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6 Example Demonstration Speeches

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Example Demonstration Speeches

This article explores six compelling examples of demonstration speeches that will help you understand the essential elements and techniques for delivering impactful presentations.

Whether you’re an experienced public speaker or just starting, these examples will provide valuable ideas to elevate your speeches.

Let’s discover the craft of creating captivating demonstration speeches together!

Speech 1: The Power of Positive Thinking

Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to talk to you about the incredible power of positive thinking. Have you ever noticed how a simple shift in your mindset can completely transform your day? When you approach life with a positive outlook, you open yourself up to countless possibilities.

Positive thinking doesn’t mean ignoring challenges and difficulties. It’s about choosing to focus on the good, even when facing adversity. It’s about cultivating a resilient mindset that allows you to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward.

One way to cultivate positive thinking is through practicing gratitude. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for, no matter how small they seem. Maybe it’s a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a friend, or simply waking up this morning. By focusing on the good in your life, you train your brain to seek out positivity and find joy in the present.

Another key aspect of positive thinking is surrounding yourself with positive influences. Seek out people who uplift and inspire you, who encourage you to be your best self. Avoid toxic relationships and negative self-talk that can drain your energy and dampen your spirits.

Your thoughts have power. They shape your reality and influence your actions. By choosing to embrace positive thinking, you unlock the potential for incredible growth, resilience, and success in all areas of your life. Start today. Choose positivity, and watch as your world begins to transform.

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This speech focuses on the power of positive thinking and offers practical tips for cultivating a positive mindset. It’s suitable for motivational events, personal development seminars, or any occasion where the goal is to inspire and uplift the audience.

Speech 2: The Importance of Effective Communication

Effective communication is the foundation of success in both personal and professional relationships. It connects us, allowing us to convey our thoughts, ideas, and emotions to others. However, communication involves not only speaking but also listening and understanding.

Clarity is a key element of effective communication. When we express ourselves clearly and concisely, we minimize misunderstandings and ensure that our message is received as intended. This involves using simple language, avoiding jargon, and organizing our thoughts logically.

Another crucial aspect of effective communication is active listening. When we genuinely listen to others, we show them respect, build trust, and foster connection. Active listening involves giving the speaker our full attention, asking clarifying questions, and providing feedback to show that we understand their perspective.

Effective communication also requires empathy. By putting ourselves in the other person’s shoes, we can better understand their point of view and respond in a way that is sensitive to their needs and feelings. This helps to build stronger relationships and resolve conflicts more effectively.

In today’s fast-paced, digital age, effective communication has become increasingly important. With the prevalence of email, instant messaging, and social media, it’s easy for messages to get lost in translation or misinterpreted. That’s why it’s essential to be mindful of our tone, choose our words carefully, and take the time to ensure that our message is clear and well-received.

By mastering the skill of effective communication, we can build stronger relationships, achieve our goals, and create a more harmonious and productive environment. Let’s commit to improving our communication skills, one conversation at a time.

Commentary: This speech highlights the importance of effective communication in both personal and professional settings. It discusses key elements such as clarity, active listening, and empathy. This speech is suitable for workshops, training sessions, or any event focused on improving communication skills.

Speech 3: The Value of Lifelong Learning

In today’s rapidly changing society, the importance of lifelong learning cannot be overstated. Education is no longer confined to the classroom or limited to a degree. Now, more than ever, we must embrace continuous learning to stay relevant, adaptable, and successful.

Lifelong learning is the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one’s life. It involves actively seeking out opportunities to expand our understanding, acquire new abilities, and broaden our horizons. By embracing lifelong learning, we open ourselves up to countless possibilities and personal growth.

One of the key benefits of lifelong learning is that it keeps our minds sharp and agile. As we age, engaging in intellectually stimulating activities helps maintain cognitive function and prevent mental decline. Learning new things challenges our brains, creates new neural pathways, and enhances our problem-solving abilities.

