DEMONSTRATION SPEECH
Communication Applications
“How To”
WHAT IS IT?
A Demonstration speech is written to
explain and show people how to do
something. This might involve using
various types of visual aids, or handout to
ensure the effectiveness of the
instructions.
Provides answers to the question “How
do you do that?”
Also known as “how to” speech.
Type of informative speech.
Attention Getter and
Memorable Close
Even though you are showing the
audience how to do something, you still
need an enticing attention getter and a
memorable close.
Preparing a Demonstration Speech
Required steps or stages
What comes first?
What’s absolutely essential?
Which step is easiest?
Which step is hardest?
What does the audience already know
how to do?
Where will the audience be most likely to
get confused?
Which step takes the most time?
Which take very little time?
Organizing a Demonstration Speech
Organize steps in order.
Clarify and simplify difficult steps.
Think about the physical space of the
room.
Don’t forget to put stage directions on
your index cards or outline.
Audience Participation
Only use audience participation that is
practiced ahead of time or is highly
controlled.
The Audience of a Great Speaker
• Is having a good time because they can
identify with the topic
• Is challenged because they are learning
something new
• Is listening because there are examples,
illustrations, stories in the speech
The Audience of a Poor Speaker
• Is yawning because the speaker is bored
and unprepared
• Is clapping because IT IS OVER early
Don’t Assume You Know
Just because you are demonstrating
something you know how to
do…doesn’t mean you can
automatically explain it to an audience.
Visual Aids
What have we already learned: Must be
large enough to see from back of room
Must “aid the speech”
The speaker feels comfortable and has
practiced with the aid
The speaker keeps eye contact with the
audience and not talk to the visual aid
Two Audience Questions
Why should I care?
Why should I believe
you?
Conclusion of Demonstration Speech
Let the audience see we are coming to a
an end of the demonstration ( 3 to 5 min)
• Make the connections between the
various steps and “tie” everything
together
• Reinforce what you want the audience
to remember
• No new information
• End with a memorable thought
Conclusion
Signal of speech’s end
• “Today, we have examined how to”
• “ In the past few minutes, I have shown
you the basic steps in
• “Finally let me say that this can be easy
and also very useful to you
Conclusion With A Memorable Thought
What is wrong with these conclusions:
• “ In conclusion, let me tell you…
• “ I have shown you steps in coloring
Easter Eggs and now let’s add a card to
the basket.
• “Hope you enjoyed the
demonstration…and I guess that is it”
Could someone help me clean up this
mess?”
REMEMBER!!!
Rehearsal is one of the keys to delivering
an effective demonstration speech.
Demonstration Speeches
Make sure you choose a topic that is
narrow enough that you can actually
demonstrate it in 4-6 minutes.
Demonstration as an Informative Speech
• Select a topic:
• Choose a topic that means something to
you—the stronger your commitment, the
better speech you will give
• Narrow your topic—”How to sew a dress
or shirt” “How to make a wedding cake”
• “How to draw a defensive play in
football”
Criteria For Grading
Introduction: Attention Getter, Speaker
Credibility, Audience Relevance
Process: Steps and transition statements
Conclusion: Summary of steps, no new
information, Last thought
Visual Aid: Must be able to see it, Eye
contact with audience while showing
Past Student Speeches
How to play Fantasy Football
How to Design your dream house
How to be a Hero
How to send an e-mail
How to Make Dirt Pudding
How to make chocolate chip cookies
How to make Paper Snowflakes