Demonstrations & Illustrated Talks VCYC July 10, 2025, 2-4 p.m. Centennial Hall
Registration deadline is Monday July 7th 9p.m. (Live animals not permitted.)
Link to register via google forms:
https://forms.gle/7eNAFqQoCyXE3QsXA or paper form at end of document turned in at Extension Office.
4-H demonstrations/Illustrated talks are a way of showing others what you have learned in your 4-H projects and activities.
Through giving public presentations, 4-H members learn to:
express themselves clearly and convincingly
organize their ideas and present them in a logical order
have confidence in themselves
emphasize the major points of a presentation using visuals or examples
listen to the opinions of 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
Have you ever shown someone how to take a picture, peel a carrot or W**d a garden? If so, you’ve given a demonstration, because a demonstration is simply showing and telling how to do something — words in action.
Demonstrations aren’t difficult; you just tell how to do something by using action words such as cut, fold, stir, mix or saw. For example, say, “Fold the paper into halves,” as you actually fold the paper. Explain why you are doing the step. Review the steps and answer questions about the steps.
Parts of a demonstration: A demonstration has four parts:
Introduction — what the member is demonstrating
Body — the steps of the skill and how to do them
Summary — review of the steps
Questions and answers —Ask for questions Ask, “Are there any questions?” When a question is asked, repeat it. You may say, “John asked … .” Or just repeat the question. Then answer if possible. If you don’t know the answer, say so or tell the audience you will try to get the information for them or refer them to sources of information. When you have answered all questions, add a courteous ending. Say something like, “This ends my demonstration. I hope you will find this information useful.” Use your own words to say how you feel.
Suggestions and tips
Posters can be a help. Use a poster to emphasize the main points. The poster should be planned after the demonstration is outlined and practiced. Make sure the letters are big enough and clear enough that they can be read from the back of the room.
Practice often. Practice can help work out the easiest way to arrange the materials. Do things in order, explain every action, know the subject, have all the equipment needed and give reliable information.
Appearance is important. Encourage members to wear clothes that are suitable for what they are demonstrating. Being neat and clean is appropriate, too! Members who stand tall will be able to make their voice be heard easier.
Use a clear voice. A clear, pleasant voice makes it easier for the audience to hear and understand. Speaking slowly and clearly. Practice can improve this. Members should try to talk to the audience, not at the table as they work. A way to help members to remember this is to tell them to “keep your chin up so that your voice will carry.”
Be at ease. Relax and be at ease. Smile at the audience before beginning this is one way to set the tone.
This guide was developed by Mary Jo Williams, state 4-H youth development specialist, and Jamie Tomek, former extension associate.
The following information may be helpful to you as you prepare for the event.
Scoring guide and registration forms follow
Contact Information:
Diane Blankenship
Phone 417-448-2560
Email
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Demonstrations & Illustrated Talks Scoring Guide for VCYC 2025
Name: __________________________________________ 4-H Age_________
Club: ___________________________________4-H project: _____________________________________
Points
Possible
Points Awarded
Comments
Introduction
Name, club, Years as a 4-H member
4-H project enrolled in
Why project was selected
4
4
5
____
____
____
Career Connections
Connect your current 4-H project to a related career and industry
What education/technical training is required?
Where can the education/technical training be obtained?
What will the education/technical training cost?
Who are potential employers?
Where (geographically) are there employment opportunities in this career?
6
6
6
6
6
6
____
____
____
____
____
____
Presentation
Eye contact
Voice/tone
Confidence-uses appropriate gestures and facial expressions
Organization
Clarity
Use of visual aids
6
6
6
6
6
6
____
____
____
____
____
____
Time limits by age category
Juniors (ages 8-10), 3-5 minutes in length
Intermediates (ages 11-13), 4-6 minutes in length
Seniors (ages 14-18), 6-8 minutes in length
15
(Point deductions for timing will be 2 points for every 30 seconds over or under the time .)
_____
____
Total points: ________________________________ Judges’ comments:
Link to register via google forms:
https://forms.gle/7eNAFqQoCyXE3QsXA
Registration (paper):
Name: ___________________________________ and I am __________years old. I am a member of _____________________________Vernon County 4H Club. I have been a 4-H member for ______ years.
My 4-H projects for this year are:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Subject of demonstration/ illustrated talk is: _______________________________________________________
Ribbons and prizes will be awarded!
Registration deadline is 9 pm Monday July 7,2025
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