Lifelong learning also makes us more adaptable to change. In a rapidly evolving society where technology is advancing quickly and industries are constantly shifting, the ability to learn and adapt is crucial for success. By continuously acquiring new knowledge and skills, we remain flexible and better equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities that come our way.

Moreover, lifelong learning fuels personal growth and fulfillment. When we pursue our passions and interests, we experience a sense of joy and purpose that enriches our lives. Whether it’s learning a new language, mastering a musical instrument, or exploring a fascinating subject, the pursuit of knowledge brings a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

So, how can we embrace lifelong learning? Start by identifying your interests and passions. Seek out resources such as books, online courses, workshops, and mentors who can guide you on your learning journey. Embrace a growth mindset, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Learning is a lifelong process, and the rewards are immeasurable.

In a constantly evolving society, lifelong learning is not just a choice; it is a necessity. By embracing the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth, we unlock our full potential and pave the way for a more fulfilling and successful life. Let’s commit to never stop learning, growing, and discovering the wonders that await us.

Commentary: This speech emphasizes the value of lifelong learning in today’s rapidly changing society. It highlights the benefits of continuous learning, such as maintaining cognitive function, adapting to change, and achieving personal growth and fulfillment. This speech is suitable for educational events, personal development seminars, or any occasion where the goal is to inspire and motivate individuals to embrace lifelong learning.

Speech 4: The Power of Persistence

Success is not a destination; it is a journey. It is a path filled with challenges, obstacles, and setbacks. But what separates those who achieve their goals from those who don’t? The answer is simple: persistence.

Persistence is the unwavering determination to keep pushing forward, even when facing adversity. It is the ability to pick ourselves up after every fall, dust ourselves off, and keep moving toward our dreams. Persistence is the key that unlocks the door to success.

But why is persistence so important? Because success is rarely achieved on the first attempt. It often requires multiple tries, countless failures, and a willingness to learn from our mistakes. When we persist, we demonstrate our commitment to our goals and our belief in ourselves.

One of the greatest examples of persistence is the story of Thomas Edison. When he was working on inventing the light bulb, he famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Edison’s persistence and unwavering belief in his vision led him to one of the most significant inventions in history.

Persistence also requires resilience. There will be times when we face rejection, criticism, and self-doubt. But resilience allows us to bounce back from these setbacks and continue moving forward. It is the inner strength that fuels our persistence and keeps us focused on our goals.

So, how can we cultivate persistence in our own lives? Start by setting clear and meaningful goals that align with your passions and values. Break these goals down into smaller, actionable steps, and celebrate each milestone along the way. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your dreams.

When faced with challenges, remember that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and learning. Embrace failure as a necessary part of the process, and use it as a stepping stone to success. And most importantly, never give up on yourself or your dreams.

Persistence is the bridge that connects our aspirations to our achievements. It is the force that propels us forward, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. By cultivating persistence and resilience, we unlock our full potential and open ourselves up to countless possibilities.

Let’s commit to persisting in the face of adversity, learning from our failures, and never stopping chasing our dreams. With persistence, there are no limits to what we can achieve.

Commentary: This speech focuses on the power of persistence in achieving success. It emphasizes the importance of resilience, learning from failure, and staying committed to one’s goals. This speech is suitable for motivational events, personal development seminars, or any occasion where the goal is to inspire and encourage individuals to persevere when facing challenges.

Speech 5: The Art of Effective Time Management

Time is our most precious resource. It is the one thing we cannot buy, borrow, or save for later. How we choose to spend our time determines the quality of our lives and the level of success we achieve. That’s why mastering the skill of effective time management is essential for anyone who wants to make the most of their days and reach their full potential.

Effective time management isn’t about working harder or longer hours. It’s about working smarter and prioritizing the tasks that truly matter. It’s about being intentional with our time and focusing on the activities that bring us closer to our goals.

