4-H Presentations Tip Sheet

What Is Your Style? - Demonstration or illustrated talk

Ask Yourself!

What Are the Differences?

Demonstration

• A demonstration is DOING.
• A demonstration is SHOWING HOW.
• As you show how, you tell how.
• In a demonstration you MAKE something or DO something.
• There is always a finished product.
• Minimum of 4 posters or electronic slides must include:
  1. Title and name
  2. Materials/supplies
  3. Directions (step by step)
  4. Summary

What Is the Same?

• Select a 4-H project you enjoy.
• You may use an outline sheet/note card to remind you of your steps, but note cards cannot be held during the presentation.
• No live animals permitted.
• Individual presentations, not teams.
• Organization and visibility of work area are important; make sure audience can see materials from all angles in the room.
• Length of time:
  • Juniors (9-11 years) – 2 to 5 min.
  • Intermediate (12-13 years) – 5 to 8 min.
  • Seniors (14-19 years) – 8 to 15 min.

Illustrated Talk

• An illustrated talk is TALKING.
• An illustrated talk is TELLING HOW
• In an illustrated talk you use visuals: CHARTS, PICTURES, MODELS, CUTOUTS, ETC.
• Minimum of 1 visual (may be poster/electronic slide or object)

4-H Presentation Helpful Hints

Steps in Developing your Presentation

• Visualize the audience
• Choose the project most interesting to you
• Decide a goal
• Gather information
• Develop an outline
• Organize your presentation
• Practice with equipment or visual aids
• Consider the title
• Practice your presentation several times

Posters

• Standard poster size is 22 by 28 inches
• Dark, block letters on light colored poster board
• Letters should be larger for titles and smaller for other print
• Use a ruler for straight lines
• Practice using your poster
• Pictures and drawings go along with topic
• Even margin around poster

Check it Over!!

Ask yourself:

• Is it large enough for the audience to see?
• Is it easy to use?
• It is colorful?
• Does it stress or explain a point?

Demonstration Poster/Electronic Slide Examples

Check it out!

Check the 4-H Presentations Score Sheet to see what you will be judged on!

Electronic Slide Tips

• Remember electronic slides add to a presentation, but the audience is looking and listening to you as well.
• Know your audience, a cartoon or humorous quote may not be effective.
• When choosing a design background, maintain that same background throughout the slides.
• Do not pack too much information on one slide.
• Limit the use of wild colors, noises, and animations – they could distract from your message.
• Use appropriate fonts, colors, and pictures that match your topic – continue color scheme throughout.
• Make sure audience can read your slides.
• When presenting information do not turn and read off slide/screen.
• Bring an extra copy of your presentation saved on a disk or thumb/flash drive and a hard copy in case the computer is not working.
• Practice your presentation and use of equipment beforehand.