Demonstration Speech Topics
'What are the best demonstration speech topics?'
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| Could it be 'How to make the Perfect Cup of Coffee'? |
Or perhaps 'How to read Music'? |
May be 'How to make a Wedding Bouquet'? |
The answer is simple but frustratingly inconclusive: 'It depends.' These are the 'how to' or 'show and teach' speeches of which there are squillions of possibilities. You could waste hours considering this one against that one but you don't have to. Step through the guidelines below and make an informed decision.
An ideal demonstration speech topic depends on:
- What you are interested in:
Your choice of topic needs to be something you are genuinely interested in and know about. Without enthusiasm or knowledge it's hard to inspire others to want to know more about a subject. And that's your goal! Ideally when you finish your speech, you'll find yourself on the receiving end of question after question from eager listeners wanting to know more.
- Who the speech is for?
You need to consider your audience before making your final choice.
What demonstration speech topics would interest them?
What would teach them something new?
What would be of value and appropriate for them to know?
- The setting of the speech:
Where is the speech to be given? In a classroom? In a public hall? In a living room? In the open air?
- The time you've got to give the speech:
There is no point in choosing something complex to show and teach if you have very limited time. What you select needs to fit easily into the alotted space.
- The guidelines for assessment (if the speech is part of a public speaking course).
You may find there are restrictions on using varying forms of visual aids: video or power-point for example. Check before you decide.
Use the demonstration speech topics below to kick-start your own creativity. Think of them as beginnings or starting points. Rather than pick the first idea that jumps out, build up a short list. Then go through assessing the positive as well as negative aspects, keeping the audience, your interest, setting, time and assessment needs in mind.
Nature
How to:
- read the clouds
- read the stars
- read the tides
- read tree rings
- recognise differing types of rock
- read a landscape without a map
- water divine
- track animals in the wild
- forecast weather
- recognise poisonous plants or insects
- survive in the wild
- prepare a survival kit
Animals/Pets
How to:
- train a puppy
- wash a dog
- care for a kitten
- saddle a horse
- feed a dog, horse, cat,...correctly
- interpret animal behavior
- soothe a frightened dog, cat...
- keep a pet dog or cat in an apartment
- give medicines to your dog, cat...
- care for an injured or sick pet
- set up a fish bowl
- choose a pet
- teach a parrot to talk
Gardens/Yards
How to:
- prepare basic landscaping plans
- lay bricks or paving stones
- build a fence
- make a swing
- make a children's play area
- build a compost bin
- make a greenhouse
- make a windbreak
- plant a tree
- grow from seed
- graft a plant
- prepare and plant a tub of flowers or vegetables
- plant a window box of herbs
- prune a rose bush
- care for garden tools
- make a bird feeder
- choose the right plants for the right situations
- plant spring bulbs
- recognise poisonous plants or insects
- make a no-dig garden
- encourage birds or bees into the garden
- make a patio or deck garden
Crafts
How to:
- how to design & make a greeting card
- knit
- crochet
- embroider
- quilt
- felt
- make a perfect posy of flowers
- learn to draw, sketch
- learn to paint in water colors
- make papier mache
- work puppets
- decoupage
- use stencils
- make natural dyes
- spin or weave
- create a seasonal centre piece for the table
- make a Christmas wreath
- paint eggs
- press flowers
- scrapbook
- make your own jewelery from antique buttons
- sew your own clothes
- design your own clothes
- bonsai
- arrange flowers
- make your own soft furnishings
- take a brass rubbing
- batik
- tie-dye a garment
- carve or whittle wood
Games/Sports
How to:
- learn to skate board
- learn to surf
- wax a surfboard
- choose the right piece of sporting equipment (bike, surf or skate board, shoes, protective gear...)
- score a game of tennis
- catch a fish
- prepare and set a fishing net
- smoke a fish
- play chess, checkers, dominoes, cards...
- train for a marathon
- use a snorkel correctly
- hold a softball bat
- care for a set of golf clubs
- oil a bike
- fix a puncture
- prevent sporting injuries
- fly a kite
- be a team player
- shoot a goal
- ride a bike
Food & More
How to:
- make a perfect cup of coffee, tea...
- use chop sticks
- prepare green tea and serve it correctly
- make chocolate
- plan a party
- store frozen food
- sharpen a knife
- prepare chicken safely
- make your own relish, jam, pastry...
- write a shopping list
- plan a menu
- organise your pantry
- bake bread, bagels...
- use seasonal vegetables
- dry fruits and vegetables
- make your own wedding cake
- ice a cake
- make desserts
- cook economically
- make healthy meals
- carve vegetables
- fold table napkins
Social/Personal
How to:
- read to a child
- set a dinner table
- talk to a deaf person
- buy online safely
- read body language
- understand cultural differences in body language
- travel safely in a foreign country
- play with a small child
- take a telephone message
- eat politely
- defend yourself (basic self defence)
- do basic first aid
- take a pulse
- teach a child to read the time
- prepare a baby's bottle
- write a thank-you letter
- read braille
- alter your own clothes...take up a hem etc.
- iron a shirt properly
- take a good photograph
- lift without damaging your back
- apply make-up correctly
- select the right make-up for you
- whistle
- learn French, German, Italian...
- plait or braid hair
- do a cheap style make-over
- shop at thrift stores
- choose colors that suit you
- choose clothes that suit you
- knot a tie
- walk in high heels
- make your own cosmetics, creams etc
- start your own business
- take control of your personal finances
- buy a house
- choose a college
- decide what career you want
- keep fit
- save gas
- waltz (foxtrot, line dance ...)
- organise a coffee morning
- run a meeting
- make a presentation
And then there's...
How to:
- fix a blocked sink
- fix a leaking faucet
- replace a cracked tile
- polish wooden furniture
- restore a piece of furniture
- change a car tire
- interpret a modern painting
- read a palm
- burglar proof your home
- save money
- recycle
- break old habits
- use a cell phone
- how to make and upload a video to You-tube
- text
- read braille
Now you've chosen your demonstration speech topic find out more about how good demonstration speeches are structured. This is an easily followed 'how to' prepare your speech guide.
Or if you're still looking try this page of 50 how to speech ideas.
These demonstration speech topics focus on teaching vital soft skills like 'how to apologise sincerely' or 'how to accept personal criticism positively'.
Would you like a print-friendly blank speech outline template to use?
The template will step you through an ordered sequence of steps to ensure your speech has a logical beginning, middle and end.
And if your speech is being formally evaluated why not find out what the judge will be marking you on?
There's a standard speech evaluation form here.
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As you can see, the more you start thinking about demonstration speech topics, the more there are. The possibilities are endless.
If the choice you make is guided by your audience and their needs, the setting, time allowance and your own interest, you'll be on the path to success. Add preparation plus rehearsals and it's even closer!
Are you in high school?
Grab some expert speech coaching tips.
Watch a reality style show featuring Stanley who goes from miserable public speaking failure to success.
You can find more tips like these through
checking the site map.
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Check the site-map for all the 'how-to' pages:- write, rehearse, use props, cue cards, deal with anxiety...
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