off with the points in chronological order and reveal each new point as and when it flows. It makes for a more story-telling approach.

Questions n’ Answers

After you’re done with your ‘how-to’ speech, you might believe that you have covered all the necessary topics. But the audience may have their own unique challenges that may have not been addressed in your speech.

It’s not your fault of course. It’s not possible for you to pre-empt your audience’s subjective challenges and address them in your speech.

But that’s why it’s necessary to set aside some time for a short QnA session. This allows more active interaction between you and the audience and allows them to get their personal issues (relating to your speech) solved.

A QnA segment might only be possible if you’re allowed a speech slot which is at least 20 minutes long. It might be hard to give a comprehensive speech and squeeze in a QnA session within 10 or 15 minutes.

Options & Variations (What Else?)

A great way to make your demonstrative speech more well-rounded is to add in variations of your main topic. This allows the audience to relate to other aspects of your overall topic as well.

For example, if you’re talking about ‘How to speak in front of an audience full of children’, you can also shed some light on ‘How to speak in front of an audience full of senior citizens’ just to add some more variety to your overall speech.

At the end of it, summarize your entire speech. You have just taken the audience through a whole ride of how to do something. To ensure that they take home the necessary points, reiterate each of your steps and key takeaways to conclude your speech.

‘How To’ Tips for Demonstrative Speeches

Besides the obvious ‘tip’ of practicing your speech before you go up on stage, here are some ways on how you can deliver an impactful demonstrative speech:

How to Keep it Simple

Keep your speech simple. Keep your points to a minimal (between 3 to 7). Nobody wants to listen to a speech which has a 17 step process each with its own high level of difficulty and jargon.

Don’t include difficult words which are technical in nature. But if you must include such words, make sure you explain the terms as well.

How to Use Visual Aids

A demonstrative speech can be made much more useful with the help of visual aids. A presentation is the simplest way to provide visual aids into your speech.

Each visual can showcase each step in your demonstration. Try and use larger than life visuals with less text. Do more of the talking and let the images be there for the purpose of recall.

The visuals will help your speech be more memorable as people remember better with the use of images.

You can also use props to showcase your demonstration and add a more real element to the entire speech.

How to Engage the Audience

How to keep your audience engaged in your speech? Engage with them.

If your speech topic allows for it, why not call up an audience member to help you demonstrate your points? Engaging with the audience in this way and having them perform certain steps of the demonstration will improve the likelihood of them remembering the steps as well as make the entire experience more interactive.

Whether you involve the entire audience or just call up one on stage, it’s great either way.

This one time, a creative professional had come to our office and was giving a talk on ‘How to make the most out of a creative brainstorming session’. Instead of just giving us the steps, he divided us into smaller groups and allowed us to apply the brainstorming techniques as and when he was speaking about them.

It made the entire process much more fun & engaging and I remember the techniques he taught us till today.

How to Make It Easier for the Audience to Remember You (& Your Points)

After you are done teaching your audience, it’s not necessary that they have actually “learned” whatever it is that you attempted to teach them. They might want to find out more on the topic, they might have additional questions or they might even want to contact you to clear some doubts.

To guide them with this, it’s always more helpful to offer some resources that they can access even after the speech is over.

For example, you can provide them with a website where they could find out more information on the topic along with your contact details. Or you could hand them a small booklet which summarizes what you spoke about.

Anything that will help them after you are done with your speech and leave the venue would be a great addition to your demonstrative speech.

In closing, a demonstrative speech is a great way of teaching an audience a lesson or skill. We’ve used to before (knowingly or otherwise) and we’ll probably need to use it again. As long as we know the right topics to select, how to write an effective ‘how-to’ speech and deliver it while being our truest self, it’ll be just what our audience needs – a simple yet ridiculously helpful speech.

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How to Write a Demonstrative Speech (An Instructional Process)

Depending on one’s life and activities, we all have tasks that should be completed every single day, no matter how mundane or difficult they may be. But what if there are tasks that you are required to carry out but have no clue how to? This is where demonstrative speeches come in.

