ESL 1021

Presentation 4

DEMONSTRATION SPEECHES

A demonstration speech, sometimes called an instructional speech or a “how-to” speech, demonstrates the process for doing something. For this next speech, which is an individual speech – sorry, no partners this time -- you will need to show or demonstrate clearly in 4 to 5 minutes how to complete a process or provide instructions for a certain activity or skill. For a list of possible topics, look at pages 69-70 of Communicating Effectively in English.

When choosing a topic, it is important to consider the audience to which you are presenting. You will want to choose a topic that:

• interests your audience
• takes account of your audience’s background and prior knowledge
• interests you as well as your audience

In addition, be sure to choose a topic that you can actually present in only 4 to 5 minutes. For instance, how to build and maintain a nuclear reactor sounds like a graduate degree program instead of a 4- to 5-minute speech. Likewise, be sure you choose a topic that won’t cause you to end early (like “How to add condiments to your hot dog”) so you don’t get points off for not speaking long enough.

Transitions:

I will be tough on you this time when it comes to transitions. I will be listening for:

• Sequential transitions (“First, I’d like to discuss how to open the box.” Next, you need to dump out the contents and determine what you have to work with.” Finally, let’s look at how to assemble the robot.”)
• Transitions that add an additional idea (“Besides being concerned with part placement, you also need to think about how large you want your robot to be.” “Furthermore, the kinds of lights and sound effects in your robot should be a concern for you.”)
• Transitions that emphasize the level of importance (“The most important thing to think about when it comes to building a robot, it what do you want the functions of your robot to be. In other words, what will your robot do for you when it is completely built.”)
• Transitions that show consequences (“If you don’t assemble it correctly, it will malfunction when you least expect it to.” “Let’s say the robot does something other than what you want it to do. Under those circumstances, you’ll have to go back to the beginning of your assembly process and determine where you went wrong.”)
• Phrases or sentences with repetition, summary, or rephrasing that tie the last main point into the next one. ( “Now that I’ve told you how to lay out all the pieces so that assembly is easier, let’s talk about how to put that robot together correctly.”)

Introductions and Conclusions:

Remember, the introduction should have:

• an attention-getter
• a preview of the body with the main idea/topic included

A conclusion should contain:

• a BRIEF summary of the main points discussed
• final remarks or a final thought that keep the listener thinking about your speech after you’ve finished speaking

DEMONSTRATION SPEECH REQUIREMENTS:

Time Limit: 4 to 5 minutes

Visuals and Graphics: A handout for the class with an outline of the main points and important subpoints, plus one other visual aid (helpers from the class, utensils/tools needed for process, photos, pictures) in order to help us visualize the process you are demonstrating.

ESL 1021

Presentation 4

Grading Sheet

Speaker: _______________________________________________

Topic:_________________________________________________

Content:

_____Introduction has a clear hook and includes the topic

_____Transitions used throughout to help move the speech

_____Conclusion is given with a summary and a final thought

____ Main points are clear

____Subpoints are clear and relate to main points

____Outline is set up appropriately and clear

____Other visual aids used appropriately

Delivery:

____Volume

____Rate

Pronunciation:

_____Vowels said clearly

_____Consonants said clearly

_____Words are given appropriate syllable stress

Grammar:

_____Articles included and used appropriately

_____ Word order is correct

_____ Word form is correct

_____Verb tenses are correct

_____Vocabulary is appropriate/Word choice is correct

_____Posture

_____Eye contact

_____Gestures/Body movements

Comments/Suggestions: