Top Tips for a Successful TEFL Demo Lesson

There’s something uniquely nerve-wracking about being asked to “teach a class” before you’ve even landed the job. Whether it’s in front of real students, a couple of staff members, or just a webcam, the TEFL demo lesson is your moment to turn a piece of paper—your CV—into something real. Schools want to see how you carry yourself, how you explain things, how you connect. And more than anything, they want to know if you'd be a good fit for their classroom.

For many new teachers, this part of the process is more intimidating than the actual job. But here’s the secret: schools aren’t expecting perfection. They’re looking for someone who is prepared, clear, engaging, and in control of their time and space. Someone who knows how to speak simply without sounding robotic, and who shows up with genuine energy—whether in person or online.

Even experienced teachers feel the pressure. That’s normal. The key is preparation—not just knowing your lesson plan, but understanding what the school is watching for and why they care. Once you shift your mindset from “performing” to “connecting,” the demo lesson becomes far less intimidating—and a whole lot more fun.

Understand the Assignment: What You’re Being Evaluated On

A demo lesson isn’t about showing off how much grammar terminology you know or how many games you can cram into 20 minutes. It’s a test of your classroom presence. Think of it as an audition, not an exam. The school is trying to answer one core question: Would we feel confident putting this person in front of our students?

Performance vs. Knowledge

It’s not about reciting rules or theory. Most schools assume you already have your TEFL certificate. What they don’t know is how you apply that knowledge in real time. Can you:

• Explain new language clearly and naturally?
• Get students involved and talking?
• Adjust your pace if they don’t understand?
• Stay calm and focused, even if things don’t go exactly as planned?

These are the things that really matter in the classroom—and they’re exactly what demo lessons reveal.

What They’re Looking For

Here’s what schools usually evaluate:

• Clarity of instruction: Are your directions easy to follow? Do you use clear, simple language appropriate for the level?
• Graded language: Are you adjusting your vocabulary and sentence structure to match the students’ English level?
• Student engagement: Are students actively participating, or are you doing all the talking?
• Lesson flow and time management: Does your lesson have a beginning, middle, and end? Are you using the time efficiently?
• Teaching aids and visuals: Do you use props, slides, or a whiteboard to support comprehension?
• Presence and delivery: Do you seem confident, enthusiastic, and in control? Are you smiling? Making eye contact? Speaking with energy?

Who’s Watching?

In most cases, you won’t be teaching an actual class. Instead, your “students” might be:

• The director of studies
• A head English teacher
• A recruiter
• Or, in some cases, an actual group of learners, especially if you’re already in-country

Either way, assume your observers know exactly what they’re looking for—and they’re more interested in your attitude and clarity than in fancy tricks. Your job is to show them you’re someone students can learn from and feel comfortable around.

Gather the Details Early

Before you even start planning your demo, make sure you have all the information you need. The more details you gather upfront, the easier it is to deliver a demo that feels natural, age-appropriate, and level-appropriate. A well-planned 10-minute lesson is far more impressive than a generic one that misses the mark.

What to Ask the School

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Schools want you to be prepared—and thoughtful questions show that you care about doing the job well. Here’s what you should find out:

• Student level: Are they complete beginners (A1), false beginners (A2), pre-intermediate (B1), or beyond? Knowing this helps you grade your language and choose appropriate vocabulary and grammar.

• Age group: Teaching 6-year-olds and teaching adults are two completely different experiences. You need to know if your activities should involve songs and gestures—or conversation prompts and real-life scenarios.

• Class size: Will your demo be assessed as if you’re teaching one student or a full class? This affects your interaction style and group activity planning.

• Time limit: Some demos are just 5–10 minutes. Others might be up to 30. Either way, it’s not enough time to “teach everything,” so plan for depth, not breadth.

• Grammar/vocab focus vs. free choice: Some schools assign a topic. Others want to see what you choose and how you teach it. If they don’t give you a topic, make sure to pick one that fits the age and level well (see next section).

• In-person or online: Are you expected to be on Zoom with a webcam, or standing in front of a classroom? This changes everything—from your materials to your tone to your tech setup.

