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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.

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.

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

Nature

How to:

1. read the clouds
2. read the stars
3. read the tides
4. read tree rings
5. recognize differing types of rock
6. find fossils
7. read and navigate a landscape without a map
8. use a topographic map
9. water divine
10. recognize stars in the night sky
11. use the phases of the moon for hunting, fishing, or planting crops
12. forage for food safely
13. collect wild honey
14. take wood for fuel sustainably
15. build a fire safely
16. recognize the common birds or animals in your area
17. identify different types of woods
18. ensure water is safe to drink
19. use the position of the sun to tell time
20. tell if a storm is coming
21. track an animal in the wild
22. choose a good campsite
23. forecast weather
24. cross a river safely
25. protect yourself from attack by wild animals
26. tell if ice is safe to walk on
27. tell which way the wind is blowing
28. recognize poisonous plants or insects
29. survive in the wild without an emergency kit
30. prepare a survival kit

Animals/Pets

How to:

1. train a puppy
2. wash a dog
3. care for a kitten
4. walk a dog on a leash properly
5. saddle a horse
6. hand milk a cow
7. teach a cat to use a litter tray
8. tell if your pet dog, cat, rabbit... is happy
9. feed a dog, horse, cat...correctly
10. carry a dog or cat correctly
11. interpret a pet dog's or cat's aggressive behavior
12. soothe a frightened dog, cat...
13. keep a pet dog or cat in an apartment
14. give medicines to your dog, cat...
15. care for an injured or sick pet
16. name a pet
17. teach a child how to care for a pet
18. make a cat gym
19. dropper feed a fledging that's fallen out of the nest or an injured bird
20. groom a cat, dog, cow... for a show
21. care for baby chickens
22. set up a fish bowl or an aquarium
23. choose a pet
24. clean an animal's teeth
25. pet-proof your home
26. re-home a dog safely
27. care for an orphaned lamb or calf
28. transport a cat, dog, rabbit..., safely
29. make healthy treats for dogs
30. teach a parrot to talk

Gardens/Yards

How to:

1. companion plant to protect vegetables from insect pests
2. prepare basic landscaping plans
3. lay bricks or paving stones
4. build a fence
5. make a swing
6. make a children's play area
7. build a compost bin
8. make a greenhouse
9. make a windbreak
10. plant a tree
11. build a garden seat
12. grow from seed
13. graft a plant
14. prepare and plant a tub of flowers or vegetables
15. plant a window box of herbs
16. control garden pests
17. mulch a garden
18. trim a hedge
19. prune a rose bush
20. care for garden tools
21. choose garden art
22. make an ornamental pond
23. make a bird feeder
24. choose the right plants for the right situations
25. plant spring bulbs
26. mow a lawn
27. recognize poisonous plants or insects
28. make a no-dig garden
29. encourage birds or bees into the garden
30. make a patio or deck garden

Crafts

How to:

1. design & make a greeting card
2. knit
3. crochet
4. embroider
5. quilt
6. felt
7. make a scented candle
8. make a perfect posy of flowers
9. learn to draw, sketch
10. learn to paint in water colors
11. make paper mache
12. work hand or string puppets
13. decoupage
14. use stencils
15. make soap
16. make and use natural dyes
17. spin or weave
18. create a seasonal center piece for the dining table
19. make a Christmas wreath
20. paint eggs
21. press flowers
22. design and a friendship bracelet
23. up-cycle a piece of clothing
24. make attractive face masks
25. scrapbook
26. make your own jewelry from antique buttons
27. sew your own clothes
28. design your own clothes
29. bonsai a plant
30. make resin and polymer clay jewelry
31. arrange flowers for different uses: for the table, as a corsage...
32. make your own soft furnishings
33. take a brass rubbing
34. batik
35. make paper flowers
36. make and use pom-poms creatively
37. make a hand coiled pottery mug
38. make a tufted rug or mat
39. tie-dye a garment
40. carve or whittle wood

Games/Sports

How to:

