Cool as a Cucumber 4H Presentations

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Cool as a Cucumber 4-H Presentations

• Lori McBryde
• Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development

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Why give a Presentation

• Presentations are a vital part of the 4-H
  program. They help develop and strengthen
  knowledge and communication skills for youth
  between the ages of 9 to 19 years old. Through
  presentations, 4-H members can
• Work on something they like and have interest in
• Gain new knowledge and learn about a specific
  subject
• Learn to plan, organize, and express thoughts
  more clearly
• Learn to express thoughts by using visuals or
  examples
• Develop public speaking skills
• Teach and show others skills they learned through
  4-H
• Take part in interesting events and activities

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Presentation Info

• Presentations are simply a more formal show and
  tell in which you can show someone how to do
  something or tell them how to do something.
  Showing someone how to do something is called a
  demonstration. Telling someone how to do
  something is called an illustrated talk.
• There are three different age divisions for
  presentation competition 9-10, 11-13, and
  14-18.
• You can give an individual or team presentation
  depending on the category of presentation
  competition.
• Presentations are given on the local club,
  county, district, state, andnational levels.
  You can given presentations in a number of
  categories.
• Rewards and prizes varied among the different
  competition categoriesand levels. They include
  ribbons, certificates, trips, scholarships to
  4-H events, medals, gifts, and etc.

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Steps in Developing a Presentation

• 1. Choose a topic
• Choose something you are interested in.
• Limit the scope of the topic. You do not want
  too much information.
• Make sure the topic of your presentation is
  something you can actually do.
• See which presentation category your presentation
  comes under and follow its specific rules.

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• 2. Research your topic
• Gain all the information you can about your
  topic. The more you know about your topic, the
  more comfortable you are presenting it. Keep up
  with the information you use to prepare your
  presentation so you can show and tell the judges.
• 3. Choose a title
• Short
• Eye Catching
• Relevant to the topic

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• 4. Choose a type of presentation
• Decide whether or not to give a demonstration or
  an illustrated talk. Choose the one you are most
  comfortable with.
• 5. Outline your presentation
• Map out what you want to do because it helps you
  become more familiar with your topic.
• Introduction
• Why did I select my topic?
• Why is it important?
• Body
• What will I do and show?

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• Summary
• What was accomplished?
• What were the main points of the presentation?
• What it meant to me?
• What can it mean to the audience?
• 5. Outline your Actions and Visuals
• Introduction - Actions - Visuals
• Body - Actions - Visuals
• Summary - Actions - Visuals

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Parts of the Presentation

• The Introduction This should be an attention
  getter. Once you get their attention, introduce
  yourself and go into the body.
• The Body This is the main part of the
  presentation.
• In a demonstration, talk about each step you are
  showing the group. Know how to do each step well
  and talk to the group in your own words. Avoid
  memorized lines and note cards.
• In an illustrated talk, you do it just like a
  demonstration. The difference is that you use
  your visuals instead of demonstrating how to do
  something.

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Parts of the Presentation

• The Summary Hit the main ideas or steps again.
  This should be short and to the point. This
  helps everyone remember the main points you are
  trying to teach them.
• Answering Questions Are there any questions?
  The only people who can ask you questions are the
  judges. Answer their questions as best you can.

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Visuals

• Visuals help teach your subject matter and
  emphasize your key points. Make sure props are
  clean and proper working order.
• Visuals include such items as posters, charts,
  models, pictures, etc.
• Use only when needed. Use the real item whenever
  possible
• Practice handling working with your visuals so
  your transitions are smooth and not distracting.

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Visuals

• Have your visuals set up properly so the audience
  can see them but don't hide behind them. It is
  equally important for the audience to see you.
• Visuals Test
• Is it needed?
• Does it focus attention?
• Is it neat and simple?
• Is it easy to use?
• Does it fit smoothly into the demonstration?

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Posters

• Letter size should be relative
• CAPITALIZATION can be used for emphasis
• Have a border all around the poster.
• In reference to color simpler is better, limit
  your choices to 2 or 3 NO RAINBOW EFFECT
• Do not crowd your information on your poster
• Posters should be the work of the 4-Her, not an
  adult.

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Poster Setup

• Introduction
• Title poster Include your catchy title a
  picture.
• Introduction poster This poster includes your
  name, age, club, and county.
• Body
• I would suggest 2 or 3 posters to represent the
  body.
• List the main points clearly.
• Summary
• One poster listing the major points you want the
  audience to remember.

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Things To Remember

• Dress nicely. Wear your best clothes that fit
  the type of presentation you are doing. Be well
  groomed.
• Know your information and topic.
• Practice using your equipment posters.
• Smile enjoy your presentation.
• Speak loudly clearly.

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Things To Remember

• Make eye contact with the audience.
• Be prepared to answer questions.
• Have examples of the resources you used to
  prepare your presentation.
• Avoid distracting mannerisms such as pushing back
  hair or rocking back forth.
• Practice as much as possible in front of people
  to feel more at ease it.

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Awards Scholarships

• Each category carries its own award amounts
  prizes.
• Winners receive awards prizes on the district
  state levels from the State 4-H Office in
  Raleigh.
• Johnston County 4-H awards scholarship money to
  4-H Activities for winning presentations on the
  county level.

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Presentation Events

• County Presentation Practices
• April 20th - 2PM 430PM
• April 21st - 9AM 12Noon
• June 14th 1PM - 7PM
• District Activity Day in Durham Co.
• June 23, 2006
• State Presentation Day at 4-H Congress
• July 18, 2006