5 useful demonstration speech ideas for students

Demonstration speeches are fun to listen to, but they can be really tough to prepare and deliver. Students are often challenged by this task because they’re afraid of their peers criticizing them or not understanding what they’re trying to say. Besides, it’s always difficult to show what to do so that everybody can see that clearly. That’s why the learners need demonstration speech ideas that really work, and this article contains five of those. Let’s look at them in detail without further ado.

1. Show multiple options

An old saying, “there’s more than one way to fry an egg,” is really true. In fact, there are at least four different styles in which you can do that, and those are only the basic ones! The same goes for many other activities you might be doing a how-to speech about. Sure, you can’t cover all of the possible variations, but it’s a good idea to research them and find out how altering the steps in the process can change the result.

If the changes are significant, the best option is to tell about two or three various outcomes, explaining how to get each of them. It’s important to highlight the properties of each version verbally, focusing on the features that aren’t obvious, like the taste and texture of eggs cooked in different manners. 

You also shouldn’t forget that there may be multiple ways to get the same result, and some of them are far more efficient than the other ones. However, it’s important not to go into too much detail either. It’s better to choose whether you’d like to talk about different versions of the same thing or about various methods to do a single version. State that explicitly, and your audience will never get confused. 

2. Use schemes to demonstrate various outcomes

Multiple options might be fine and good, but wouldn’t it be too difficult for the audience to understand what to do differently by simply listening to words? It would, and that’s why there are schemes.

  • Using an algorithm scheme is one of the ideal demonstration speech ideas. With these, you can clearly point out where the differences in actions are and what each of them entails. You can show the entire sequence of actions at once or display the new ones as you go.
  • Charts or graphs might suit better depending on the topic. For example, if you want to illustrate how stable a sand castle will be depending on its height, a table might really save the day. It’s simple and reliable. If the process you’re telling about involves timing, graphs will always be there to help you illustrate.
  • PowerPoint slides are a must. Whichever way you represent the process, you need your listeners to see the basic directions at all times. A PPT presentation can never fail you there, and no other tool has been better so far.

3. Film a video for broader context

If some things you talk about are impossible to perform before your audience, that’s alright. You can do what’s necessary at home or in another suitable place and film your actions to show them using a projector. As simple as it sounds, making a good demonstration video actually takes a lot of patience and self-control.

Some of the most important steps include testing different camera angles, zooming in so everyone in the room can see what you were doing later on, and securing your device from possible mishaps. But most importantly, you’ll need to write the script in advance, and it might be harder than you think.

Students often reject such ideas because they have no time to create additional text, and that’s a shame. Luckily, there’s always an option to rely on top-rated writing service and get a professionally created example that can make your own writing easier and quicker. 

4. Achieve maximum involvement from your audience

This might be one of the oldest demonstration speech ideas, but that’s because it works so well it doesn’t really get obsolete. There are several ways to use it effectively.

  • Ask your listeners questions. They can range from something like “what do you think will happen if I do this?” to “is this step clear to you?” You’re looking for quality interaction here, so don’t be shy.
  • Offer one of them to try and complete an important step. If that’s possible, try calling for a volunteer and suggesting they complete the crucial part of the project. That will raise the involvement of the entire group. 
  • If possible, provide every member of your audience with printouts. It seems like something not very important, but your peers will really appreciate it if they all have the essential schemes with some space to take notes. That can ensure that they will be listening to your every word.

5. Share some extra information

It may be a lifehack that’s connected to whatever you’re teaching your listeners to do or your experience with this activity. You might even tell a funny story about how you were learning to complete that process. The most important thing is to make this final touch memorable and heartfelt, allowing yourself to get emotional so others can feel that too.

Such a step does more than simply give your speech an effective ending. It shows that you aren’t presenting something detached from life. A personal experience at the end sends a message, “what I’m saying comes from my own environment, so it can integrate in yours, too.” Your audience will probably want to try your ideas after getting this implication.

Another strategy is to start with the same thing to give your listeners that heartwarming and empowering message early on. That way, they’ll be invested right from the beginning, remembering more than the people who didn’t receive the same implication. 

Bottom line

So, those are 5 demonstration speech ideas that can come in handy while preparing to teach your peers to do something. Of course, it’s important to discuss any additions to the task with your instructor to ensure you’re not going to run into trouble or accidentally create a misunderstanding. Still, most academic environments value and encourage creativity, which means that your interpretation of the hints presented above should benefit your performance and grade. The most important thing is to customize each element to represent your creative potential.

Demonstration Speech Ideas With Food

  • How to pick out the best wedding cake?
  • What are some basics of wine tasting?
  • What are some useful tips for the barbecue?
  • Making traditional soup in your region.
  • How to make fondant for cakes?
  • Different ways to make chili?
  • How to make pasta from scratch?
  • How to bake a cake without an oven?
  • What is Kimchi? How to make it?
  • How to make biscuits in a pan?
  • How to become a pro at using chopsticks?
  • How to debone a fish and make fillets?
  • How to make cotton candy without the machine?
  • Safety measures for learning while cooking.
  • How to make fresh jam at home?
  • How to make Irish Coffee?
  • What are the steps involved in making Banana pudding?
  • How is a wedding cake decorated?
  • How to make a real Italian pizza with classic recipes?
  • Different ways to count calories and make healthier choices.
  • What is the use of herbs and spices?
  • Cooking tips for men and kids.
  • Discuss the importance of breakfast.
  • The origin of Italian pizza.
  • How does a microwave oven work?

5 Minute Demonstration Speech Ideas for Middle School

  • How to color and paint Easter eggs?
  • What is stretching?
  • How to use stretching to relieve the muscles and relax?
  • How to build a sandcastle
  • Soap carving: How to carve soaps?
  • How to work with mosaics?
  • What is a bonsai tree?
  • How to grow and manage a bonsai tree?
  • How to crochet a handbag?
  • What is a Rubik’s cube? How to solve it successfully?
  • How to edit photographs in photoshop?
  • What is stained glass?
  • How to make stained glass for your room?
  • What is sculpting?
  • How to sculpt in ice?
  • How to make a natural perfume at home?
  • What is graffiti?
  • How to make graffiti at home?
  • How to use a telescope?
  • How to teach parrots to talk?
  • Ways to select the proper running shoes for recreational walks.
  • How a student can practice active listening communication techniques.
  • How to pick a color scheme and palette.
  • How can an individual register himself for voting?
  • What are the ways to learn to play a computer game?