Why It Matters

These details affect your entire approach:

• Your pace and language need to match the students’ level
• Your examples and explanations need to make sense to the age group
• Your activities need to work within the time limit—and preferably end on a high note
• Your tone and delivery shift depending on whether you’re engaging young kids or adult learners

The clearer the brief, the more confident you’ll feel. And the more tailored your lesson is to the imagined students, the more likely it is to impress your observers.

Pick the Right Topic (If You Get to Choose)

If you’re given free rein over what to teach, don’t overthink it. The goal isn’t to impress with complexity—it’s to show that you can teach something clearly, effectively, and with confidence. The best demo lessons are simple, focused, and student-centered.

Great Topics for Beginner and Intermediate Levels

Here are some tried-and-tested demo lesson themes that work well across a variety of age groups and settings:

• Greetings and Introductions
  Great for young learners or true beginners. Simple phrases like “What’s your name?” and “Nice to meet you” give you lots of room for interaction, repetition, and roleplay.

• Daily Routines or Telling the Time
  These lessons work well for pre-intermediate students and are easy to make visual with flashcards or drawings. They also lead naturally into pair work or surveys.

• Likes/Dislikes or Food Vocabulary
  Perfect for teenagers and kids. It’s engaging, easy to personalize, and gives you a chance to use realia (menus, pictures, etc.) or introduce simple grammar like “I like…” vs. “I don’t like…”

• There Is/There Are & Prepositions of Place
  A fantastic choice for interactive whiteboard demos or physical classroom settings. Use simple room layouts or classroom objects to get students describing what they see.

What to Avoid

• Advanced grammar (e.g., third conditionals, reported speech): too much to cover in a short time
• Abstract themes (e.g., global warming, ethics): hard to make engaging or level-appropriate
• Overly academic topics: unless you’re specifically applying for a business or exam prep job, keep it light and communicative

One Rule of Thumb

Pick a topic that allows for active student participation. You want your observers to see students speaking, moving, or reacting—not just nodding while you talk. That interaction is where the real “teaching” shines through.

Write a Clear, Realistic Lesson Plan

A strong demo lesson starts with a solid plan—but don’t make the mistake of overcomplicating it. Simplicity, structure, and clarity are what matter most. Even if your lesson is only 10 minutes long, your plan should show that you understand how lessons flow and how students learn.

Use a Simple, Proven Structure

Stick to the basic four-stage model:

1. Warm-up – Something short and fun to activate prior knowledge and get students relaxed.
2. Presentation – Introduce the new language in a clear, visual, and contextual way.
3. Practice – Controlled practice through drills, matching activities, or short dialogues.
4. Production – A freer task that allows students to use the target language more creatively.

You don’t need to squeeze all four in if your time is limited. But your plan should show where you're going and why—even if it's just a focused "presentation + practice" mini-lesson.

Match Objectives to Your Time

One of the biggest rookie mistakes in demo lessons is trying to teach too much. Focus on one target structure (e.g., “I like ___”), one function (e.g., ordering food), or one short vocabulary set (e.g., animals, school subjects, or time phrases).

Your objectives should be realistic for the time limit and the level. For example:

Objective: Students will be able to ask and answer simple questions about favorite foods using "Do you like...?" and "Yes, I do / No, I don’t."

If you can achieve that goal in 10–15 minutes and show student interaction along the way, you’ve done your job.

What to Include in Your Plan

Your plan should be clear enough that someone could teach it just by reading it. Include:

• Target language: The exact words or grammar you’re teaching, with examples.
• Interaction patterns: Who talks to whom—Teacher → Student, Student → Student, pair work, group work, etc.
• Timing: A rough estimate for each activity.
• Anticipated problems: What might students get confused about? What’s your backup plan?
• Materials: Any flashcards, realia, whiteboard use, or digital tools you’ll use to make the lesson visual and engaging.

If you're submitting a written plan, keep the formatting clean and easy to follow. Bullet points work better than long paragraphs. Avoid jargon. Show that you’ve thought it through—but don’t make it overly academic.

Be Intentional, Not Overstuffed

You’re not there to prove how much you know—you’re there to show how clearly you can teach. Pick one simple point and teach it well. Let your confidence and clarity come through in your planning, not just your delivery.

Practice Like It’s the Real Thing

No matter how experienced you are, the first time you deliver a new lesson shouldn’t be when you're in front of a camera or an observer. Practicing your demo lesson out loud—even if it feels silly—is one of the best ways to work out the kinks and build confidence.

