Demonstration

Introduction

In marketing, a product demonstration (or demo for short) is a promotion where a product is demonstrated to potential customers. The goal of such a demonstration is to introduce customers to the product in hopes of getting them to purchase that item. Demonstrations can also be used during other types of presentations. Some people term a presentation as a demonstration, a lecture, or welcoming speech.

With the help of visual aids, a demonstration can serve as an entertaining way to show the audience something. In addition, props, models, and prototypes can be used to provide concrete visual support for information contained in the speech.

Using Visual Aids to Demonstrate

The word “prop” comes from the term “theatrical property," which refers to objects used by actors in a play. Anything can be used as a prop: a chair, a walking cane, a book, a painting: any physical object that is not part of the set or the costuming, and which is actively used by the actors, is considered a prop.

Props, when used as dramatic elements in a presentation, can be used in many situations other than theatrical performances. During a presentation or demo, props can be used to support ideas. The well-timed use of a well-chosen prop can have tremendous impact on a presentation.

Props can add impact in a number of ways:

• Props can make a point concrete. If, for example, your presentation is about a specific electronic device, having a prototype present will make the idea of the benefits it provides more concrete than simply explaining or showing images of on a slide.
• Props can have an emotional impact.
• Props can be effective metaphors.
• Props can inject humor into a presentation.
• Props focus the audience’s attention and interest. Because props are not widely used in presentations today, when a speaker does bring them out, the rhythm of the presentation is changed and the audience is visually engaged.
• Props can be memorable. To show how effective props can be, we've included an example recounted by Chip and Dan Heath.

Consider how model volcanos are used in science classes. These models are not only used to explain ideas about volcanoes, but also are intended to capture the attention and interest of the audience. Models, like props, can provide a concrete instance of an idea contained in the presentation, giving the audience a visual demonstration that increases the likelihood that the information will be retained.

No matter what visual aid is used, whether props, models, or prototypes, the goal is to provide further support for an idea. In addition, physical demonstrations have the advantage of asking the audience to engage the speech in a different way than by simply listening to information. Providing a visual representation of an idea can be an effective way to clarify and enhance a presentation.