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!

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

Demonstration
Illustrated Talks
Prepared Speech
Powerpoint
Other

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.

2017 Division Champion: Junior Demonstration, Tanana District

An Illustrated Talk tells about something. Visual aids and posters may also be used.

An illustrated talk is talking.
An illustrated talk is telling how by showing pictures, charts, models, graphs, equipment, 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.

It may be informative, persuasive or entertaining.
Note cards may be used but no visual aids are permitted.

2018 Division Champion: Senior Prepared Speech, Matanuska District

A PowerPoint Presentation is a presentation consisting of a series of PowerPoint slides accompanied by a verbal commentary, recording or audio track.

P2019 Champion Powerpoint & Overall Division Grand Champion, Kenai Peninsula

Powerpoint presentation, "I Don't Think We're in Kenai Anymore"

Other Categories can include:

Audio visual/multimedia: A presentation consisting of slides, PowerPoint, video or digital media accompanied by a verbal commentary, recording or audio track.
Extemporaneous (impromptu) speech: 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.
Interpretive reading: The participant reads any published written work, such as a children’s story, poetry, essay or an excerpt from a novel.
Talent: An individual or a group performs a skit, musical number, comedy routine, etc.
Cultural arts: Individual or group presentation such as a dramatic reading, music, dance or other performing arts. Costumes, props and visual aids are encouraged.
Educational display: A visual presentation related to a topic, usually free-standing.

2016 Blue Ribbon, Drama in "Other" Category, Kenai Peninsula

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my presentation be?
Cloverbud (kindergarten–2nd grade): 3–5 minutes
Junior (grades 3–5): 5–15 minutes
Intermediate (grades 6–8): 7–15 minutes
Senior (grades 9–12): 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!

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?

Introduction
Body
Conclusion

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.

Review the two or three main points of your presentation.
Help your audience want to try your ideas
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.
After the questions, end with:

- “Thank you” or “This completes my presentation”
- 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. Check it out here!

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:

Eye contact

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.

avoid long periods of silence

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

get their attention, then keep it!

Get and keep the audience’s attention by being friendly and enthusiastic.
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.
Speak slowly, clearly and loud enough to be heard in the back row; get rid of your gum.

be prepared!

Have a backup plan in case of emergencies such as a power outage.
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.

food presentations

When doing food presentations, use clear mixing bowls and plastic utensils (these are quieter than metal) to allow others to see what you are doing and also:
− Tie your hair back and wear an apron.
− Bring paper towels, a wastebasket or trash bag.
− Offer samples and recipes.

warm up!

A little warm up exercise (shaking your hands and arms, wiggling your tongue, stretching your neck and mouth, etc.) will help loosen you up.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Information on this page taken from UAF Publication 4-H Presentations, developed by Derylee Hecimovich

Additional Resources

creating presentations

UAF 4-H Presentations Publication

Public Demonstration 101

presentation contest resources

Guidelines for Judging 4-H Presentations

AK 4-H Public Presentation Judging Form

Educational display resources

Ready to Share Your Presentation? We'd Love To See It!

2020 Alaska State Presentation Contest Information