14 Appendix B-2

Informative Speech: Demonstration Speech Option

Reminders from Appendix B

Speeches of demonstration are, well, you guessed it: speeches that demonstrate how something is done for the audience. These can be fun because they allow you to teach the audience something cool and interesting.

Demonstration speeches are commonly called “how to” speeches because they show the audience how to do something. These speeches require you to provide steps that will help your audience understand how to accomplish a specific task or process—bake cookies, for example. After a speech on how to verify information that’s found on memes, for example, the audience members could probably do it on their own.

However, these speeches can be tricky because a) the audience may be familiar with your demonstration, or b) the limited time can constrain what you’re able to demonstrate. If you want to demonstrate how to bake cookies, for example, your audience may be familiar with that process. The demonstration may lack uniqueness or novelty, especially if audiences are more confident turning on YouTube. It may also be difficult to provide all the necessary steps in the space or context that you’re speaking. If you’re an experienced baker, you may know that determining when the cookies are done can be a difficult part of the process, but your classroom space likely doesn’t facilitate the inclusion of that step.

When considering a demonstration speech, ask yourself:

• Does this information require a demonstration (is this the best approach)?
• Am I able to outline all the steps in the time provided?
• Have I adequately outlined all the steps?
• What materials do I need to bring to guarantee the success of the demonstration in the space that I’ve been given to speak?

Demonstration Speech Description

This speech is specifically meant to inform your audience by demonstrating a skill or task. Your topic should reflect your interests/hobbies, something that you learned while growing up or maybe in school. Reflect on your experiences and why you connect with this topic. The goal of a demonstration speech is to explain a process so your listeners will be able to perform the process themselves. Organize your speech in topical order. Make sure each step is clear and easy to follow. If your process has more than four or five steps, group the steps into units/categories to limit the number of main points.

Appropriate topics consist of, but are not limited to: https://www.write-out-loud.com/demonstration-speech-topics.html

• magic trick/sleight of hand
• play/teach an instrument
• how to make origami
• perform sign language; read braille
• First Aid/CPR
• putting on a tourniquet
• cooking/baking demo; recipe
• using a digital or video camera like a professional photographer
• how to play a video game, app game, card game, board game, etc.
• tai chi maneuvers or martial arts
• how to tie a knot or tie neck/bow tie
• how to line dance, ballroom dance, or any other dance
• anything sports related (how to keep score, how to do a movement, yoga, etc.)
• how to create a reel or TikTok video
• demo a craft (knitting, crocheting, how to draw/paint, carve or whittle wood)
• how to draft/manage a football fantasy team
• how to read the constellations
• how to cast a fishing line/fly fish
• make a piece of jewelry
• use chopsticks
• count macros/diet/nutrition
• sew clothes/button
• make-up demo
• how to French braid someone’s hair
• extreme couponing
• How to deliver a joke to make your audience laugh
• demo a life hack
• wrapping a gift

This speech should be 2-3 minutes long. The speech must include material from at least 1 credible source, as well as one appropriate visual aid. You will turn in an outline with at least one in-text citation and an APA formatted citation. You must orally cite the source used for your speech.

A demonstration speech outline template, a sample student outline, and two potential rubrics are included on the next pages for your reference. Confirm with your instructor before using these documents, in case there are any changes to the course requirements. Outlines and rubrics for demonstration speeches may vary per instructor.

Preparation Outline Guide

This is a guide to use as you develop preparation outlines for your speech. The elements needed in the outline – title, specific purpose statement, introduction, body, conclusion, transitions, references – should all be included. Delete instructional text before submitting your personal outline. The title of your speech should be centered at the top of the page.

Title

Specific Purpose Statement: To [inform/demonstrate to] my audience….

Introduction

1. Attention Getter / Reveal Topic [create interest in your topic right away]
2. Establish Credibility [relate topic to yourself / how you know what you know]
3. Establish Relatability [relate topic to your audience / why should they care]
4. Preview Main Points [what your audience can expect to hear from you]

Transition: [A sentence that lets the audience know you are moving from one point to another]

Body

I. First Main Point / Demo Step

A. A statement that supports the first demonstration step

B. A statement that supports the first demonstration step

Transition: [A sentence that lets the audience know you are moving from one point to another]

II. Second Main Point / Demo Step

A. A statement that supports the second demonstration step

B. A statement that supports the second demonstration step

Transition: [A sentence that lets the audience know you are moving from one point to another]

III. Third Main Point / Demo Step

A. A statement that supports the third demonstration step

B. A statement that supports the third demonstration step

Transition: [A sentence that lets the audience know you are moving from one point to another]

Conclusion

1. Signal the conclusion [use more creative words than, “in conclusion…”]
2. Restate the main points [this is a review, so nothing new]
3. Clincher [a strong ending that leaves a lasting impression]
   

References

[All sources are to be included here and listed in APA format, using the APA 7^th edition. Use in-text citations in your outline, and full citations on the references page. Every source you cite must also be orally cited in your speech. The references page should begin at the top of a brand-new page. Use a page break to guarantee proper placement. Example outlines will be provided.]

How to Perform Pet CPR

Specific Purpose Statement: To demonstrate to my audience how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on cats and dogs.

Introduction

1. Attention Getter/Reveal Topic: Dog is man’s best friend. But are they really our best friend if we don’t know how to help them in an emergency?
2. Establish Credibility: I am currently training to become a veterinary assistant.
3. Establish Relatability: Most people have pets, or had a pet during their childhood, and 97% of pet owners view pets as family members (2023, Brown).
4. Preview Main Points: Pet CPR is an essential skill to know to be a responsible pet owner. I am going to show you how to do the basics of pet CPR.

