Purpose of demonstration and talks: 

You will present previously gained knowledge by using the “show and tell” method to teach skills you possess to an audience. 

DEMONSTRATION 

A demonstration is a presentation that shows how to complete a task - - a “hands-on”, step-by-step presentation which prepares the audience to complete a task.  This is a “how to” presentation.   As you show how, you tell how.  You create a final product.  A demonstration is doing.

TEAM DEMONSTRATION

Two persons work together to deliver the presentation.  Each person must share equally in the verbal and visual parts of the presentation. 

ILLUSTRATED TALK

A communication which conveys information with the use of visual items and illustrations.  You are telling “how”, using visual aids.  You may use charts, posters, photos, computer programs, slides, pictures, models or cut-outs to support the information given.  An illustrated talk is talking.

SPEECH

A communication technique in which only the spoken word and gestures of the presenter are used.  This should be original material prepared by the member.  No props or posters are used in 4-H public speaking contests.  Refer to the Public Speaking manual for additional information.

Suggested time Limits - Demonstration, Team Demonstration, Illustrated Talk and Speech:

Age as of October 1, (4-H year): 

         8 - 10 year olds   3 to 5 minutes

       11 - 13 year olds   5 to 7 minutes

       14 and over           7 to 20 minutes

                      Seniors should not have note cards

Product labels should be limited to generic names and product names should be covered. 

Note Cards:  Use of note cards is discouraged.  Posters and/or visual aids should provide any necessary prompting.

Presentations will be evaluated on the:

  • Introduction (10) (Motivating, creative, Brief, Interesting)
  • Body (30) (Central theme, accurate, Informative, appropriate information, level and content.)
  • Summary (10) (Major points summarized, conclusions drawn, no new information)
  • Presentation (25) (Logical sequence, organization of materials, use of visuals, questions)
  • Speaker (25) (Poise, appropriate grooming, eye contact, enunciation, voice)

POSTER SUGGESTIONS

Letter size and their effectiveness Color tells a story

SIZE VIEWING DISTANCE                USE                        AVOID

 1/4"               8 feet                  Black on Yellow           Blue on Green

 1/2"             16 feet                  Black on White            Blue on Red

1 inch           32 feet                 Dark Blue on White     Red on Orange

2 inch           64 feet                 Green on White            Pinks on Lavenders

A successful Poster Must:

  • Catch the eye
  • Be simple and clear
  • Stress an idea or fact
  • Ask for support of your idea

CAREER COMMUNICATION (INTERVIEW) 

This is an opportunity for members to experience  applying for a job.  Contestants will be asked to submit a job application, cover letter and resume with your Lifeskills Day registration and then interview during Lifeskills Day.

You get to design the position you wish to apply for.  What is it that you would like to do?  What are your career goals?  You will not know in advance what questions you will be asked during the interview but can access a list of sample questions on the Valley County 4-H website to help you prepare.  Other helpful hints to keep in mind:

  • How you look makes the first impression on an interview.  Be neat and clean at all times and maintain a positive and interested posture.
  • Be sure to look at the interviewer when you are being asked a question and when you are responding. And, always remember to SMILE.
  • Answer each question as completely as you can.  If you do not know the answer, simply state that you do not know.
  • If you have questions to ask the interview, be sure to state them clearly.
  • Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to be considered.

GAVEL GAMES

This contest is an opportunity for 4-H members to present their knowledge of parliamentary procedure by acting as officers for a model 4-H business meeting.  Each team is made up of four contestants who are assigned roles as officers of the club.  Following proper business meeting order, the team conducts the meeting.  (Study guides are available in the office)  If you win this event at Life Skills Day, the team is awarded a trip to Montana 4-H Congress in Bozeman.  The winning team at congress goes on to a national event.

QUILT SHOW AND TELL

This is a time to show what you have done in quilting and explain to fellow quilters how you did it.  Please bring your project, completed or still under construction!  In this informal quilt show, you will have a chance to tell all about it.  One quilt will be chosen to represent Valley County at Montana  4-H Congress in July.

STIR-UPS COOKING COMPETITION (held on a separate day and location)

                  (Only open to members not available to Cloverbuds)
Purpose:  To prepare an appealing, nutritious meal that can be prepared easily by using common ingredients available in many homes.  Meal should be prepared using food safe techniques and reflect creative use of ingredients. This year’s county contest TBD.  Recipes range from the simplest to more complicated combinations of ingredients which showcase healthy produce. Creativity is the key to your unique dish – there is no reason to stick to traditional ingredients. Following the preparation of the meal you will do an oral presentation to judges.  Please contact the office for information on Stir-Ups. You do not have to be enrolled in a 4-H foods project to compete in this contest.  The senior Stir-ups winner will represent Valley County at Montana 4-H Congress.

SHORT TAKES

This is thinking on your feet, something you are faced with every day.  It is a fun way to communicate what you know, feel or believe - without any advance preparation.

  • You will be given a topic when you enter the room
  • You will have three (3) minutes to gather any thoughts together on a note card.
  • You will then present your “short take”.  No points will be deducted for time but a maximum of five (5) minutes speaking time will be allowed.  A monitor will hold up a time card at 4.5 minutes, so you will know that you must begin summarizing.
  • Senior’s - two (2) minutes minimum.  Junior’s one (1) minute minimum, Cloverbuds - 30 seconds minimum.

Remember, in this communication activity, as in all others, you will want to organize your thoughts with an introduction that catches the audience’s attention and lets them know the topic you will be covering, a body that gives the main ideas you want the audience to know about the subject and a summary to implant in their minds the most important thing you want them to remember.