Public Speaking…

4-H Style

Leigh Helms
Faulkner County CEA – 4-H / FCS
Why is public speaking important?

• KNOWLEDGE
• CONFIDENCE
• POISE

4-H is all about “Learning by Doing!”

 What is an
Illustrated Talk?

Illustrated Talks are just that –

“Talking”

Telling how to do something with the

aid of visuals.
(Posters, photos, slides, pictures, models)
 Method Demonstrations
Demonstrations are not just talking but
“DOING.”

Showing HOW to make or do something.

(i.e. Saddle a horse, build a birdhouse or make a simple dish)
 Parts of the Speech
Each speech has 3 basic parts:
1. The Beginning (INTRODUCTION)
2. The Middle (BODY)
3. The End (Summary or Conclusion)
 The Introduction
• Introduce yourself if you have not already
been introduced.

• Catch the audience’s attention within the

FIRST 15 SECONDS.

• Inform the audience of your topic and what

you hope they learn.
Which opening would you prefer?

Option A: “4-H is the best thing that

has ever happened to America!”

OR

Option B: “4-H is Fun.”

 Attention Getters
• Quotes
– Make sure the quote relates to your subject.
• Challenges
– Make sure the challenge is inspiring – not
insulting.
• Stories
– Be able to relate the story to your topic and
make the story interesting!
 Part 2: The Body
The body is the “meat” or the “heart”
of your talk.

• The body should contain the main points

or your speech.
– Limit your speech to 3 or 4 main parts.
– Support each part with at least
Two illustrations
 Organizing the Body:
• Clearly numbered points
– i.e. “There are 3 main points to consider when giving
a speech…”
• Cause and Effect Reasoning
– Example: “The number one killer of youth ages 16-20
is vehicular accidents. What can be done to reduce
these tragedies?”
• Chronological Relay of Information
i.e. “First, cream the margarine
and sugar. Then…”
 Part 3: The Conclusion
• The conclusion or summary reminds the
audience of your main points.

• Relate your closing to your introduction.

• Do not introduce new material.

• End with the idea you want

remembered most!
 Information Sources
Include the locations you received your
information.

Do NOT Plagiarize or copy directly from

someone else’s work!
 Selecting A Topic
• Choose a topic that is Interesting to YOU
and that will fit your audience.

• Does the topic fit the situation?

• Does the topic fit my knowledge level?

 Delivering Your Talk
• Posture -- Stand up straight!
• Speak clearly.
• Hand Gestures: Use occasionally and with good
style.
• Show energy and enthusiasm.
• Facial Expressions – Look Alert! Use your
smile, eyebrows and expressions to show
confidence.
• Eye Contact – Invite everyone into your
presentation.
 Time Limits
• Make sure to stay within set time
limitations.

Cloverbuds: 1-3 minutes

Juniors: 3-5 minutes
Seniors: 5-8 minutes
 Take Charge of Your Appearance
• Appearance is important because an
audience forms their first impression
before a speaker even has a
chance to speak!

• Dress for your audience. The goal is to

have the audience focused on YOU!

• Capture the “total look.”

 Showing and Telling: Using Visuals
• Understandable and Visual
– Make sure your visuals are to the point!
– Only cover 2-3 points per poster or slide.

• Consider the colors you use for lettering

and pictures.
 Showing and Telling: Using Visuals
• Letter Size vs. Viewing Distance
– ¼ inch 8 feet
– ½ inch 16 feet
– 1 inch 32 feet

• Neatness
– Avoid being too wordy.
– Make sure the words can be
easily read at the back of
the room.
 Do your visuals pass the test?
• Is the visual needed?
• Does it focus the audience’s attention?
• Is it neat and simple?
• Is it easy to use?
• Does it fit smoothly into the presentation?
 Practice, Practice, Practice!

1. Rehearse out loud at least 6 times

2. Practice with your props
3. Questions and answers

Practice makes permanent…Not perfect!

 Making Your Presentation
Effective… In Summary
• Choose a topic that fits you and your audience.

• Be well prepared.
– Rehearse your speech at least 6 times.
– Practice with any visuals.

• Dress for the occasion.

• Be YOURSELF and HAVE FUN!

 Remember:
Good speakers are not born –
They are developed.
 Information Sources:
• 4-H Public Presentation Guide: Method Demonstrations and
Illustrated Talks
Texas Agricultural Extension Service

• 4-H Public Speaking

University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service

• Tools for Public Speaking

Ohio State University

• Public Speaking…4-H Style

Texas Agricultural Extension Service