Public Presentations

Should I do a presentation?

YES!  When 4-H alumni are asked what the most useful skill they learned from 4-H was, a frequent response is: Public speaking! 
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​Does the thought of speaking in front of others make you sweat? 4-H presentations to the rescue! Practicing and participating in presentation opportunities in 4-H will help you:

• Learn to organize and present information
• Gain self-confidence and public speaking skills
• Become more knowledgeable and teach others
• Respond to questions
• Compete for awards and recognition

Types of 4-H Presentations

Most 4-H presentations contests include the following categories: Demonstrations, Illustrated Talks & Speeches - find out more below!! 
​Keep in mind:  Regardless of the type, all presentations should include the 3 main parts outlined in this publication: the Introduction, the Body & The Conclusion. 

• Demonstration
• Illustrated Talks
• Speeches

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A Demonstration shows how to do something. Visual aids and posters may be used.

• A demonstration is doing.
• A demonstration is showing how by making or doing something.
• A demonstration should have a finished product.
• A demonstration is best given to a smaller audience so everyone can see it.

The body of a demonstration could include a talent (skit, musical number, comedy, etc.) or cultural arts (dramatic reading, music, dance or other performing arts).

​Find out more about how to give a demonstration

2017 Division Champion: Junior Demonstration, Tanana District

Illustrated Talk: Tells about a topic related to an educational display. Visual aids, posters, slides, PowerPoint, video or digital media may be used as the display to accompany presentation.

• An illustrated talk is talking.
• An illustrated talk is telling how by showing pictures, charts, models, graphs, equipment, slides, video or digital media, etc.
• An illustrated talk may or may not have a finished product.
• An illustrated talk can involve a larger audience.

2019 Champion: Junior Illustrated Talk, Tanana District

Illustrated Talk on Swine Domestication. Kenai, AK

A Prepared Speech is written and delivered by the member. It may be informative, persuasive or
entertaining. Note cards may be used but no visual aids are permitted. **Older 4-H members are encouraged to give speeches without note cards!
 
An Extemporaneous Speech is where the participant is given a topic (or a choice of two or three topics) and research materials, with a time limit to prepare, then makes the presentation.

2018 Division Champion: Senior Prepared Speech, Matanuska District

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my presentation be?
Cloverbud (ages 5-7): 3–5 minutes
Junior (ages 8-11): 5–15 minutes
Intermediate (ages 12-14): 7–15 minutes
Senior (ages 15-18): 10–20 minutes

Do I have to have a poster?
Demonstrations, illustrated talks and team presentations need a title poster, which should include:

• The title of demonstration or illustrated talk
  
• Name and grade level of presenter
  
• Your club name (optional)

​PowerPoint and similar presentations need a title slide, to include the previous information.

Does my topic have to be related to my 4-H project?
No!!** Pick a topic that is interesting to you and preferably one that is familiar to you. Limit your presentation to one process or main idea. Learn all the facts you can about your subject. Plan the steps and what you will do or say. After you have the plan, choose a catchy title!
**Please check with your district to be sure there are not district-specific requirements!

Do setup and takedown get judged?
Yes! Setup and take down is part of the presentation and is judged; it should be done by the 4-H’er. Arrangement of materials must be convenient and attractive and allow the audience to see all steps of the workmanship.

What are the three parts of a presentation?
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• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion

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Introduction: Tell them what you are going to tell them.
Your job is to:
1. Get the audience’s attention.
2. Introduce yourself (name, age, 4-H club, years in 4-H). This can be done before or after the overview.
3. Give a quick overview. Perhaps tell how you became interested in the topic.

Body: Tell them.
This is the main part of the presentation. Tell the audience what you want them to do or learn.
1. Pick two or three basic points and plan your outline around these points.
5. If you are showing or explaining how to do something, the audience must know:

• What is being explained.
  
• How it is being done.
  
• Why it is being done.
  

Show all the steps in the process so the audience gets the complete picture or completed project at the end. If appropriate, show the finished product.

Conclusion or Summary: Tell them what you told them.

1.  Review the two or three main points of your presentation. 
2.  Help your audience want to try your ideas
3.  Tell them you are finished and ask for questions. "This concludes my presentation, are there any questions?"
   
