Learning to do public presentations is a focus of the 4-H Program in Madison County. We feel this life skill is important because speaking in front of a group is a scary thing, yet a skill you will use often throughout your life. All 4-H members are encouraged to do presentations. Horse communications contest is another presentation opportunity. The basic format is the same, however the topic must be horse related. Some of the rules vary. 4-H'ers in the county can participate in regular presentations, horse communications or both. For more information contact the 4-H office.
Public Presentations should have the following format:
- Introduction – Think of a catchy way to get the audience attention
- Body – give the audience the facts you want them to have
- Conclusion – Summarize what you just told the audience
We encourage youth to participate in:
- Club Public Presentation Workshops (schedule with the 4-H office)
- Club presentations
- County presentation (held in the early spring each year)
- District or Regional Presentations(if presenter qualifies)
- State Presentations or Communications (if the presenter qualifies)
- National Horse Communications (if presenter qualifies)
- Public Presentation Spaghetti Dinner – Dinner to celebrate the accomplishment of the presenters and the volunteers who make the program possible. (Date to be announced)
There are three basic types of presentations:
- Demonstration or Illustrated Talk
- Speech
- Dramatic Interpretation
To find out more about regular presentations visit the NYS website. To find out more about Horse Communications check out the rule book.
To register please fill out the form.
Remember that Cloverbud Presentations are a noncompetitive program. There is no individual judging because research shows us that children of this age find it especially hard to deal with criticism.
Success is very important to these younger children, so we need to use this opportunity to emphasize even the smallest successes. The main goal of “Show & Tell” is to help them feel comfortable saying something in front of a group of people.
Through “Show & Tell”, the child is encouraged to share something they know about with others in the group. They should begin by introducing themselves and what they are going to “tell” about. They tell us a few facts about their topic. It is helpful if they also have an item to “show” as they talk. The whole process may take only 10-15 seconds. Remember, the goal is to have them say something in front of the group.
For children who are a little older, you may want to emphasize some of the following points:
- Did they stand up straight?
- Did they talk slowly and loud enough to be heard?
- Did they introduce themselves?
- Did they introduce the topic?
- Did they explain 2-3 facts about their topic?
- Did they thank the audience?