Time Yourself—Precisely

Don’t guesstimate. Use a stopwatch and actually go through the entire lesson. You might be surprised by how fast 10 minutes goes—or how long it takes to give clear instructions.

Timing also helps you:

• Avoid running over and getting cut off
• Spot sections that drag and need tightening
• Add a buffer for unexpected delays or slower student responses

Rehearse Out Loud and On Your Feet

Teaching isn’t just talking—it’s movement, gestures, facial expressions, tone. Stand up while you practice. Use the space around you. Pretend there are real students in front of you and walk through the steps as if you're there.

Even if you’re teaching online, you’ll project more confidence and warmth when you feel like you're in teacher mode.

Record Yourself (and Actually Watch It)

This is one of the most powerful prep tools available—and most teachers skip it.

Recording your rehearsal helps you:

• Notice pacing issues or overly long explanations
• Catch filler words, awkward phrasing, or unclear instructions
• Observe your body language and gestures
• Adjust tone, volume, or eye contact

Even watching it once can lead to big improvements.

Practice With a Friend or Mirror

If you’re nervous about speaking to a screen, get a family member, friend, or fellow teacher to sit in as your “student.” If that’s not possible, rehearse in front of a mirror or your webcam. Say the instructions aloud. Wait for imaginary student responses. Walk through the transitions.

It might feel silly—but it’s better to feel silly now than awkward during your demo.

Prep Any Props or Visuals Ahead of Time

If your lesson involves flashcards, realia (menus, food items, toys), or a whiteboard—have them ready and tested. For online lessons:

• Make sure your camera can capture gestures or materials
• Avoid holding things too close or far from the screen
• Test screen-sharing or online whiteboards ahead of time

The smoother your materials are integrated, the more confident and professional you’ll appear.

Teaching Online? Set the Stage

If your demo lesson is online, your "classroom" is now your webcam—and everything from your lighting to your energy level plays a bigger role than you might think. Teaching through a screen means you need to work a little harder to build presence and connection, but with the right setup, you can absolutely shine.

Frame Yourself Like a Pro

Make sure your head and shoulders are clearly visible, with enough space for natural gestures. You don’t need a fancy setup, but your background should be clean and uncluttered—avoid messy beds, distracting posters, or kitchen chaos. A plain wall, bookshelf, or teaching corner is ideal.

If you’re teaching kids, consider adding a small, age-appropriate visual behind you (alphabet letters, a small world map, etc.), but keep it tidy. You want to look prepared, not chaotic.

Get the Light and Sound Right

You don’t need studio lighting—but you do need to be well-lit and clearly heard.

• Sit facing a window or use a lamp behind your camera for even lighting
• Avoid strong backlighting, which puts your face in shadow
• Use a headset or USB microphone for clean, echo-free sound
• Eliminate background noise (fans, pets, traffic) as much as possible

Poor lighting and muffled sound are easy ways to lose engagement—even if your lesson is great.

Check Your Internet and Device Ahead of Time

Test your:

• Internet speed (10 Mbps upload/download is ideal)
• Webcam and mic
• Battery level (if on a laptop)
• Software updates (Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, etc.)

Have a backup plan in case your main device crashes. Keep a second device handy if possible, and have your lesson plan saved both locally and in the cloud.

Use Digital Tools Effectively

Don’t just talk—show. The best online demo lessons make use of:

• Screen sharing to show images, slides, or PDFs
• Annotation tools to underline or circle key items
• Virtual whiteboards like Google Jamboard or Canva whiteboard
• Google Slides or PowerPoint for structured visuals

But don’t overdo it. Keep visuals clean and purposeful—less is more when students only have a few seconds to take it in.

Over-Communicate with Energy

Online lessons need more voice modulation, facial expression, and gesture than in-person teaching. Your screen shrinks your presence, so make it count:

• Smile more than you think you need to
• Use clear, deliberate gestures
• Speak slowly and with warmth
• Pause to check comprehension or invite response

Even if you're nervous, a friendly tone and well-paced delivery make a big difference.

Deliver with Confidence (Even If You’re Nervous)

When it’s finally time to teach your demo, take a breath. You’ve prepped. You’ve practiced. Now it’s about showing up and doing what you’ve trained to do—teach in a way that feels calm, confident, and connected.

