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10-minute demonstration speech topics

10-minute demonstration speech topics

100 + short 3-10 minute how to speech ideas

If you've been asked to put together a 10 minute, or less, demonstration speech for your speech class, look these 'how-to' ideas over. They're perfect for preparing short show and tell presentations to teach a new task succinctly and quickly.

Use the quick links below to get around the page easily. The topics are arranged in four batches. Begin with 'Why demonstrate something simple and ordinary?'. It could save you a lot of time!

What's on this page

Why demonstrate something simple and ordinary?

Images: squeezed toothpaste tube and toothbrush, cute cat, 6 porcelain teacups. Text: 100 plus 10-minute demonstration speech topics: how to clean teeth, how to make a perfect cup of tea...

Before you settle on a topic, please don't overlook demonstrating a skill or a process you regard as commonplace.

If we already know how to do something competently, we have an understandable tendency to dismiss whatever it is as far too simple, and too ordinary to turn it into a demonstration speech.

And yet, that assumption can be so wrong.

There are audiences who will want to know how to do some of the things we do so efficiently and easily, that we forget we had to learn how to do them in the first place! Many of those things are on this list.

For instance, a group of people who don’t spend a lot of time online, could find why and how to set up a safe password valuable knowledge to have. It might stop them from being hacked!

Likewise teaching people who intend to explore the great outdoors, and haven't had much prior experience, how to use a portable gas stove safely is extremely useful.

Or showing parents of children with long hair how to plait it. That will save a lot of time and tears when it comes to brushing.

And I'll always be grateful to the person who showed me how to give medicine to my beloved cat, without being scratched to bits!

Think about your audience. What would be useful for them to know? Sharing something of real benefit and value will help keep them actively interested. *

*For more on how to choose a great demonstration speech topic.

25 3 to 10-minute demonstration speech topics

Once you’ve got your topic be sure to collect a printable demonstration speech outline to help you prepare your speech. You’ll find the link for that at the foot of the page. The outline will help you efficiently plan, organize and deliver a well-structured speech.

Now here's the first batch of the 100, and more, topics.

Image: 6 vintage porcelain teacups. Text: 10-minute demonstration speech topics - How to make the most perfect cup of tea.

How to set up a safe password
How to avoid ID theft
How to use Google docs well
How to set up Google analytics on a website quickly
How to create a simple presentation using Microsoft Powerpoint or Apple Keynote
How to back up your important files
How to set up a wifi connection
How to report online bullying
How to fill out online forms well
How to clear cookies off your computer
How to identify and report spam
How to set up a Spotify account
How to use online banking
How to use a credit card responsibly
How to use online grocery shopping to save
How to defend yourself against a random personal physical attack
How to pack a travel bag efficiently
How to help someone who is choking
How to lift heavy objects without damaging yourself
How to make a perfect cup of tea
How to shop for groceries efficiently in a supermarket
How to use a dryer to make your own dried fruit
How to can vegetables safely
How to freeze excess produce
How to make perfect fruit jam

25 ideas for short how-to speeches

Image: squeezed tube of toothpaste and toothpaste on brush. Text: 10-minute demonstration speech topics - How to clean your teeth properly.

How to chop vegetables safely and quickly
How to carve a chicken, turkey...
How to store raw chicken in the fridge safely
How to prepare a simple healthy meal from basic ingredients
How to plan an affordable weekly dinner menu
How to iron a shirt
How to tie a neck tie
How to sort laundry, use a washing machine and dry your clothes
How to hand wash delicate fabrics
How to use a knife and fork correctly
How to use a pair of chop sticks properly
How to know what cutlery to use when you’re at a formal dinner party
How to plait long hair
How to brush a long-haired dog or cat well
How to brush your teeth correctly
How to do a press up correctly
How to choose a haircut to suit your face shape
How to a jacket to suit your body shape
How to dress well on a limited budget
How to make a simple healthy dessert
How to ice a cake simply and effectively
How to upcycle a tee shirt
How to mend a fallen hem
How to sew on a button
How to make a bookcase from recycled materials

26 topics for show-and-tell speeches

Image: 3 pots of basil Text: 10-minute demonstration speech topics - How to grow fresh kitchen herbs on your window sill

How make a simple personal budget
How to grow kitchen herbs in a window box
How to escape from a sinking car
How to use a blanket to move heavy objects
How to sharpen a knife
How use a thermometer correctly
How to use a compass
How read a simple topographical map
How to use a portable gas stove safely out of doors
How to put out a stove top fire
How to change a light bulb
How to clear a blocked sink
How to clean a bathroom well
How to make a bed
How to use the local public transport system
How to hold a baby properly
How to change a baby’s diaper
How to dress a baby
How to dress a wound
How to make an emergency call
How to administer first aid for burns
How to treat hypothermia
How to handle frostbite
How to handle someone having a seizure
How to use CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
How to shine a pair of shoes

32 demonstrative topics for 10-minute speeches

Image: drawing of a very cute cat. Text: 10-minute demonstration speech topics - How to give a cat medicine

How to book a taxicab
How to arrange flowers in a vase
How to sow flower or vegetable seeds
How to re-pot an indoor plant
How to take a cutting from a plant
How to prune a rose
How to dry or press flowers
How to forage for edible plants
How to set a mouse trap
How to make good lecture notes
How to set a meeting agenda
How to run a meeting efficiently
How to read body language – what shows a person is unsure, shy, angry, confident...
How to effectively and easily join a conversation between people you don’t know at a gathering
How to make a personalized greeting card – birthday, wedding, anniversary, Christmas...
How to make paper flowers
How to make touchstones for children
How to make a personalized birthday crown
How to make colorful party bunting
How to make a yarn ball
How to make finger puppets
How to felt wool balls for a garland
How to decoupage a box, tray...
How to make a pasta necklace
How to make personalized pencil and pen holders from tin cans
How to mend a tear in a favorite piece of clothing
How to organize your wardrobe, kitchen counter, pantry...
How to give medicine to a cat or a dog safely
How to see a situation from another person’s point of view
How to encourage and practice creative thinking
How to make a friendship bracelet
How to make a family pinboard

How plan and prepare your demonstration speech

To be really effective you'll want to plan and prepare your 'how-to' speech thoroughly - even if you know the subject inside out!

Demonstration speeches that haven't been thought through and practiced carefully have a nasty habit of suddenly sliding sideways super-fast. Then what you want to happen and what actually does are miles apart - two quite different things.

To avoid that read planning, preparation & delivery of your demonstration speech.

Get the printable demonstration speech outline

Click the link to access the printable demonstration speech outline. (It goes to the same page on planning and preparation linked to above. While you are there be sure to read the FAQs, especially the information about cue cards. If you haven't given a demonstration speech before you'll find it useful.)