Public Presentations

What are 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.

Levels of Presentations:

Level I - Club Presentations

4-H members are encouraged to prepare and present their 4-H presentation in front of their primary 4-H Club. The presentation is not formally evaluated but rather used as practice to prepare for 4-H County Presentations.

Level II - County Event

4-H members present in front of trained volunteer evaluators in a classroom-style setting. The focus is more on developing confidence rather than competition, though presenters may be selected to advance to 4-H District Presentations.

Level III - District Event

Selected 4-H members from Southeast Counties take part in this event. Presentations are given in a public setting to trained volunteer evaluators. Numerical scores given by evaluators, and participation certificates are awarded immediately after the event.

Level IV - Northeast States Speak Up Fest

4-H members from New York’s Southeast District are selected to submit video recordings of their presentations to a statewide review committee. This committee evaluates each submission and selects four Illustrated Talks/Demonstrations and two Speeches to represent New York State at the virtual Northeast States Speak Up Fest. Held in October, this virtual event brings together 4-H members from across the Northeast to give their presentations and engage in meaningful peer feedback and discussion.

2025 4-H Presentations Overview and Event Details

To learn more about last year's event, including the in-person and virtual options and resources, view: 2025 Rockland County 4-H Public Presentations Overview and Event Details.

Preparing for Public Presentations

• 4-H Public Speaking Best Practices - University of California 4-H Presentation Manual
• Planning Worksheets: Selecting a Topic & Presentation Organizer - University of California 4-H Presentation Manual
• How to Do a Food Demonstration
• How to Make Cue Cards for Speeches
• Tools for Public Speaking
• NYS 4-H Public Presentations Event Guide
• NYS 4-H Public Presentations Evaluator's Guide

Feedback Forms

• Demonstration/Illustrated Talk
• Creative Communications 
• Speech
• Cloverbud (ages 5-7) 

4-H Teen Interviews

• NYS 4-H Teen Interview Youth Packet
• NYS 4-H Interview Scoring Rubric
• NYS 4-H Interview Feedback Form   
• 4-H MOCK College Application
• 4-H MOCK CCE Employment Application
• 4-H MOCK Position Description
• Cornell Career Guide

Save the Date! Rockland County 4-H Public Presentations will return on Saturday, March 7, 2026!

Last updated July 22, 2025