Be Early, Be Ready

Whether you’re walking into a classroom or joining a video call, arrive 10–15 minutes early. Check your tech one last time. Have your lesson plan, materials, and backup ready to go. Take a moment to center yourself—you’re not just trying to impress; you’re here to teach.

Dress professionally, even if it’s online. Clean, smart attire (at least from the waist up!) helps you feel more focused and sends the right message to your observers.

Start Strong

Greet your observers and any students with a confident smile. If it’s a mock class, treat the observers like students and set the tone early. Make eye contact (with the camera, if online), speak clearly, and give the impression that you’re fully in control—even if your heart’s racing.

Speak Clearly and Grade Your Language

Slow down, especially if your demo is for beginner-level students. Use short, clear instructions, demonstrate as you go, and pause often to check understanding.

Avoid teacher talk. Instead of “I’d now like you to open your books and find page 12 where we’ll begin a short warm-up,” say: “Open your book. Page 12. Let’s start the warm-up together.”

Clarity beats cleverness every time.

Use Names and Get Students Involved Early

If you’re given a class list or student names, use them. If not, invent names or just say “you” and use gestures. Either way, get students talking within the first few minutes—even if it’s just repeating after you or answering yes/no questions.

A demo isn’t a lecture. The sooner students are interacting, the better your lesson will flow.

Check Comprehension—Don’t Just Talk At Them

It’s not enough to explain. You need to check that your “students” understand. Use:

• Concept-checking questions (CCQs): “Can I say ‘I goes’? Why not?”
• Visual confirmation: thumbs up/down, pointing, or reactions
• Brief recap tasks: “Tell me one food you don’t like.”

This shows you're not just delivering content—you’re monitoring learning, too.

Have a Plan B

Sometimes your activity finishes early. Sometimes a student doesn’t respond. Sometimes tech glitches throw off your timing. That’s fine.

What matters is how you handle it.

Have a short backup activity ready (a game, a quick pair share, or a review question). Staying calm and transitioning smoothly—even when things shift—is often the most impressive thing you can do.

Engage Your Learners, Not Just the Observers

It’s easy to focus so much on impressing the observers that you forget who the lesson is actually for—the learners. Whether your “students” are real people or imaginary participants in a mock setup, your demo should feel like a real class, not a scripted performance. Schools want to see that you know how to connect, involve, and respond—not just deliver.

Balance Between Performance and Real Interaction

You’re being observed, yes—but don’t fall into the trap of over-performing. A calm, student-centered teacher who interacts naturally will almost always stand out more than someone who is overly animated or rehearsed.

Ask yourself: Are you talking to your learners—or just at them? Are they doing anything, or are they just watching you go through your slides?

Ask Real Questions (Not Just Display Questions)

A lot of teachers fall back on “What’s this?” or “What’s the answer?” Those are fine for brief checks, but they don’t give insight into how well students actually understand or apply the language.

Instead, aim for meaningful interaction:

• “What do you like to eat for breakfast?”
• “Can you tell your partner what you do on the weekend?”
• “Where’s the cat in this picture? Under or next to the chair?”

Even with beginners, small open-ended tasks show you're building communication, not just testing memorization.

Let Students Speak

It’s your lesson—but it’s their class. Observers want to see that you know how to step back and let students take the spotlight.

Use techniques that increase student talk time (STT):

• Pair work or breakout rooms (online)
• Repetition and drills with student-to-student interaction
• Roleplays or simple interviews
• Group surveys or games

As a rule of thumb: If you’re talking for more than 60–70% of the demo, that’s probably too much.

Correct Errors Gently and Naturally

Mistakes are part of learning, and schools want to see how you handle them. Don’t freeze up—or overcorrect. Instead:

• Let small pronunciation slips go during fluency tasks
• Gently reformulate grammar without embarrassing the student (e.g., “I goes” → “Ah, ‘I go’? Yes!”)
• Use positive correction techniques, like echoing or finger highlighting
• Avoid long grammar lectures—keep feedback short and supportive

Praise Effort, Not Just Accuracy

Positive energy goes a long way. A simple “Nice try,” “Great sentence,” or “Well done, everyone!” can boost student confidence and make your class feel more welcoming.