4. If there are questions, repeat the questions back before answering or work the question into your answer. "The question is: ......" If you don’t know the answer, say so and offer to find out and get back to them.
5.  After the questions, end with:

          - “Thank you” 
          - A paper, recipe, resource list or other handout for future reference
          - Samples to show or share with your audience
          - A smile!

Where can I find more help on creating visuals?

The Alaska 4-H Presentations Guide has a lot of help on page 4 specific to using visuals, as well as poster and display guidelines.  

Presentations Guide

Let's Get Started! 

Choose a Topic! 

Research Your Topic & Choose a Presentation Type!

Develop an outline, determine important steps & gather your materials

Organize your Introduction, Body & Conclusion

Plan your appearance, Be prepared

A Few Tips & Tricks:

Before your presentation...

• Get a good night sleep and eat a healthy meal before your presentation. If you think you’ll need a glass of water, have one ready.
• Get to know the equipment you'll be using – especially if you’re planning to use computer and/or projection equipment.
• Have a backup plan in case of emergencies such as a power outage.
• A little warm up exercise (shaking your hands and arms, wiggling your tongue, stretching your neck and mouth, etc.) will help loosen you up.
  
• Work space: Have everything as neat and orderly as possible. Use lists to be sure you have everything you need and trays and pails for carrying and organizing supplies. Arrange posters in order of use.  Remember you are judged on set up and take down!
• ​Avoid reading your notes. Put your outline on a card or on your poster so you can refer to it, but not read it.
• Study the judging sheet to see where and how points are awarded

Dress the part!

• Use good posture, look neat and clean, and dress the part.
• Avoid nervous habits such as swaying from side to side, putting your hands in your pockets or standing on one foot, saying “ya know,” “um,” etc.
• Be sure to look at your audience even when you are demonstrating (be sure to practice). Don’t just look at the judge or mom
  
• No gum chewing please.
  
• Clean hands and nails are a plus!
  
• Have good, gentle eye contact with your audience. Stand tall.

(1) Show enthusiasm for your topic. Look like you enjoy what you’re presenting (others will too). Weave personal experience into your presentation where appropriate. (2)  (3) Again, bring notes, but do not read directly from them (this cuts down on eye contact.) (4) Make your voice gentle, loud, and clear. (You’ll have a microphone at Fair.) (5) Name any supplies and hold them up so that your audience can see. (6) Keep your work/demonstration area organized – move materials from right to left if you are righthanded, or left to right if you are left-handed. (7) Label the backs of posters, books, etc. that you’ll want to reference during your presentation (but you don’t want your audience to necessarily see). (8) Goof-ups happen to everyone! Go right ahead with your presentation; explain what happened. (9) Thank your audience for their attention.

​Talk while you are demonstrating, avoid long periods of silence. Practice “doing” while talking. ​

get their attention, then keep it!

• Show enthusiasm for your topic. Look like you enjoy what you’re presenting (others will too). Weave personal experience into your presentation where appropriate.
• Again, bring notes, but do not read directly from them (this cuts down on eye contact.)
• Make your voice gentle, loud, and clear.
• Name any supplies and hold them up so that your audience can see. 
  
• Talk while you are demonstrating, avoid long periods of silence. Practice “doing” while talking. ​
• Speak slowly, clearly and loud enough to be heard in the back row

Carry on Until the end

• Remember, goof-ups happen to everyone! Go right ahead with your presentation; explain what happened if necessary.
• Thank your audience for their attention when you are finished.
• ​Ask for questions. Repeat the questions or work them into your answer. If you don’t know the answer, say so and offer to find out and get back to them.​

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Information on this page taken from UAF Publication 4-H Presentations, developed by Derylee Hecimovich.  This publication is currently under revision and is in draft form.

​Additional Resources

creating presentations

Presentation Publication Draft

Public Demonstration 101

presentation contest resources

Guidelines for Judging 4-H Presentations

AK 4-H Public Presentation Judging Forms - DRAFT

Statewide Opportunities

Each year, our Alaska Team partners with the AVLO to offer a statewide presentation contest.  

Find out more here!