These are basically “how to” speeches that outline and elaborate different ways to complete a particular task. These instructional speeches are very common, especially in high school and college and are also very necessary in environments that require training, such as the corporate world.

Demonstrative speeches usually give a step-by-step process on how to do a specific task, which is then followed up with explanations and any additional information that may be needed to carry out that task. Having some visual aids that help demonstrate the steps required to achieve the task also goes a long way in providing context to your audience.

Process for Writing a Demonstration Speech

First things first, before writing any speech, you need to draw up an outline . This will help you avoid having a jumbled up speech, and will allow you to organize your speech in a way that is easy to follow and understand.

1. Begin your outline by asking yourself "Why"

What new information will an individual gain from your speech? As we have seen above, a demonstrative speech teaches your audience how to carry out a certain task. 

People tend to learn easily and understand things better when they are motivated to do so. Therefore, you should tell your audience why they should listen and learn about what you will be teaching them.

People don't buy what you do, they buy WHY you do it."

Simon Sinek

By revealing to them how they will benefit from the information you provide, you motivate your audience to want to learn more about your topic of discussion.

2. Provide an overview

Once you have revealed to your audience your topic of discussion, it is important that you give them a general outline of your entire process. This is because when learning a new task, some people may fear that it will be too complex for them.

Providing an overview helps assure your audience that not only is the topic beneficial but it is also easy to follow.

Additionally, it provides your audience with context on how the steps you highlighted here will fit together as you delve deeper into your demo.

3. Explain the steps involved in your process

This is the most important part of a demonstrative speech.

First, you should ensure that you have arranged your steps in the correct order to avoid any confusion. After this, you will then need to explain each step down to the minute details in a language that is easy to understand .

Here, you will explain what exactly is required in each step, how it will be done and the reason why it must be done. The use of visual aids in this step is crucial as they will assist individuals in your audience to understand better.

Pro-Tip: Ensure that the number of steps you have in your speech are as few as possible, this will help avoid confusion.

Additionally, you should maintain eye contact with your audience as you demonstrate each step.

4 .Talk about variations, other options and instructions

Now that you have demonstrated to your audience how the task should be conducted from start to finish, you can now provide them with variations to the process or additional options.

For instance, if you were explaining how to cook a certain dish, now is the time to reveal to them alternative ingredients that can be used to make the dish.

5. Ensure you allot time for Q&A

Question and answer portions allow a session to be more interactive . Additionally, this time can be used to clarify some steps that had not been well understood by the audience, which in turn, clears up confusion.

Pro-Tip: Monitor your time as you give a demonstration, as this will ensure that you do not rush through the entire process and have to explain everything once more in the Q&A session.

6. Give a brief summary to your instructional speech

You should end your speech by giving a short summary of the whole process, after which you can go through the benefits once more and assure your audience that not only is the entire process easy but it’s also realizable.

You might also like: How to End Your Speech with a Bang

Now that we’re good to go on your speech outline , let’s focus on some extra tips.

How to choose the Best Demonstrative Speech Topic

Your topic is an extremely important part of your presentation, as it should reflect your process as well.

Here are a few tips to guide you on how to choose the best topic for your demonstrative speech.

• Take into consideration the amount of time you have to deliver your speech.

This will make it easy for you to determine how broad or lengthy your topic should be. If you have a significant amount of time, you have the luxury and room to incorporate more ideas into your discussion.

• Your audience

Before deciding on a topic of discussion, you should always ask yourself, “will my audience learn anything?” You should ensure that your topic is not only relevant to your audience but also helpful.

We can now move on to what makes a demonstrative speech good.

How to Improve the Quality of Your Demonstration Speech

I believe it’s common knowledge that everyone can write a speech but not everyone can write a good speech. As we have seen above, demonstrative speeches are all about teaching people, so you first need to be organized to ensure that the process is as easy to understand as it can be.

Here are a few things to bear in mind:

1.Speech Structure

Your speech needs to start with an introduction and end with a summary.

