How to Prepare a How-to Speech

Public Speaking Guidelines for Demonstrating a Process

Oct 2, 2009 Carol Rzadkiewicz

This article provides guidelines for students to use in order to present an effective how-to speech in a public speaking class.

Most students take public speaking in college. In fact, at most colleges public speaking is a required course as part of any undergraduate program of study; and among the different types of speeches students are usually required to deliver are the persuasive speech, informative speech, and process or how-to speech.

A How-to or Process Speech Defined

According to Webster’s New World Dictionary (2002), one of the definitions of the word “process” is “a particular method of doing something, generally involving a number of steps or operations.” This is the definition that applies to a how-to speech, for this type of speech provides the steps involved in a process, for example, how something is made, how something is done, or how something works (Lucas, 1998). The ultimate goal of a how-to speech, however, is to provide listeners with the necessary knowledge to complete the process themselves.

Choosing a Topic and Preparing a Statement of Purpose

The first step in preparing a how-to speech is choosing an appropriate topic, which means basically that students should select a process they can effectively demonstrate within the allotted time frame, although most processes can be demonstrated effectively if students organize their speeches and then practice in advance.

According to Stephen E. Lucas, author of The Art of Public Speaking, the next step in preparing a how-to speech is developing a specific statement of purpose. In other words, students need to state precisely what the process is that they intend to demonstrate or explain to the audience. Some examples of statements of purpose include:

The purpose of this speech is to demonstrate how to apply CPR in emergency situations.
The purpose of this speech is to explain how to use a digital camera.
The purpose of this speech is to show how to design a Web page.
The purpose of this speech is to explain how to format a paper in APA style.
The purpose of this speech is to demonstrate how to have a successful job interview.
The purpose of this speech is to explain how to apply the principles of feng shui.
The purpose of this speech is to show how to build a model ship.
The purpose of this speech is to demonstrate how to wrestle an alligator.

Organization for a How-to Speech

Most how-to speeches are organized chronologically, mainly because they normally progress from step one to step two and so on until the final step. However, speakers must make certain that each step in the process is thoroughly explained so the process will be easy for audience members to duplicate on their own.

This is why, according to Lucas, if a process contains more than four or five steps, the steps should be grouped into units under main points during the demonstration. For example, if someone intends to explain how to choose and stock a fish aquarium, he or she might organize the demonstration in this manner:

The first step is selecting the right fish tank.

Choosing the best size.
Choosing the best shape.
Considering the cost.

The second step is equipping the fish tank.

Selecting a filter.
Choosing an appropriate heater.
Selecting the right air pump.
Choosing gravel.
Selecting plant life.
Choosing underwater decorations.

The third step is selecting the fish.

Freshwater fish as compared to saltwater fish
Cost and care of each species (Lucas, 1995)

Necessary Tools for a Successful How-to Speech

Since how-to speeches provide the steps involved in a process, these types of speeches are heavily reliant on visual aids. After all, it’s impossible to demonstrate a process effectively simply by talking to an audience because most people need to see the process in action in order not only to appreciate what is involved but also to learn how to complete the process themselves.

Some examples of possible visual aids include:

PowerPoint slideshows, to provide not only an outline of the steps involved in a process but also photos of those steps being completed.
Models or props, for example, a life-sized doll (or human volunteer) to demonstrate the proper application of CPR techniques.
The actual items utilized in a process, for example, to demonstrate how to make gumbo, a student might bring all necessary ingredients and utensils to class, even samples of the finished product.
Flip charts or whiteboards, to outline the steps or techniques involved in the process.

The important thing for students to remember is that their main goal in delivering a process speech should be to provide audience members with the necessary knowledge to complete the process themselves. If they keep this goal in mind, then students will more than likely deliver a highly successful how-to speech and be assure of earning a good grade for their efforts.

References:

Lucas, S. The Art of Public Speaking: Sixth Edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 1998.

Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language. New York: Simon& Schuster, 2002.

The copyright of the article How to Prepare a How-to Speech in Colleges is owned by Carol Rzadkiewicz. Permission to republish How to Prepare a How-to Speech in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Process Speeches