DEMONSTRATION SPEECH“How To” Speech

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/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/very little time?

Organizing a Demonstration Speech

Organize steps in order.

Clarify and simplify difficult steps.

Think about the space of the room and your audience.

Don’t forget to put directions on your 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 KnowJust because you are demonstrating

something you know how to do…doesn’t mean you can automatically explain it to an audience.

Visual AidsWhat have we already learned: Must belarge 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 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

ConclusionSignal 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”

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 3-5 minutes.

Demonstration as an Informative Speech

• Selecting a topic:Choose a topic that means something to you—the stronger your commitment, the better speech you will give

• Make sure to pick a specific topic, not a broad, general topic-Instead of “How to Decorate for Christmas”, narrow it to “How to Decorate a Christmas Tree” or “How to Make a Christmas Wreath”

Criteria For GradingIntroduction: 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 Make Chocolate Chip CookiesHow to Choose a Fishing PoleHow to Make a Pic CollageBraiding HairMaking a PiñataHow to Wrap a PresentHow to Play DreidelDecorating a Christmas TreeHow to juggleHow to make a PizzaHow to make an Ice Cream SundaeHow to make a Scrapbook

Past Student Speeches

How to make BlondiesHow to make a PowerpointHow to make Paper SnowflakesHow to make an Ice Cream

SundaeHow to make a Scrapbook