You should ensure that all the parts of your speech are cohesive as this will allow you to get your message across without confusing your audience.

2. Visual Aid

Using visuals such as diagrams and charts in your demonstrative speech will help your audience understand better.

Research has shown that an individual learns better through a visual aid. Scaled-down or real props can also be used during demonstrations.

Pro-Tip: Ensure your visuals can be seen clearly from all angles.

3. Follow-up Resources

Apart from using visuals, you can also provide your audience with follow-up resources that they can use after you have finished up with your demonstration.

This will improve the likelihood that the audience will successfully practice the process or task.

Follow up resources can include:

• Handouts, which summarize the steps in the demonstration and include diagrams that illustrate any important features
• Books, websites or pamphlets that can be used to learn more about a certain process

4. Audience Participation

You could also have a few members of the audience participate in the demonstration.

Actively engaging your audience by having them carry out the steps increases the probability that they will remember the steps and be able to conduct the process or task independently even after the presentation.

However, this is dependent on how much time you have to give your presentation. If you have limited time, then you will have to provide detailed handouts to your audience and if you can, get one or two volunteers from the audience to assist you in your presentation.

Pro-tip: Encouraging participation and engaging your audience allows you to have a healthy discussion where individuals are motivated to learn more.

There you have it! Go ahead and write a demonstrative speech making use of the recommendations above, and see how your audience will follow you all the way to the end!

Best Tips To Write An Amazing Demonstrative Speech

6 steps to write a brilliant demonstrative speech + topic ideas.

A demonstrative speech is a form of instruction during which you show your audience how to perform a specific task or complete the process. To make their demonstration easy to understand, speakers rely on visual aids, such as videos or presentations.

In this post, our experts will explain how to develop and deliver an effective demonstration speech even if you don't have much public speaking experience. Below, you will find a step-by-step guide for preparing your speech and some great demonstration speech ideas if you're feeling stuck.

Need your demonstrative speech by tomorrow? Worries aside - the speechwriters of SpeechPath can create a powerful demonstration speech plus visual aids for you in just 12 hours. We will match you with an expert in your area who will work one-on-one with you to develop a persuasive, plagiarism-free speech with your audience in mind. Special student discounts are available!

Choosing a powerful demonstrative speech topic

The purpose of a demonstrative speech is to instruct or educate the listeners about doing something. Thus, you will want to choose an applicable subject and provide your audience with a step-by-step process to complete a specific task (apply makeup, read the stars, play poker, save money, or else).

College students or corporate speakers usually have a specific subject they need to talk about. If you don't have a topic at hand, here's how to choose an efficient subject:

• consider your interests - do you know a specific topic well enough to instruct others? Can you share your knowledge in a way that a wide audience will easily understand? Can you make your topic engaging even if it's technical?
• mind your audience - to whom will you deliver your informative speech? Will your audience be interested in the subject and how will they benefit from your instruction?
• time and location - what is your time limit for delivering a good demonstrative speech? Will you be able to deliver a strong presentation within that limit? How many listeners will be present and what type of the event is it?

By thinking these points through, you'll identify the relevant and helpful subject and evaluate the level of depth and detail for covering your subject. If you are feeling stuck with your demonstrative speeches subject, take a look at some ideas below.

8 examples of a good demonstration speech topic

If you have the freedom to choose your demonstration speech topics, take a look at these options:

• How to swim backstroke: Tips for beginners
• Essential photography composition rules and techniques
• How to manage your email account for better productivity
• Using body language effectively during job interviews
• How to make a paper airplane in five minutes
• How to operate a new content management software
• Tips to quickly change a flat tire
• How to start making money on your blog

6 demonstrative speech topics for students

If you are struggling to choose a demonstrative speech topic you'll deliver in class, consider these ideas:

• How to apply for a scholarship as a college student
• How to find common ground with a demanding instructor
• Planning your diet to stay healthy
• How to apply daily make up
• Choosing and preparing a backpack for a trip to the forest
• How to get excellent grades in college and avoid burnout.

How to create a demonstration speech outline?

