How to Set Up 4-H Public Presentations

A public presentation is important to the 4H experience. Through public presentations, 4H members learn to express themselves thoughtfully and coherently. As a leader, you can help set up opportunities for each 4H member to give a public presentation. Here's how.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide where to have your presentations. You can hold your group's presentations at local 4H meetings, county or state presentation contests, county fairs, shopping malls or during service clubs. Choose a place that fits the size of your group.

2. Estimate each members' set up and take down time. You can figure this out once you know each members' topic. A 4H presentation might be a demonstration, formal speech, fine arts display or illustrated talk. Different kinds of presentations might require more or less time in between speeches.

3. Make an agenda of speakers. Organize your presenters so that their topics do not overlap. Also consider how much time each might need to set up and take down their visual aids. Try to stagger 4H presenters who will take longer with others that have easy set ups.

4. Figure out how long your group's public presentations will last. Junior 4H member public presentations should last 3 to 8 minutes. Intermediates should last 5 to 15 minutes, and seniors should last 8 to 20 minutes. Make sure you have a space reserved that will accommodate your group for the whole time.

Tips & Warnings

• Come up with a way to warn your speakers when they are running short on time. Although this shouldn't be an issue, if you only have permission to use a space for a certain amount of time, you do not want to run late.