One of the key principles of effective time management is the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule. This principle states that 80% of our results come from 20% of our efforts. By identifying and prioritizing the tasks that fall into that crucial 20%, we can maximize our productivity and achieve better results in less time.

Another important aspect of effective time management is learning to say no. In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands and expectations of others. But when we spread ourselves too thin, we compromise the quality of our work and our well-being. By learning to say no to non-essential tasks and commitments, we create space for the things that truly matter.

Effective time management also involves creating a schedule and sticking to it. By planning our days and weeks, we can ensure that we allocate sufficient time for our priorities and avoid getting sidetracked by distractions. This requires discipline and the ability to resist the temptation of procrastination.

But effective time management isn’t just about work. It’s also about making time for the things that bring us joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, or taking care of our physical and mental health, it’s essential to carve out time for the activities that nourish our souls.

By mastering the skill of effective time management, we take control of our lives and unlock our full potential. We become more productive, more focused, and more fulfilled. We create a life that is rich in meaning and purpose, where every moment counts.

Let’s commit to being intentional with our time. Let’s prioritize the tasks that truly matter, learn to say no when necessary, and create a schedule that reflects our values and goals. And let’s never forget to make time for the things that bring us joy and fulfillment.

Mastering the skill of effective time management is mastering the art of living a life well-lived.

Commentary: This speech focuses on the importance of effective time management in achieving success and living a fulfilling life. It discusses key principles such as the Pareto Principle, learning to say no, and creating a schedule that reflects one’s values and goals. This speech is suitable for professional development events, productivity workshops, or any occasion where the goal is to inspire and guide individuals to make the most of their time.

Speech 6: The Importance of Self-Care

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure society, it’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of work, responsibilities, and obligations. We often prioritize the needs of others over our own, neglecting the most important person in our lives: ourselves. But the truth is, we cannot pour from an empty cup. To be our best selves and show up fully for the people and causes we care about, we must first take care of ourselves. That’s where the practice of self-care comes in.

Self-care is not selfish; it is essential. It is the intentional act of nurturing our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It’s about taking the time to recharge, refocus, and reconnect with ourselves. Self-care looks different for everyone, but at its core, it is about listening to our bodies, honoring our needs, and treating ourselves with kindness and compassion.

One of the most important aspects of self-care is setting boundaries. In a society that constantly demands our time and attention, it’s crucial to learn to say no to the things that drain us and yes to the things that fill us up. This requires self-awareness and the courage to prioritize our own needs, even when it means disappointing others.

Self-care also involves taking care of our physical health. This means nourishing our bodies with healthy food, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular exercise. When we take care of our physical health, we have more energy, focus, and resilience to tackle the challenges of daily life.

But self-care isn’t just about the body; it’s also about the mind and spirit. It’s about taking the time to engage in activities that bring us joy, calm our minds, and feed our souls. This might mean practicing meditation or mindfulness, journaling, spending time in nature, or pursuing a creative hobby. When we make space for the things that light us up, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being that radiates outward.

Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the foundation upon which we build a life of purpose, passion, and fulfillment. When we take care of ourselves, we show up as our best selves in every area of our lives. We have more to give to the people and causes we care about, and we inspire others to prioritize their well-being.

Let’s commit to practicing self-care every day. Let’s set boundaries, nourish our bodies, and feed our souls. Let’s treat ourselves with the same kindness and compassion we so readily extend to others. And let’s remember that taking care of ourselves is not selfish; it is the most selfless thing we can do.

When we prioritize our well-being, we create a ripple effect of positivity and inspiration that touches everyone around us. That is the true power of self-care.

Commentary: This speech emphasizes the importance of self-care in today’s fast-paced society. It discusses key aspects of self-care, such as setting boundaries, taking care of physical health, and engaging in activities that bring joy and inner peace. This speech is suitable for wellness events, personal development seminars, or any occasion where the goal is to inspire and encourage individuals to prioritize their well-being.

These six example demonstration speeches showcase the power of effective communication, positive thinking, lifelong learning, persistence, time management, and self-care.