You want your observers to see that students would enjoy learning with you—not just survive it.

Be Ready for Follow-Up Questions

Once your demo’s over, don’t be surprised if the interview continues. Many schools will ask questions about your lesson plan, your decisions, and how you’d adapt the lesson in real-life situations. This isn’t a trick—it’s a chance to show your ability to reflect, adapt, and think like a teacher.

Common Questions You Might Hear

• “Why did you choose this topic?”
  They want to hear that your choice matched the student level, allowed for interaction, and had a clear objective. Be specific.

• “How would you extend the lesson if you had more time?”
  Show that you can build on what you taught—e.g., move from controlled practice to a freer activity, or assign a follow-up task.

• “What would you change for a stronger or weaker group?”
  Talk about adjusting pace, simplifying instructions, or increasing the challenge through more complex language or less scaffolding.

• “How did you know if students were learning?”
  Mention concept checking, student output, error correction, or engagement during tasks.

Reflect Without Apologizing

If something didn’t go perfectly (and it probably won’t), it’s okay to acknowledge it—but don’t turn it into a confessional. Instead of saying, “I messed up the timing,” try:

“I noticed I ran a bit short on time. Next time, I’d add a short review or follow-up task to keep the flow going.”

That shows self-awareness, not insecurity.

Use It to Show Professionalism

This part of the process is about showing that you’re thoughtful, adaptable, and genuinely care about your students’ experience. Even if your lesson was strong, how you reflect on it can be what seals the deal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even great teachers can stumble during a demo lesson—not because they aren’t capable, but because nerves, over-preparation, or poor guidance get in the way. Here’s a quick list of common pitfalls to watch out for, so you can avoid them and focus on what really matters.

Trying to Teach Too Much

You’ve only got 10, maybe 20 minutes. Trying to cram in multiple grammar points, a long vocab list, or several activities is a recipe for stress and confusion. Keep it simple. One clear objective is more powerful—and more memorable—than a cluttered lesson that feels rushed.

Talking Too Much

This one’s tempting. You’re nervous, you want to show you know your stuff, and suddenly... it becomes a monologue. But a good demo lesson isn’t about your performance—it’s about creating space for students to speak, practice, and engage. If you’re speaking for more than two-thirds of the time, try cutting back.

Giving Vague or Overly Complicated Instructions

A brilliant activity can fall flat if students don’t understand how to do it. Avoid long-winded instructions. Break them into small, clear steps. Demonstrate what you want them to do. And always check they’ve understood before starting the task.

Example: Instead of “You’re going to form groups and ask each other questions using the past simple tense about your weekend activities,” try:
“Ask your partner: ‘What did you do on Saturday?’ Then answer. Go!”

Not Checking Understanding

It’s easy to assume students understand—especially if they’re quiet and nodding. But silence isn’t comprehension. Use CCQs (concept-checking questions), examples, or mini-practice to confirm they’ve got the target language before moving on.

“Can I say, ‘He go to school yesterday’?”
“No? Right—what’s the correct sentence?”

This shows you’re monitoring learning, not just delivering content.

Trying to Impress Instead of Connect

Yes, it’s a demo. But schools aren’t looking for a show—they’re looking for a teacher. Don’t get lost in buzzwords, fancy tech, or over-scripted delivery. Smile. Teach clearly. Get your “students” involved. That’s what wins people over.

Poor Time Management

Running out of time—or finishing way too early—can throw off your whole lesson. This often happens when teachers forget to practice with a timer. Plan a flexible final task you can shorten or extend, and always have a small backup activity in your pocket, just in case.

Conclusion: Your Demo Lesson Is Your Audition—Not a Final Exam

A TEFL demo lesson isn’t a test of perfection—it’s a chance to show how you teach, how you think, and how you connect. You don’t need to blow anyone away with theatrics or complex content. What employers are really looking for is clarity, confidence, and a calm, student-centered approach.

They’re hiring you, not your PowerPoint.

So take a breath. Prepare well. Practice with intention. And walk into that lesson—whether online or in-person—with the mindset that you’re here to help students learn, even in a 10-minute window.

The demo might seem like a hurdle, but it can also be a highlight—a moment where everything clicks and your new teaching journey begins.