SPEECH TOPIC
What your demonstrative speech is about, the
theme or subject of your talk.
GENERAL PURPOSE
To demonstrate
SPECIFIC PURPOSE or PURPOSE
STATEMENT
This purpose statement is to clearly state your
specific goal or purpose. To persuade that ... or
to inform on ... Speech outline sample: The
purpose of this demonstration speech is to
persuade my audience how to pack light
for an international European travel trip.
CENTRAL IDEA or THESIS
STATEMENT
In the thesis statement you describe in one
sentence your purpose and speech topic. In our
example: Packing light for an international
trip will mean freedom.
INTRODUCTION
Get the Attention
Start with a statement that catches the
attention of the listeners immediately. For
example: Pack and then remove half!
How to Greet Them
If they don't know who you are, and you are
not being introduced, then you have to
introduce yourself at this point in your
presentation. And tell why you are the best
person to give this demonstration speech:
My name is Ms. Pulaski-Didriksen and I am
the best person to give this speech
because I have had a lot of experience
with travel to Europe!
Preview the Main Points
Introduce in one sentence the main topics of
your demonstrative speech: I will be talking
about Clothing, Toiletries/Medicine,
Money and Security, and Necessities for
Hosteling
Tell What's In It for Them
State why your presentation is useful to your
listeners. Offer a benefit. Example: Packing
light for an international trip will mean
flexibility and can avoid wrinkled clothes.
BODY SECTION
What props, examples, quotes, statistics,
reasons, arguments, evidence, visuals can
support your main points? Use them to
construct your subpoints: My PowerPoint
Main Point I:
Clothing
2 pairs of walking/comfortable
shoes (one closed toe/one open,
weather permitting) 1 rainproof
jacket 2 pairs of shorts/capris
(shorts aren't allowed in major
cathedrals, but capris are OK) 2
pairs of pants (one dressy, one
casual; khaki is recommended —
when washed, it dries faster than
jeans)1 belt (optional) 1 swimsuit
(packed in a plastic bag) 4 pairs
of socks (cotton blend) 5 pairs of
undergarments 4–6 shirts
(long/short-sleeved, various
colors) 1–2 light sweaters for
layering 1–2 skirts/dresses
(wrinkle-resistant) 1 hat1 pair of
pajamas (or long shirt to get you
to the bathroom down the hall if
necessary)
Main Point II:
Toiletries/Medicine
Body soap (washcloth); most 2-3
star European hotels do not
supply washcloths
Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
Shampoo/conditioner
Brush/comb Lotion/Vaseline (for
feet) Razor (non-electric)/
Sunscreen, insect repellent
Prescription drugs (in original
container with your name and
your doctor's name, write down
generic name)First aid kit
Deodorant Nail
clippers/file/tweezers Spare
glasses and/or prescription, minieyeglass repair kit, or contact
lenses and supplies Hand
sanitizer Vitamins OTC remedies
(whatever works for you): Pepto,
decongestants, etc. soap
Main Point III: Money and
Security
Moneybelt: Passport, plane
ticket, debit card, credit cards,
railpass, driver's license (if you're
renting a car) Security: Bury
copies of your passport, plane
ticket, and prescriptions in the
bottom of your luggage
Main Point IV: Hosteling Pack
towel Sleep Sheet(only worth
bringing if hosteling for the whole
trip — all hostels rent sheets for
about $4)
Summary
Recap the main points, steps or action
sequences: I have talked to you about:
Clothing, Toiletries/Medicine, Money and
Security, and Necessities for Hosteling
Closer
Try to find an original sentence or eye-opener
to help the audience remember your
demonstrative speech: I hope you have
enjoyed learning about what to take when
traveling to Europe and that you will want
to enjoy such a trip in the near future!