Transition: To get started, imagine that you find your pet unresponsive. What should you do?

Body

I. The first thing to do if your pet seems unresponsive is to check for breathing and for a heartbeat.

A. Visually or physically examine and/or feel if the chest is moving.

B. Place your hand in front of the nose to feel for breath.

C. Check the mouth and throat for possible blockage.

D. Check for a heartbeat by placing your hand on left side of the chest to feel for a heartbeat or feel the femoral artery for a heartbeat.

Transition: You are through the first step, and there is still more you can do if needed.

II. If the animal is not breathing and does not have a heartbeat, begin chest compressions by interlacing your fingers and placing them on the animal’s chest.

A. For round chested dogs – lay on right side, widest part of chest

B. For narrow, deep chested dogs – lay on right side, directly over heart

C. For flat chested dogs – lay on back, over breastbone or same as round chest dog

D. For small dog and cats – lay on right side, one hand instead of two directly over heart

E. Push on chest to “Stayin Alive” or “Baby Shark” for 30 compressions.

Transition: After these 30 compressions, it is time to move on to rescue breaths.

III. Perform rescue breaths by closing the pet’s mouth and straightening the windpipe.

A. Place your mouth over pet’s nostrils and give a quick, hard breath.

B. Allow the pet to exhale and then deliver another breath.

C. Repeat this cycle of 30 compressions, 2 breaths, and check for a heartbeat every two minutes until you can get your pet to an animal hospital.

Transition: After these steps have all been performed, keep repeating as needed.

Conclusion

1. Signal the Conclusion: Performing CPR on your pet may be something you never need to do, but knowing how is worth it.
2. Review all the steps: check for breath and heart rate, perform 30 compressions and two rescue breaths, repeating as needed. Part of being a responsible pet owner is knowing how to perform pet CPR.
3. Clincher (memorable ending): If you follow these instructions, you might just save your furry friend’s life.

 

 

References

Brown, A. (2023, July 7). About half of U.S. pet owners say their pets are as much a part of their family as a human member. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/07/about-half-us-of-pet-owners-say-their-pets-are-as-much-a-part-of-their-family-as-a-human-member/.

CPRFOR – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. CPR for your dog or cat. (2023). https://www.vet.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/BakerInstitute-CRPInfrographic-01102018_2.pdf

 

Mini Speech Rubric (25 pts)

Evaluative Concept	Excellent	Good	Average	Below Average	Poor	Missing
CONTENT
Language Choice – Free of serious grammar and word choice errors. Speaker uses language accurately, clearly, vividly, appropriately, and inclusively.	5	4	3	2	1	0
Main Points & Organization – The main points are identifiable, organized, and compelling claims that adhere to the specific guidelines provided for what content to include in the speech. Introduction and conclusion are strong and memorable. Outline is organized using the provided template.	5	4	3	2	1	0
DELIVERY
Vocalics & Nonverbals – The speaker can be heard & understood throughout the speech; vocal variety is used to keep audience attention. The speaker uses emotion, pronunciation, articulation, volume, pitch, rhythm, rate, tone, & strategic pauses to strengthen the speech delivery. Gestures, movement, & facial expressions are used to enhance the speech and maintain audience attention.	5	4	3	2	1	0
Extemporaneous – The speaker uses notecards sparingly and displays a poise and confidence indicative of a well-practiced speech. Strong eye contact with the audience is maintained and the speaker does not read from their preparation outline or manuscript.	5	4	3	2	1	0
Time – The speech fits within the allotted timeframe.	5	4	3	2	1	0
TOTAL	25	20	15	10	5	0

Mini Speech Rubric (50 pts)

Evaluative Concept	Excellent	Good	Average	Below Average	Poor	Missing
SPEECH PREPARATION
Manuscript/Outline – The manuscript or outline was submitted on time. Strong eye contact was maintained to show that the speech was well-rehearsed. Language is purposeful and appropriate to the occasion.	5	4	3	2	1	0
CONTENT
Introduction – The introduction contains a strong attention getter, builds credibility and relatability, and previews the main points of the speech.	5	4	3	2	1	0
Main Points & Organization – The main points are identifiable, organized, well developed, use an appropriate source of supporting material, and provide a good flow of ideas. Transitions are used before each main point.	5	4	3	2	1	0
Supporting Material – The supporting material utilized in the speech is credible and the source strengthens the speech. One credible source is required for this speech and an oral citation is to be given during the speech that is appropriate to the occasion.	5	4	3	2	1	0
Creativity -The topic and speech were dealt with creatively, built anticipation, and inspired the audience.	5	4	3	2	1	0
Conclusion – The conclusion begins with a clear transition, signals the end, reviews the main points, and closes in an engaging way.	5	4	3	2	1	0
DELIVERY
Vocalics – The speaker can be heard and understood throughout the speech and vocal variety is used to keep audience attention. The speaker uses emotion, pronunciation, articulation, volume, pitch, rhythm, rate, tone, and strategic pauses to strengthen the speech delivery.	5	4	3	2	1	0
Nonverbal Consistency – The speaker uses gestures, movement, and facial expressions to enhance the speech and maintain audience attention.	5	4	3	2	1	0
Visual aid – Visual aids enhance the interest and clarity of the speech. One visual aid is required.	5	4	3	2	1	0
Time – The speech fits within the allotted timeframe.	5	4	3	2	1	0
TOTAL	50	40	30	20	10	0