By studying and incorporating the techniques and insights from these speeches, you can elevate your public speaking skills and deliver impactful presentations that inspire, motivate, and engage your audience.

Crafting a compelling demonstration speech requires clarity, authenticity, and a deep understanding of your audience’s needs and interests.

By focusing on these key elements and infusing your unique voice and perspective, you can create speeches that leave a lasting impact and make a difference in the lives of those who hear them.

Go forth and embrace the craft of demonstration speaking. Use these examples as a springboard for your creativity and passion, and never stop striving to become a more effective and impactful communicator.

The world is waiting to hear your message, and with the right tools and techniques, you have the power to change lives, one speech at a time.

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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• 290 demonstration speech topics
• Demonstration speech topics

290 'how to' demonstration speech ideas 

By:  Susan Dugdale  

What are good topics for demonstration speeches? 

The answer is simple, but frustratingly inconclusive. It depends. These are 'how to', 'show and teach' or process speeches with literally squillions of topic possibilities.

You could spend hours, or even days, considering this 'how to' speech idea against that one, or that one, or that one. However, you don't need to.

The easiest way is to use the guidelines below to help you pick a good demo speech idea relatively painlessly and quickly.

What's on this page

• How to choose a good demonstration speech topic - 6 key elements to consider
• 290 good demonstrative speech topics in themed lists 
• Links to other pages of ' how to' speech topics and help
• The link to an extremely useful printable - a blank demonstration speech outline form

If you already know how to prepare a good demonstrative speech skip the guidelines and either click the link to go to ALL 290 demonstration speech topics or click on a heading to go a themed list.

Animals/Pets

Gardens/yards, games/sports.

• Food & More

Social/Personal

• And then there's...

Choosing a good demonstration speech topic

What makes a demonstration speech topic a good choice depends on 6 essential elements. You'll want to consider each of them carefully. 

1. Your interests

Your choice of demonstrative speech topic needs to be something you are genuinely interested in, and know about or, want to know about.

Without enthusiasm or knowledge, it's incredibly hard to inspire and persuade others that they want to find out 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. 

2. Who the speech is for

You need to think about your audience before making your final choice.

• What demonstration speech topics would truly interest them?
• If you're considering a 'how to' topic you know they already know well, is there something new you could teach them about it?
• What would be of value, and appropriate, for them to know?

3. 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?

Does what you're planning to do fit the venue?

4. The time you've got to prepare the speech

Does the topic you're considering need a long time to prepare thoroughly? Are there visual aids you need to make to accompany it? How much research do you need to do before you can begin to prepare the speech?

5. The time you've got to give the speech

There is no point in choosing something complex with a large number of steps to show and teach if you don't have the time to cover them. What you select needs to fit easily into the allotted time limit. 

If you really want to tackle a big topic, and it's a good fit with your audience, if it's possible, break it down into smaller, manageable pieces. Then choose one or two aspects (sub-topics) you know you can cover well in the time you have available.

For instance, how to knit has many elements: how to hold the needles, how to cast stitches on, how to choose the right wool, how to read a knitting pattern, how to do a specific stitch... Any one of those could become a speech.  

6. 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 presentations for example. Check before you make a final decision.

Return to Top

How to use these demonstration speech ideas

Use the 'how to' 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 it assessing the positive as well as negative aspects of each idea, keeping the audience members, your interest, setting, time and assessment needs in mind.

