Public Presentations

Why do a Public Presentation?

Being able to speak well in public is a skill that can help you teach, persuade or entertain others. Good speakers, such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King had the ability to accomplish great things because they knew how to deliver their message in a way that made people want to listen.  Public presentations give 4-H members an excellent opportunity to research a subject, organize ideas in logical order, develop visual aids, and learn to speak effectively in front of groups. With each public presentation completed, there is an increase in self-confidence, poise, self-esteem, stage presence and knowledge. Public presentations can teach a 4-Her lifetime skills that will be useful in his or her future social, educational, and career pursuits.  It is important for 4-Hers to begin doing public presentations at an early age and continue throughout their 4-H career. Public speaking skills develop over time, with experience and repetition.

If it is not Visible, it is not Visual

Preparing visuals (posters, charts, or models) for your presentation should be carefully thought out. A few well chosen visuals can make the difference between success and failure in a presentation. But, do not over visualize. Use them only if they add to the presentation. When its impossible to use the actual object in the demonstration, then well done posters, charts, drawings or models are effective. Posters or other visuals should be eye-catching, simple in design, uncluttered, neat and large enough for all the audience to see.

Giving the Presentation ~ Tips & Tricks

1. You are a part of the presentation. Wear clothing that feels comfortable and is suitable for your topic. Your posture and grooming will be noticed.
2. Arrange your working space and equipment before you start so everything is convenient. Keep the space in front of you clear all the time so the group can see what you are doing.
3. Explain each step as you work, but do not lecture. It is not necessary to talk every minute, but avoid long pauses. Do not attempt talking while using noisy equipment.
4. Use simple terms and simple language. Know your facts and explain them in your own words. Long memorized sentences which you do not understand are not effective.
5. Speak slowly and distinctly to your group. Be sure that they hear you. Face your audience as much as possible and look at them rather than out of the window or down at your work. Try not to let outside noises disturb you. Be sure to smile.
6. Make posters simple and large enough for everyone to see. Too many ideas or pictures on one poster are confusing. Plan just how and when you will use them.
7. Avoid disturbing mannerisms. Do not put your hands in your pockets or rock back and forth on your heels. Avoid the use of “uh” between words. Do not chew on gum, pencil, toothpick or other objects.

Food Presentations – Helpful Hints

Food demonstrations take a great deal of organization and preparation before and during the presentation. Listed below are some hints which will help you organize a foods presentation.

1. Containers – Do not clutter your counter. Use small containers for small amounts and large for large amounts. Cover any commercial labels that are showing with white paper and masking tape. Label what is in the container (i.e.: if you are using Crisco cover with paper and label shortening.). Loosen or remove lids before starting demonstration.
2. Bowls – If possible, use clear glass or plastic bowls, so everyone can see what you are doing.
3. Measuring Equipment – Use liquid measuring cups for liquids and dry measuring cups for dry ingredients. Use a spatula or straight knife edge to level dry ingredients. Some ingredients may be pre-measured at home, but measure at least one dry and one liquid ingredient. Crack eggs with a knife or spatula in a separate bowl.
4. Tray Set-up – Arrange equipment and ingredients on a tray to one side, on the other side place an empty tray. Keep tall items in the back. Arrange in order used. Make diagram of tray so you can setup tray quickly. As equipment is used, move from one tray to empty tray. Before beginning, tray should be covered with clean dish towel. When demonstration is over, cover both trays.
5. Appearance – Hair should be pulled back. Wear apron, but do not wipe hands on it. Keep hand or dish towel handy. Be neat.
6. Work quietly – Damp cloth under bowl deadens sound and prevents slipping. Wooden spoons are quieter. Do not hit spoons or beaters against sides of bowls, tap against your hand.
7. Grand Finale – Before you display your finished product, cleanup everything. Keep final product out of sight until you plan to show it. Evaluators should always be served a sample of the finished product.

Try Creative Communications

Creative Communication bridges the gap between message-delivery and the performing arts. Art forms such as recitation, dramatic interpretation, puppetry, skits, clowning, singing, music, and story telling are used as the vehicle for conveying a message. Currently the New York State 4-H Youth Development staff has elected to emphasize recitation and dramatic interpretation (as defined below) from among the options in this category.

Recitation

The presenter, with the use of vocal inflection and body language as communication tools, delivers their rendition of a piece of pre-written material. Props should not be used, but appropriate dress to subtly represent the character or mood of the written piece is acceptable. Dress should not overwhelm the oral presentation. Memorization is expected. No teams are allowed in recitation.

Dramatic Interpretation

The presenter or team delivers a re-enactment of a piece of scripted material. Content of presentation can be taken from plays, movies, sketches, and monologues – dramatic or comedic. This form of presentation, by definition, should include props and costumes. Props need to be simple and minimal, not detracting from the strength of the presenter(s). However, Creative Communication also needs an introduction, body, and summary. Leaders must sign up those doing Creative Communication on the same sheet as you sign up those doing a public presentation. A different evaluation form will be used for Creative Communications and a copy will be sent to those participating in that area.

How Can I Control my Nervousness when Presenting?

It may surprise you, but being nervous can help your presentation. You need to be a little nervous to be a good speaker. Good speakers control their nervous energy and use it to make their presentation sound more exciting. Here are some tips to keep your nerves under control.

1. Practice. It is your best weapon against being nervous. Try practicing aloud in front of a mirror so that you can see what your audience will be seeing.
2. Remember a good feeling before you speak. For example, think about when you first got your dog or when you succeeded in doing something you had worked hard on.
3. Avoid standing with your fists clenched or your knees locked because this will make you more tense.
4. Make sure your equipment is working and in a convenient spot before you start to speak. For example, if you need to use the blender at the beginning of your demonstration, make sure it is in a spot you can reach quickly and easily.

Remember, even the best speakers get nervous. You will probably be most nervous just before your speech and during the introduction. If you remember that, these will be the two most difficult times, then you can relax once you begin your presentation. Remember that the audience is on your side. No one wants to see you do poorly, so remain calm and confident. What Makes A Good Presenter? and How Can I Control My Nervousness? is information found in the publication called Public Speaking Made Easy by Darlene Ortiz. This publication has many other suggestions for public presentations. For a copy of the publication, contact the 4-H Office.