Demonstration Speech Ideas

I remember when we used to have 'Show and Tell' sessions back at school. Kids would bring in all sorts of things to demonstrate to the class. It used to be a highly entertaining and fun class and we would end up learning a lot more than what we did in our regular lessons. It used to be so effective that the things that were shown and explained in class that day were remembered for a long time after. A demonstration speech runs somewhat on the same lines.

A demonstration speech idea revolves around showing people how to do something, how something works or how to go about something. But the reason why it is effective is because it does not confine to merely giving a speech, but explaining the topic with the help of visual aids, leaflets, handouts or live demonstrations.

The effectiveness of the demonstration speech will depend on the kind of topic you choose for giving the speech. Certain key elements that you need to keep in mind are:

• Make a list of your hobbies. Always choose to speak on something that you enjoy doing because your comfort will ease into the speech.
• Study your audience; their age, preferences and lifestyle. Think about what they would be interested in.
• Once you know what your audience is like and you have your list of hobbies ready, try and match the two. See if you can find common topics such that, not only will you enjoy speaking about it, but the audience will like it too.

Demonstration Speech Topics for Adults

Choose topics that answer questions like 'How to use', 'How to fix', 'How to make', 'How to do', 'How something works', 'How something is produced /done /made'. These will allow for you to demonstrate the technique well. With these topics, one can go into detail using logical steps, as in what follows what and that makes it easier for the audience to understand.

Once you are done choosing a topic, prepare a small introduction that centers on the demonstration speech idea like 'I will be demonstrating how to wear a pocket watch'. Then go about explaining why you want to do it and the motive behind the speech. For example 'Many people want to introduce the pocket watch in their ensemble but don't know how'. Then go into detail about why the audience should listen to you. It is a must that you have a small and effective introduction prepared for the same. Tell the audience that they need to know this and how you will be providing an easy solution. This will help the audience to connect to the speech. Then go about the process of showing them the different ways of wearing a pocket watch. Make it a very effective demonstration. Ask for volunteers to come up and try it out for themselves. This will generate a lot of interest in them and keep their attention levels high.

Some Examples of demonstration speech topics are:

• How to clean silverware.
• How to make Caesar's salad.
• How to clean shoes.
• How to play cards.
• How to apply nail polish.
• How to write a resume.
• How to apply eye shadow.
• How to tie a necktie.
• How to make a cocktail drink.
• How to make homemade cards.
• How to carve a thanksgiving turkey.
• How to us different knives.
• How to meditate.
• How to press clothes.
• How to pack a suitcase.

Demonstration Speech Topics for Kids

When coming up with ideas for kids, the main thing to keep in mind is their age. Choose topics that will be of great interest to them, something that they will enjoy. A common link between the audience and the presenter needs to be found. Something that both the kid, and his audience will enjoy.

Let's assume that the age group of kids is from 4-7 years. Some topics that this age group will enjoy are:

• How to decorate a cake with sweets.
• How to make a birthday card.
• How to color a picture.
• How to bathe a dog.
• How to tie your shoes.
• How to draw a scenery.
• How to count from 1-10 in French.
• How to whistle.
• How to make paper hats.
• How to make clay models.

Now that you know, all that there is to know about demonstration speech ideas, the next time you need to give a demonstration speech, just think of what the audience will love, how to give it to them and go floor them!