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290 demonstration speech topics
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.

What's on this page

How to choose a good demonstration speech topic - 6 key elements to consider
290 good demonstrative speech topics in themed lists
Links to other pages of ' how to' speech topics and help
The link to an extremely useful printable - a blank demonstration speech outline form

If you already know how to prepare a good demonstrative speech skip the guidelines and either click the link to go to ALL 290 demonstration speech topics or click on a heading to go a themed list.

Images- 3 in a row - cats and dogs, antique buttons, 4 female mannequins in a pond. Text: How to choose a pet, How to make jewelry from antique buttons, how to interpret modern art.

Animals/Pets

Gardens/yards, games/sports.

Food & More

Social/Personal

And then there's...

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

Image: clouds over a hay field. Text: Demonstration speech topic - how to read clouds.

read the clouds
read the stars
read the tides
read tree rings
recognize differing types of rock
find fossils
read and navigate a landscape without a map
use a topographic map
water divine
recognize stars in the night sky
use the phases of the moon for hunting, fishing, or planting crops
forage for food safely
collect wild honey
take wood for fuel sustainably
build a fire safely
recognize the common birds or animals in your area
identify different types of woods
ensure water is safe to drink
use the position of the sun to tell time
tell if a storm is coming
track an animal in the wild
choose a good campsite
forecast weather
cross a river safely
protect yourself from attack by wild animals
tell if ice is safe to walk on
tell which way the wind is blowing
recognize poisonous plants or insects
survive in the wild without an emergency kit
prepare a survival kit

Image: cats, dogs and butterflies. Text: Demonstrations speech topic possibilities - how to choose a pet.

train a puppy
care for a kitten
walk a dog on a leash properly
saddle a horse
hand milk a cow
teach a cat to use a litter tray
tell if your pet dog, cat, rabbit... is happy
feed a dog, horse, cat...correctly
carry a dog or cat correctly
interpret a pet dog's or cat's aggressive behavior
soothe a frightened dog, cat...
keep a pet dog or cat in an apartment
give medicines to your dog, cat...
care for an injured or sick pet
teach a child how to care for a pet
make a cat gym
dropper feed a fledging that's fallen out of the nest or an injured bird
groom a cat, dog, cow... for a show
care for baby chickens
set up a fish bowl or an aquarium
choose a pet
clean an animal's teeth
pet-proof your home
re-home a dog safely
care for an orphaned lamb or calf
transport a cat, dog, rabbit..., safely
make healthy treats for dogs
teach a parrot to talk

Image: companion plants in vegetable garden. Text- Demonstration speech topic- how to companion plant.

companion plant to protect vegetables from insect pests
prepare basic landscaping plans
lay bricks or paving stones
build a fence
make a swing
make a children's play area
build a compost bin
make a greenhouse
make a windbreak
plant a tree
build a garden seat
grow from seed
graft a plant
prepare and plant a tub of flowers or vegetables
plant a window box of herbs
control garden pests
mulch a garden
trim a hedge
prune a rose bush
care for garden tools
choose garden art
make an ornamental pond
make a bird feeder
choose the right plants for the right situations
plant spring bulbs
make a no-dig garden
encourage birds or bees into the garden
make a patio or deck garden

Image: antique buttons with old Milo tin. Text- How to make your own jewelry from antique buttons.

design & make a greeting card
make a scented candle
make a perfect posy of flowers
learn to draw, sketch
learn to paint in water colors
make paper mache
work hand or string puppets
use stencils
make and use natural dyes
spin or weave
create a seasonal center piece for the dining table
make a Christmas wreath
press flowers
design and a friendship bracelet
up-cycle a piece of clothing
make attractive face masks
make your own jewelry from antique buttons
sew your own clothes
design your own clothes
bonsai a plant
make resin and polymer clay jewelry
arrange flowers for different uses: for the table, as a corsage...
make your own soft furnishings
take a brass rubbing
make paper flowers
make and use pom-poms creatively
make a hand coiled pottery mug
make a tufted rug or mat
tie-dye a garment
carve or whittle wood

Image: three multi-colored kites against blue sky. Text-Demonstration speech topic- How to fly a kite.

