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 talks.

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, how to set the table for a formal vs. casual meal, how to build a vermicomposting bin, etc.

Illustrated Talk: TALKING, TELLING HOW, using CHARTS, PICTURES, MODELS – shares information with the help of pictures, videos, charts, models, etc. Examples: the history of basketball, mental health concerns among adolescents, etc.

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 youth with:
  • Communicating
  • Other clubs & projects
  • College/post-secondary education
  • Careers

Giving a presentation is a great learning experience. The topic should be something youth 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.Youth will do their presentation at County Activity Day and then District Activity Day. Youth that win at District Activity Day will advance to the state competition.

County Activity Day

• Will be in person at N.C. Cooperative Extension Pitt County Center located at 403 Government Circle, Greenville, NC
• Youth will coordinate with Pitt County Extension Staff to come in between April 22 -May 23 to give their presentation for County Activity Day.
• Open to children ages 5-18.
• Registration: Pitt County 4-H Presentation Practice Resgistration
  • If you do not already have an account in 4-HOnline, you will create a family profile, enroll your child as a member.

District Activity Day

• June 24, 2025 at Martin Community College.
• Open to children 5-18 that registered for County Activity Day in 4-HOnline.
• Winners of District Activity Day will advance to the state level competition.

State 4-H Presentations

• July 21, 2025 at NC State University.

Presentation categories are listed under one of the following headings:

• Animal Science
• Citizenship & Civic Education
• Communication & Expressive Arts
• Family & Consumer Sciences
• Environmental Science
• Healthy Lifestyles
• Personal Development
• Plant Science
• Science & Technology
• Outdoor Cookery Competition
• Open Class

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 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

• 4-H Presentations 101 Handout
• State 4-H Presentations Website