Public Presentations

4-H Public Presentations is a program in which youth learn to create a presentation and develop the skills needed to present it before an audience. They learn about the research process and the steps needed to organize information into an interesting and creative presentation.

Youth learn about the varied purposes of presentations and how to tailor their presentations appropriately to fit their intentions. Beginners are encouraged to select simple topics with which they are extremely comfortable, so that the presentation process is the focus of their learning without the stress of learning about an unfamiliar topic.

As youth progress and grow each year, they are challenged to try one of the more difficult types of presentations, to use more advanced technology in their presentations where appropriate, and to venture into unfamiliar topics or presentation styles.

When former members of 4-H are asked what helped them the most in preparing for their adult years, the answer was doing public presentations. The reason for this is that it prepared them to organize information and be able to get up in front of a group at work, in the community or at a club meeting and feel comfortable. With this in mind, the 4-H Program Committee decided that everyone in 4-H should do a presentation each year, whether it is at the county or club level. Remember, a 4-Her’s total involvement in 4-H is considered when selecting for most awards and trips.

ALL 4-H members ages 8 and up as of January 1 are required to participate in the public presentation program to receive their project completion sticker on their certificate. Cloverbuds are strongly encouraged to do a presentation but it is not mandatory. In addition to the County presentations, there is another option of presenting at a Club Meeting and being “judged” by one of the leads of the club. If you are an independent member, you can give your present to family and friends, and have a parent completed the club level evaluation form. The Club Presentation is meant to be just a stepping stone for a year or two, and the member should then attend the county level event. A club level presentation does NOT make a 4-H member eligible to be selected to participate in District Public Presentations.

Last updated August 21, 2024