Demonstration speech

Demonstration speech;

Demonstration speeches are staples in high school, college, corporate and other training environments. They are a popular form used in forums like toastmasters.  Essentially we need to look at the elements of a demo speech.

A demonstration speech is where the speaker’s primary purpose is to teach the audience how to complete a task or process this is a kind of informative speech.

Examples.

• Recipes
• Software application
• Set up a blog
• Write a limerick

The organization of the basic speech would be:

• Start with why – starting with a story of current scenario and how this new skill would contribute to adding quality to people’s life.
  • E.g. Earn or save money
  • Build skill range.etc.
• Give a brief overview of the process this provides the mental framework for the audience to follow you.
  • There is always a fear that something is complicated the overview reassures that it is not.
  • Provides the context for listening.
• Go through the steps. This has to be done in a sequential order. The process has to be as simple as possible. Explain the purpose of the step.
  • Describe
  • Demonstrate
• Discuss options, extras or variations. Maybe different software’s, if programs are being discussed. Maybe flavours. Maybe alternate techniques.
• Allow Q+A time. Question and answer time allows for clearing of doubts. But the time factor should be monitored.
• Summarize briefly.

Elevating the performance.

• Ensure audience participation.
• Use visuals.
  • Body language
  • Physical properties.
  • Photos diagrams.
• Provide follow up resources. This is for them to follow up after the demonstrations. This could include—
  • Websites, references, pamphlets, or other expert resources.
  • Handouts summarizing the process
  • Diagrams illustrating the key process.
  • Contact details for follow up.