choose the right sport for yourself
choose the right piece of sporting equipment (bike, surf or skate board, shoes, protective gear...)
learn to skate board
learn to surf
wax a surfboard
put on, and get off, a wet suit
score a game of tennis
serve in tennis
catch a fish
make a fishing fly
cast a fishing line
prepare and set a fishing net
tickle a trout
smoke a fish
play chess, checkers, dominoes, cards...
train for a marathon
use a snorkel correctly
avoid injury playing football
learn football skills: pass, block or kick
improve your golf swing
care for a set of golf clubs
set up a pair of ice skates well
eat well to keep in shape for your sport
prevent sporting injuries
stick to a training schedule
warm up before a game
do yoga stretches
be a team player
hold a baseball bat correctly
shoot a basketball goal
practice basketball skills at home: dribble...
cross country ski
ski downhill
set a bike up for yourself: adjust seat height, handle bars...
fix a flat tire
learn to ride a bike

Food and More

Image: fine porcelain tea cup and saucer. Text: Demonstration speech topic possibilities-How to make a cup of tea.

make a perfect cup of coffee, tea...
use chop sticks
prepare green tea and serve it correctly
make chocolate
plan a dinner party
make a fast summer salad
store frozen food
sharpen a knife
prepare chicken safely
make your own relish, jam, pastry...
write a weekly food shopping list
plan a menu
organize your pantry
bake bread, bagels...
use seasonal vegetables
dry fruits and vegetables
make your own wedding cake
make desserts
cook economically
make healthy meals
carve vegetables
fold table napkins
match wine with food
set a table for a formal dinner
store fresh fruit and vegetables
make your own cottage cheese or yoghurt
make food for a picnic
make your own baby foods
use a pressure cooker well
use an air fryer well
use a barbecue well
store and use left over foods safely
use an oven safely
select the best fresh fruit and vegetables to buy
get children to eat vegetables
train children to try new foods
serve tasty low calorie meals
use cutlery (a knife, fork, or spoon) properly
follow a recipe properly

Image: row of men's neckties. Text: Demonstration speech topic possibilities-How to knot a tie.

read to a child
use a 24 hour clock
plan a surprise party
talk to a deaf person
buy online safely
read body language accurately
understand cultural differences in body language
travel safely in a foreign country
play with a small child
leave a good telephone message
eat politely
defend yourself (basic self defense)
do basic first aid
take a pulse
teach a child to read the time
prepare a baby's bottle
write a thank you letter
write a business letter
read braille
alter your own clothes...take up a hem etc.
iron a shirt properly
take a good photograph
make a baby sitter's kit
lift without damaging your back
apply make-up correctly
learn French, German, Italian...
plait or braid hair
make an effective complaint
waltz (foxtrot, line dance, dance on point...)
put on a dancing show
organize a coffee morning
run a meeting
make a presentation
do a cheap style make-over
shop at thrift stores
choose colors that suit you
choose clothes that suit you
walk in high heels
make your own cosmetics, creams, etc.
start your own business
recognize sound business deals
take control of your personal finances
buy a house
negotiate a deal
choose a college
decide what career you want
keep mentally alert and fit
select the right make-up for yourself
be a good friend
agree to disagree to maintain a relationship
say no politely
do a magic trick
apologize sincerely
use the Heimlich maneuver
handle and store firearms safely
keep your sense of humor

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

Image: a group of women mannequins in a pond wearing bathing caps, gambling! Text: Demonstration speech topic possibilities-How to interpret modern art.

fix a blocked sink
fix a leaking faucet
replace a cracked tile
polish wooden furniture
restore a piece of furniture
change a car tire
interpret a modern painting
read a palm
burglar proof your home
use the color wheel
upcycle old furniture
break a habit
build a model airplane
make and upload a video to YouTube
become an influencer
get a baby to go to sleep
impersonate someone famous
choose a piece of art
stack firewood
to be a good listener

Yellow banner. Text: You're most welcome to use this content in your online learning program. Please make it a do follow link.

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!

Image: cartoon - happy family - Father and son, Mother and daughter. Text:Share, Show and tell about soft skills. They're vital for healthy relationships.

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.

Image: very cute cat. Text: 100 plus 10 minute or less demonstration speech topics. 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.)

Image: person dancing holding a bright blue umbrella in a black and white forest. Text: How to dance like no one's watching. 188 funny how to speech topics.

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.

Illustration: Wall paper background: blah, blah, blah. Text: Demonstration speech sample outline. How to leave a good voice mail message. Plus video.

If you'd like to see the outline in use, please check this page: demonstration speech sample outline.

You can follow the text of my speech, 'how to leave an effective voice mail message', through each of the sections in the outline.

I also made a video (audio + slides) so that you can hear, as well as see, how the flow of information from one point to the next works.

I hope both the completed outline and the video help. ☺

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.