Now that you have explored some unique demonstration speech topics and chosen your own, it's time to think through your speech. Since you want to instruct the audience to perform a particular task, you need to deliver your speech in a structured, organized way. Thus, your target audience will grasp your speech better and learn to apply the skills in real life.

A strong outline for demonstrative speeches includes sections as follows:

• Introduction - at the very beginning, you introduce your subject, explaining why you have chosen it, and what your audience will learn. Quickly walk them through the structure of your speech so people knew what to expect.
• Body - in the main part of your speech, you explain the terms and clarify the course of actions to them. Use a simple, step-by-step process, and provide bite-sized information to keep your audience engaged. If the topic allows, show the steps you take in chronological order.
• Conclusion - here, you summarize the key points of your demonstration speech topic for the audience and inspire them to perform a certain action. You might also raise some concerns or share additional information or sources which can be helpful.

Demonstrative speech example

7 tips to create a mind-blowing demonstrative speech

Understand your audience.

To deliver an effective speech, understand who your audience members are. Consider their age, gender, education level, beliefs, interests, and many more. For example, demonstration speeches for corporate professionals or college students will differ from those for the general public.

By understanding your audience, you will be able to use language, examples, and visuals that they will easily comprehend. Thus, you will craft a speech that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression.

Research and gather information

Even if you consider yourself an expert in some area, your speech will only benefit if you do research and look through credible sources. Whether you prepare a speech on mental health, using software, or developing soft skills, this will make your speech more informative and foster deeper understanding.

Gather relevant information and dive deeper into the topic you've chosen by reviewing books, monographs, and articles, or conduct an interview with an expert. Note down the techniques, tips, and interesting examples that might be interesting for your audience. By collecting valuable knowledge, you'll make your speech more engaging and vivid.

Organize and structure your speech

As you gather information, organize it in a logical and structured manner, following the outline presented above. Walk your audience from start to finish of the process, equipping them with valuable insights they need to understand how to perform the task.

Share specific steps with your listeners, followed by a brief explanation of what exactly to do at each stage. Thus, they will stay genuinely interested and follow you, understanding the progression of your speech. Add transitions so that they could see how each step flows smoothly into the next one.

Give the topic overview

When you introduce a completely new topic to the audience, they might be worried that they fail to understand something. Address their concerns by sharing a brief outline of the process with them.

Firstly, define the objective and the core message of your speech, i.e. what people will learn or what skill they will gain at the end of the lecture. After introducing your subject, specify what you'll be talking about, in what order, and what steps you will share with them. Thus, people will know what exactly to expect from your speech and will be more receptive to hearing your thoughts and insights.

Use visual aids and examples

All demonstrative speech topics include showing or telling the audience how to do something. A visual aid can go a long way in this process. By choosing appropriate pictures, videos, charts, and slides, you will explain the topic to the audience more effectively while keeping them engaged and focused throughout your speech.

Make sure that your visual aids are clear, informative, and relevant to your core message. With correct visuals, people will remember more of what you are telling them. Use jokes or memes, if appropriate, to lighten the mood. If you are not creating visual aids yourself, make sure you have the right to use them in your presentation.

Save some time for Q&A

Since you'll be introducing a new topic to the audience, most likely, they will have questions at some point. Reserve some time for a Q&A session at the end of the speech. Anticipate questions that your listeners might have, and prepare answers to them in advance.

If, during your presentation, you notice that the audience looks confused, you might want to repeat the points they find difficult. Thus, you won't have to explain things from scratch during the question-answer session at the end.

Practice delivering the speech

Little people are naturally good at public speaking, so you might want to practice your speech at home. Reading your speech aloud can also help the speech organization, as you'll see if some points of your text need clarification. Plus, rehearsing your speech multiple times builds your confidence and helps perfect your delivery.

You can practice in front of a mirror, watching your body language and facial expressions. Consider delivering your speech to friends or family members to hear their feedback. Time yourself as you speak to make sure that your speech does not exceed the allotted time limit.