1. choose the right sport for yourself
2. choose the right piece of sporting equipment (bike, surf or skate board, shoes, protective gear...)
3. learn to skate board
4. learn to surf
5. wax a surfboard
6. put on, and get off, a wet suit
7. score a game of tennis
8. serve in tennis
9. catch a fish
10. make a fishing fly
11. cast a fishing line
12. prepare and set a fishing net
13. tickle a trout
14. smoke a fish
15. play chess, checkers, dominoes, cards...
16. train for a marathon
17. use a snorkel correctly
18. avoid injury playing football
19. learn football skills: pass, block or kick
20. improve your golf swing
21. care for a set of golf clubs
22. set up a pair of ice skates well
23. eat well to keep in shape for your sport
24. prevent sporting injuries
25. fly a kite
26. stick to a training schedule
27. warm up before a game
28. do yoga stretches
29. be a team player
30. hold a baseball bat correctly
31. pitch (different types of baseball pitches)
32. shoot a basketball goal
33. practice basketball skills at home: dribble...
34. water ski
35. cross country ski
36. ski downhill
37. oil a bike
38. set a bike up for yourself: adjust seat height, handle bars...
39. fix a flat tire
40. learn to ride a bike

Food and More

How to:

1. make a perfect cup of coffee, tea...
2. use chop sticks
3. prepare green tea and serve it correctly
4. make chocolate
5. plan a dinner party
6. make a fast summer salad
7. store frozen food
8. sharpen a knife
9. prepare chicken safely
10. make your own relish, jam, pastry...
11. write a weekly food shopping list
12. plan a menu
13. organize your pantry
14. bake bread, bagels...
15. use seasonal vegetables
16. dry fruits and vegetables
17. make your own wedding cake
18. ice a cake
19. make desserts
20. cook economically
21. make healthy meals
22. carve vegetables
23. fold table napkins
24. match wine with food
25. set a table for a formal dinner
26. store fresh fruit and vegetables
27. make your own cottage cheese or yoghurt
28. make food for a picnic
29. make your own baby foods
30. use a pressure cooker well
31. use an air fryer well
32. use a barbecue well
33. store and use left over foods safely
34. use an oven safely
35. select the best fresh fruit and vegetables to buy
36. get children to eat vegetables
37. train children to try new foods
38. serve tasty low calorie meals
39. use cutlery (a knife, fork, or spoon) properly
40. follow a recipe properly

Social/Personal

How to:

1. read to a child
2. use a 24 hour clock
3. plan a surprise party
4. talk to a deaf person
5. buy online safely
6. read body language accurately
7. understand cultural differences in body language
8. travel safely in a foreign country
9. play with a small child
10. leave a good telephone message
11. eat politely
12. defend yourself (basic self defense)
13. do basic first aid
14. take a pulse
15. teach a child to read the time
16. prepare a baby's bottle
17. write a thank you letter
18. write a business letter
19. read braille
20. alter your own clothes...take up a hem etc.
21. iron a shirt properly
22. take a good photograph
23. make a baby sitter's kit
24. lift without damaging your back
25. apply make-up correctly
26. learn French, German, Italian...
27. plait or braid hair
28. make an effective complaint
29. save gas
30. waltz (foxtrot, line dance, dance on point...)
31. put on a dancing show
32. organize a coffee morning
33. run a meeting
34. make a presentation
35. do a cheap style make-over
36. shop at thrift stores
37. choose colors that suit you
38. choose clothes that suit you
39. knot a tie
40. walk in high heels
41. make your own cosmetics, creams, etc.
42. start your own business
43. recognize sound business deals
44. take control of your personal finances
45. buy a house
46. negotiate a deal
47. choose a college
48. decide what career you want
49. keep mentally alert and fit
50. select the right make-up for yourself
51. be a good friend
52. agree to disagree to maintain a relationship
53. say no politely
54. whistle
55. do a magic trick
56. apologize sincerely
57. maintain motivation through difficult times
58. use the Heimlich maneuver
59. handle and store firearms safely
60. keep your sense of humor

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

How to:

1. fix a blocked sink
2. fix a leaking faucet
3. replace a cracked tile
4. polish wooden furniture
5. restore a piece of furniture
6. change a car tire
7. interpret a modern painting
8. read a palm
9. burglar proof your home
10. use the color wheel
11. upcycle old furniture
12. break a habit
13. build a model airplane
14. make and upload a video to YouTube
15. become an influencer
16. get a baby to go to sleep
17. impersonate someone famous
18. choose a piece of art
19. stack firewood
20. 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.

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.