Public Presentation Information and Resources for Participants and Evaluators

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What is the 4-H Public Presentation Program?

The purpose of the 4-H Public Presentation Program is to help youth speak confidently in front of others. Through the process of preparing and delivering a presentation, youth develop skills needed to choose a topic, research their presentation topic, organize ideas in logical order, develop visual aids, and deliver information in interesting and creative ways to impact their audience. With each public presentation, there is an increase in communication skills, self-confidence, poise, and knowledge. 4-H Public Presentations teach life skills that will be useful in young peoples’ future educational, social, and career pursuits.

As youth progress and grow each year, they are challenged to try one of the more difficult types of presentations, to use more advanced technology in their presentations where appropriate, and/or to venture into unfamiliar topics or presentation styles.

Participants can choose from the following types of presentations:

• Demonstration: This type of presentation requires you to talk while working on something. It can be cooking, sewing, building, etc.
• Illustrated Talk: This is slightly more formal, using a poster or technology to help you relay your message.
• Speech: For the more experience speaker, you do not use posters or technology to get your point across.
• Dramatization/Recitation: A fun, confidence building experience -- it is like acting only with no props.
• Job interview: For ages 15 and up, cover letter and resume required. Learn useful job interview skills.

The 4-H Public Presentation Program consists of a series of events:

Kickoff Meeting. Youth learn the basics of public presentations, including what they are, how to select a topic, and how to make an effective poster. It's highly recommended that first-year presenters attend this event. We also welcome seasoned presenters to attend to improve their knowledge of public presentations.

Public Presentation Workshop. This workshop gives youth the opportunity to practice giving their presentation to an audience. Volunteers will give the presenter feedback that they can use to improve their presentation before going to their actual presentation date where they'll be scored. This is also a chance for youth to work on their presentation and receive tips from volunteers.

Club presentations. 4-H members are encouraged to prepare and present their 4-H presentation in front of their primary 4-H Club. The presentation is not formally evaluated but rather used as practice to prepare for 4-H County Presentations.

County Public Presentation Event. 4-H members present in front of trained volunteer evaluators in a classroom-style setting. Numerical scores are given by evaluators. Participation awards are given immediately after event. Presenters who qualify based on age and score will be selected to advance to 4-H District Presentations.

District Public Presentation Event. Selected 4-H members from our region take part in this event. Presentations are given in a classroom-style setting to trained volunteer evaluators. Numerical scores are given by evaluators. The event concludes with a formal award presentation, at which time certificates are awarded. There is an opportunity for top-scoring youth to move forward to a regional event with other states in the Northeast.

OTHER RESOURCES

How To Do A Food Demonstration Click Here

How To Do A Food Demonstration (resource from Oneida County CCE)  Click Here

Success With Slide Presentations Click Here

Public Speaking Made Easy Booklet Click Here

"Hamburger" Writing Diagram Click Here

"Hamburger" Writing Outline Click Here

Brainstorming Bubbles Click Here

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS 101

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HOW TO DO A DEMONSTRATION

Last updated April 22, 2025