Using visual aids in your speech: tips to prepare an engaging presentation

Most demonstrative speeches go with visual aids such as videos, posters, or PowerPoint presentations. Using videos, graphs, and images is of great help to organize your speech and deliver the practical steps to the audience more effectively. Here are some tips to prepare an effective presentation to accompany your speech:

• Avoid transitions and sound effects. They will distract people rather than enhance your ideas and your message. Also, stay away from fancy formatting and bright fonts. Keep your slides simple and professional.
• Do not read from slides. Remember that visual aids are there to enhance your message and show the audience pictures and schemes. Do not use them as your public speaking notes. This can make an impression that you don't know your topic enough or lack confidence.
• Use little text. Use text on slides only to repeat your main points or to list the sequence of actions. Do not put paragraphs or even sentences on slides. The optimal volume of text in your presentation is up to 8 lines per slide.
• Add pictures, graphs, and videos to illustrate your point. Graphics are effective if you want to draw the audience's attention to important steps of the process or share curious facts. Yet, avoid adding pictures for the sake of them - ask yourself "Does this help deliver my message?"
• Use colors properly. Use pastel colors for the background to make the information on your slide easily readable. Opt for complimentary colors so that your slides are easy on the eye, and no more than three colors per slide.
• Be careful with humor. If you deliver your speech in an informal setting, it is okay to add a couple of funny pictures or memes to lighten the mood. However, consider your audience and the event first to avoid putting yourself in an awkward situation.

Using our tips and strategies, you'll manage to craft a great speech even if you haven't written speeches before. Keep your target audience in mind, customizing your message for them, and work on your delivery to make your speech helpful and memorable.

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Module 4: Organizing and Outlining

Elements of an excellent demonstration speech.

You will prepare a 4 to 5 minute speech showing the audience how to do something. The speech must include visual aids. Your topic must be appropriate for your audience. You topic must be approved.

I. Nature of a Demonstration Speech: In a demonstration speech, you inform your audience by showing them…

• How to make something (e.g., food; crafts; household decorations; technological gear);
• How to complete a process (e.g., playing a game or sport, or inspecting, maintaining, or repairingsomething); or
• How something works (e.g., part of a car; a machine; computer software)

II. Selecting a Topic: It’s best to choose something which…

• You know well
• Can be shown within reliable time boundaries
• Isn’t highly technical and doesn’t include too many steps
• Can easily be shown to a large group
• Will expand listeners’ knowledge

III. Organization:

• Organize the body of your speech into 2-5 main points which correspond to parts of your process- -rather than in a long series of steps
• Provide clear “signposts” for each main step in the process

IV. Preparation:

• Arrange and test any AV equipment beforehand
• Practice repeatedly so you can handle items easily
• Lay everything out ahead of time and make sure the entire audience can see your work area

V. Presentation:

• Be as clear as possible; use simple language; explain jargon; define acronyms
• Use easy-to-follow, step-by-step processes, and large, visible visuals
• Avoid obstructions; make sure everyone in the room can see you without having to strain
• Speak at a pace which your audience can easily follow, keeping in mind that you may beintroducing them to terms and concepts which are new to them
• Speak to your audience rather than to your objects, using the T-T-T method (touch/turn/talk); maintain eye contact

VI. Momentum

• Talk while you demonstrate; avoid “dead air time”
• Be prepared to add extra commentary if part of your process takes longer than expected (e.g., ifsomething you’re stirring doesn’t thicken quickly)
• If what you’re demonstrating normally takes more than 5 minutes, go through just enough steps togive the idea, then show the finished product
• Pass out handouts before or after your speech unless people really need to read or see somethingin writing during the presentation itself
• If you’ll be using a volunteer or needing a helper with equipment, identify that person up ahead oftime

VII. After your presentation:

• Be prepared to answer any questions
• Quickly clear your items away so the next speaker can get ready
• Elements of an Excellent Demonstration Speech. Authored by : Phil Venditti. Provided by : Clover Park Technical College, Lakewood WA. License : CC BY: Attribution

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