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.

2024 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: 2024 Rockland County 4-H Public Presentations Overview and Event Details. The 2025 Overview and Event Details will be released in January 2025.

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 (may look different in 2025)

• Ages 8-12 yrs Demonstration / Illustrated Talk
• Ages 13+ 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! Join us March 1st for the 2025 Rockland 4-H Public Presentations!

Last updated October 25, 2024