290 good demonstration speech topics

• read the clouds
• read the stars
• read the tides
• read tree rings
• recognize differing types of rock
• find fossils
• read and navigate a landscape without a map
• use a topographic map
• water divine
• recognize stars in the night sky
• use the phases of the moon for hunting, fishing, or planting crops
• forage for food safely
• collect wild honey
• take wood for fuel sustainably
• build a fire safely
• recognize the common birds or animals in your area
• identify different types of woods
• ensure water is safe to drink
• use the position of the sun to tell time
• tell if a storm is coming
• track an animal in the wild
• choose a good campsite
• forecast weather
• cross a river safely
• protect yourself from attack by wild animals
• tell if ice is safe to walk on
• tell which way the wind is blowing
• recognize poisonous plants or insects
• survive in the wild without an emergency kit
• prepare a survival kit

• train a puppy
• care for a kitten
• walk a dog on a leash properly
• saddle a horse
• hand milk a cow
• teach a cat to use a litter tray
• tell if your pet dog, cat, rabbit... is happy
• feed a dog, horse, cat...correctly
• carry a dog or cat correctly
• interpret a pet dog's or cat's aggressive 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
• teach a child how to care for a pet
• make a cat gym
• dropper feed a fledging that's fallen out of the nest or an injured bird
• groom a cat, dog, cow... for a show
• care for baby chickens
• set up a fish bowl or an aquarium
• choose a pet
• clean an animal's teeth
• pet-proof your home
• re-home a dog safely
• care for an orphaned lamb or calf
• transport a cat, dog, rabbit..., safely
• make healthy treats for dogs
• teach a parrot to talk

• companion plant to protect vegetables from insect pests
• 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
• build a garden seat
• grow from seed
• graft a plant
• prepare and plant a tub of flowers or vegetables
• plant a window box of herbs
• control garden pests
• mulch a garden
• trim a hedge
• prune a rose bush
• care for garden tools
• choose garden art
• make an ornamental pond
• make a bird feeder
• choose the right plants for the right situations
• plant spring bulbs
• make a no-dig garden
• encourage birds or bees into the garden
• make a patio or deck garden

• design & make a greeting card
• make a scented candle
• make a perfect posy of flowers
• learn to draw, sketch
• learn to paint in water colors
• make paper mache
• work hand or string puppets
• use stencils
• make and use natural dyes
• spin or weave
• create a seasonal center piece for the dining table
• make a Christmas wreath
• press flowers
• design and a friendship bracelet
• up-cycle a piece of clothing
• make attractive face masks
• make your own jewelry from antique buttons
• sew your own clothes
• design your own clothes
• bonsai a plant
• make resin and polymer clay jewelry
• arrange flowers for different uses: for the table, as a corsage...
• make your own soft furnishings
• take a brass rubbing
• make paper flowers
• make and use pom-poms creatively
• make a hand coiled pottery mug
• make a tufted rug or mat
• tie-dye a garment
• carve or whittle wood

• choose the right sport for yourself
• choose the right piece of sporting equipment (bike, surf or skate board, shoes, protective gear...)
• learn to skate board
• learn to surf
• wax a surfboard
• put on, and get off, a wet suit
• score a game of tennis
• serve in tennis
• catch a fish
• make a fishing fly
• cast a fishing line
• prepare and set a fishing net
• tickle a trout
• smoke a fish
• play chess, checkers, dominoes, cards...
• train for a marathon
• use a snorkel correctly
• avoid injury playing football
• learn football skills: pass, block or kick
• improve your golf swing
• care for a set of golf clubs
• set up a pair of ice skates well
• eat well to keep in shape for your sport
• prevent sporting injuries
• stick to a training schedule
• warm up before a game
• do yoga stretches
• be a team player
• hold a baseball bat correctly
• shoot a basketball goal
• practice basketball skills at home: dribble...
• cross country ski
• ski downhill
• set a bike up for yourself: adjust seat height, handle bars...
• fix a flat tire
• learn to ride a bike

