Why do we do demonstrations?
Demonstrations are one of the most rewarding experiences for 4-H members and leaders. As you work with 4-H members on their public presentations, you are opening new doors for many of these young people. Through giving public presentations, 4-H members learn to:
- express themselves clearly and convincingly
- organize their ideas and present them in a logical order
- research subjects
- have confidence in themselves
- emphasize the major points of a presentation through the use of visuals or examples
- listen to the opinions of others
Demonstrations can help shy, introverted 4-H members develop confidence, poise, self esteem, stage presence, and knowledge. They can also help members who are overly aggressive become more sensitive towards others.
Through giving demonstrations, members will learn that:
- errors are learning tools
- criticism may be positive
- pride can be displayed in a positive way
- skills and abilities must be used properly
What is a demonstration?
A demonstration is a planned presentation by one or more 4-H members who teach by showing and explaining things. The 4-H member describes what he or she is doing and makes something using ingredients, tools, etc. Usually, at the conclusion of a demonstration, the finished product is available for the audience to touch, taste, feel, or test.
How long should my demonstration be?
| 4-H Age Division | Member’s Age | Time Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| CloverBuds | 5 – 7 Years | Less than 5 minutes |
| Juniors | 8 – 10 Years | 3 – 8 minutes |
| Intermediates | 11 – 13 Years | 5 – 15 minutes |
| Seniors | 14 – <19 Years | 10 – 20 Minutes |
How do you do a demonstration?
General Demonstration Tips:
- Choose a different topic each year
- Decide whether you’d like to present as an individual or as a team.
- Use a template to help you structure your presentation.
- Use illustrations, posters, and visuals (including models, tools, etc.) to help your audience understand your presentation – avoid any visuals that DISTRACT attention from your main idea. Make sure lettering and images on graphics can be viewed from the back of the room and at every angle (easels are available). Live animals are not permitted in 4-H public demonstrations.
- Have your material well organized in a logical order. Perhaps trays, boxes, bowls etc. will help your to manage your materials. If you use these, look for transparent containers so that your audience can see the contents. Also consider labeling containers so that your audience sees the materials and the process.
- Plan what you’ll wear. Your clothes should be simple, neat, and clean. Those doing food presentations should wear short sleeves. Hair should be under control. Don’t wear DISTRACTING clothes, jewelry, or makeup. Choose clothing appropriate for your presentation: e.g., clown gear for a clowning presentation, period clothing for a presentation on John Muir.
- Prepare to bring any reference materials to your presentation and be prepared to share your references with your audience at the end of your presentation.
- PRACTICE often, out loud, and pull in lots of different people to serve as your audience. Be sure to ask your practice audience questions like: “What was not clear in my presentation?” “What really struck you?” “How can I make my presentation even better?”
Shaping the Presentation
- Choose a topic that is of great interest to you! If you need ideas, talk with your 4-H friends and Leader; talk with other adults and youth in your life; or look in the library, magazines, newspaper, and other media.
- Choose a title that gives an interesting hint at what your topic is about. For example, if you are going to do an illustrated talk about rabbits’ eyelids, you might want to call it “The Eyes Have It” instead of “Rabbit Eyelids.”
- Prepare a written outline of the 3 main parts of your presentation. You are welcome (and encouraged) to use your outline and brief notes as you present (no need to memorize!)
This information was produced by San Juan County 4-H and is an adapted consolidation of three WSU resources: “How to Make a 4-H Public Presentation” (WSU publication #EM4787), “4-H Public Presentations,” and “How to Give a Public Demonstration.”