4-H Presentations 2021

Find this article at:
go.ncsu.edu/readext?784054
— Written By

4-H Presentations logo with 4-H clover4-H Presentations

What are 4-H Presentations?

4-H Presentations are a huge part of North Carolina 4-H. It is one of the most successful ways to help a young person learn how to do a public speech. It focuses on members teaching others what they know about a particular project/subject matter. They are sometimes called demonstrations or illustrated talk or formal speech.

Demonstration:  DOING, SHOWING HOW, MAKING – has a finished product to show – shows how a task is done or product is made.

For example:  show how to make a healthy snack using fruits and vegetables.

Illustrated Talk: TALKING, TELLING HOW, using CHARTS, PICTURES, MODELS – shares information with the help of pictures, videos, charts, models, etc.

Formal Speech:  shares information on a specific topic without using any visuals, props, or materials. Sometimes this is a speech that a young person has memorized or a paper someone has written on a specific topic.

  • Speaking in front of a group, doing 1 of 2 things:
    • Demonstrating HOW to do something
    • Educating others on a certain topic
  • Can present as an individual OR a team
    • Team=2 individuals only (no more)
    • If team members are in two different age groups, they will present in the oldest age group

Benefits of 4-H Presentations

Teaches life skills.

  • Increase public speaking skills
  • Increase self-confidence
  • Increase knowledge & interest in a certain subject matter
  • Will help you in the long run with:
    • Communicating
    • Other clubs & projects
    • College/post-secondary education
    • Careers

Giving a presentation is a good learning experience. You can choose a topic from any project you have taken in 4-H or currently doing. The topic should be something you enjoy, are interested in, and can be presented easily in 5 to 15 minutes. 4-Hers who do a presentation develop self-confidence, the ability to speak in front of an audience, and the ability to think ahead.

Presentation categories are listed under one of the following headings:

Animal Science

Citizenship & Civic Education

  • Citizenship/Community Service – coming soon.

Communication & Expressive Arts

Family & Consumer Sciences

Environmental Science

Healthy Lifestyles

Personal Development

Plants Science

Science & Technology

2020 4-H Showcase of Talent Information is outlined on the pdf document below

Outdoor Cookery Competition

Competition categories for District Activity Days and State Finals

  • Beef Grilling
  • Chicken Grilling. (Changes for 2021 Competition:  4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.5-2.0 lbs))
  • Pork Grilling
  • Seafood Grilling – coming soon
  • Turkey Grilling  – (Changes for 2021 Competition:  2 patties each 1/4 lb precook weight, using 85-90% lean ground turkey (75% by weight must be ground turkey)

The 5 P’s of 4-H Presentations     

To give a good presentation there are several steps that should be taken. They are:

  1. Planning
  2. Preparation
  3. Presentation
  4. Poise (Appearance)
  5. Practice

 

Planning

  1. Choose a topic that is:
    1. A project learned in 4-H
    2. Something you do well, enjoy doing
    3. A subject that would be interesting to someone else
    4. An interesting title
  2. Limit your presentation to one process or main idea. Have plenty of action. Learn as many facts about your project as possible. Some sources may be:
    1. 4-H Leader
    2. 4-H Agent
    3. Books
    4. Teacher
    5. Parent
  3. Types of Presentation (each can be individual or team)
    1. Demonstration
    2. Illustrated Talk
    3. Formal Speech
  4. Start with a Catchy Title
    1. The Mane Attraction
    2. Berry Good Bread
    3. The Worth of Water
  5. Content of your presentation
    1. What are you going to talk about?
    2. Why is it important?
    3. This is the “So what?” part
    4. Be specific!
    5. Use visuals as needed
  6. Make a Poster if you using posters
    1. Use light-colored board with dark lettering
    2. Use contrast in words (different color and size letters)
    3. Don’t overcrowd the poster
    4. The fewer the words the better
    5. use the poster(s) during the presentation
    6. Use pictures, drawings, or clip art
    7. List the steps in the order they are to be shown and decide how you are going to do each step
    8. List the supplies needed
    9. Plan what you are going to tell your audience as you do each step.
  7. Summary
    1. Re-Tell info
    2. Only hit the highlights
    3. Keep it to one poster or visual if possible.
    4. Ask judges do they have any questions
  8. Resources
    1. Be sure to list all of your resources for the audience.
      1. Show resource if you have it there
      2. Put the names on the visual you are using

 Helpful Tips

  1. Your summary should be a short recap of your main points or steps.
  2. Resources: When stating where you got your information you should not just state the internet; provide the audience with the 4-H Curriculum manuals, written resources, websites, etc you received your information from.
  3. When organizing your presentation, you should work from left to right, using a tray to transport your supplies is also very helpful.
  4. When possible, use transparent equipment such as glass bowls so the audience sees the material and the process.
  5. Commercial labels on products must be covered. Endorsement of any particular brand name is not permitted in a public presentation. However, if using your own container, make sure it is labeled clearly.
  6. Your appearance should be neat, well-groomed, and exhibit good posture.
  7. Keep hair off your face. If you are presenting food your hair should be tied back.
  8. Your voice should be clear and correct English should be used.
  9. Remember to smile and have FUN!

Helpful Tools

2021 4-H Presentation Quick Fact Sheet

4-H Presentations 101 Handout –  PDF Version

Helpful Hints for 4-H Video Presentations (2021)

Sample Presentation videos coming soon!

Presentations PowerPoints

For regulations and scoresheets:

County Activity Day

  • Will be IN PERSON.
  • A date for county activity day will come at a later date but will be in early/mid-May.

District Activity Day

  • Will be virtual. A recorded video of the presentation will be sent to the district level.
  • Registration/videos uploaded must be completed by May 28.

State 4-H Presentations

  • Winners of District Activity Day will send videos to the state for state-level competitions.
  • Videos must be uploaded by July 12.
share Share This Article