Food and More

• make a perfect cup of coffee, tea...
• use chop sticks
• prepare green tea and serve it correctly
• make chocolate
• plan a dinner party
• make a fast summer salad
• store frozen food
• sharpen a knife
• prepare chicken safely
• make your own relish, jam, pastry...
• write a weekly food shopping list
• plan a menu
• organize your pantry
• bake bread, bagels...
• use seasonal vegetables
• dry fruits and vegetables
• make your own wedding cake
• make desserts
• cook economically
• make healthy meals
• carve vegetables
• fold table napkins
• match wine with food
• set a table for a formal dinner
• store fresh fruit and vegetables
• make your own cottage cheese or yoghurt
• make food for a picnic
• make your own baby foods
• use a pressure cooker well
• use an air fryer well
• use a barbecue well
• store and use left over foods safely
• use an oven safely
• select the best fresh fruit and vegetables to buy
• get children to eat vegetables
• train children to try new foods
• serve tasty low calorie meals
• use cutlery (a knife, fork, or spoon) properly
• follow a recipe properly

• read to a child
• use a 24 hour clock
• plan a surprise party
• talk to a deaf person
• buy online safely
• read body language accurately
• understand cultural differences in body language
• travel safely in a foreign country
• play with a small child
• leave a good telephone message
• eat politely
• defend yourself (basic self defense)
• do basic first aid
• take a pulse
• teach a child to read the time
• prepare a baby's bottle
• write a thank you letter
• write a business letter
• read braille
• alter your own clothes...take up a hem etc.
• iron a shirt properly
• take a good photograph
• make a baby sitter's kit
• lift without damaging your back
• apply make-up correctly
• learn French, German, Italian...
• plait or braid hair
• make an effective complaint
• waltz (foxtrot, line dance, dance on point...)
• put on a dancing show
• organize a coffee morning
• run a meeting
• make a presentation
• do a cheap style make-over
• shop at thrift stores
• choose colors that suit you
• choose clothes that suit you
• walk in high heels
• make your own cosmetics, creams, etc.
• start your own business
• recognize sound business deals
• take control of your personal finances
• buy a house
• negotiate a deal
• choose a college
• decide what career you want
• keep mentally alert and fit
• select the right make-up for yourself
• be a good friend
• agree to disagree to maintain a relationship
• say no politely
• do a magic trick
• apologize sincerely
• use the Heimlich maneuver
• handle and store firearms safely
• keep your sense of humor

And then there's these 'how to' ideas...

• 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
• use the color wheel
• upcycle old furniture
• break a habit
• build a model airplane
• make and upload a video to YouTube
• become an influencer
• get a baby to go to sleep
• impersonate someone famous
• choose a piece of art
• stack firewood
• to be a good listener

More good demonstration speech ideas & help 

How to put an effective demonstration speech together.

Once 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.

More interesting 'how to' speech topics!

If you're still looking, try this page of 50 how to speech ideas . These are unique demonstration speech topics focusing on teaching the soft skills that are vital for communicating well, living fully and harmoniously in our world. Two examples are: 'how to apologize sincerely' and 'how to accept personal criticism positively'.

100+ 10-minute demonstration speech topics

If you're still looking for inspiration to strike, you may find your perfect topic here: 100+ 10-minute demonstration speech topics . The list has been carefully curated to make sure the suggestions can be covered efficiently and effectively in ten minutes or less. 

Here's a couple of examples: how to make a friendship bracelet, and, how to give medicine to your cat without being scratched to bits.

And there is this collection of  188 funny how to speech topics .

Who said a demonstration speech needs to teach something practical and be serious? Many of these speech ideas are neither! Instead, they're pure, unadulterated silliness and fun. ☺

(I've included an example speech outline along with a free printable speech outline for your own use.)

Give your speech structure - use an outline

Would using a printable  blank demonstration speech outline   help you with your speech?

This outline will take you through an ordered sequence of  steps to ensure your speech flows well from beginning to end.

If you'd like to see the outline in use, please check this page: demonstration speech sample outline.

You can follow the text of my speech, 'how to leave an effective voice mail message', through each of the sections in the outline. 

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

I hope both the completed outline and the video help. ☺

How to get top marks!

And if your speech is being formally evaluated why not find out what the judge will be marking you on? Click the link and you'll find a standard speech evaluation form explained and available to download.

• Return to the top of demonstration speech topics

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