GIVING A

4-H

DEMONSTRATION

NAME__________________________________________________MY 4-H DEMO IS DUE__________________________________

On demonstration day, for 5-15 minutes, you get to be the TEACHER. You will teach the class how to do something.

Think about something you do well. List 3 things..

1.

2.

3.

Your demonstration will fall into one of the following categories. There will be one

school champion per category. School champions will advance to the county competition held on April 25 at ACTC.

DEMONSTRATION CATEGORIES

ANIMAL SCIENCE – to include information on selection, care and feeding of animals, financial records, operations

and animal products for small or large animals. (Demonstrations on horses or horse related topics can be included in

this category, however, it does not qualify the participant for the State Horse Contests; this is a different event).

Examples: Simple Tricks to Teach Your Dog

Housebreaking Your Puppy

Training & Showing a Calf

Properties of Wool

BREAD – to included preparation, skills and creativity in using yeast or quick breads (such as cornmeal, biscuits or

fruit/nut breads) as part of family meals or snacks. Any recipe labeled as a quick bread or yeast bread is permissible.

Please submit a copy of the recipe on day of event.

Examples: How to Make Cornbread

How to Make Yeast Rolls

CLOTHING/SEWING – to include construction, techniques, wardrobe selection and planning (color, design accesso-

ries, appropriate dress for various occasions) selection, use or care of clothing related equipment, care of clothing,

posture as it relates to fit. Fibers, fabrics, and textile related topics.

Examples: Grooming Finishes—Tye Dye, Stamping

How to Sew on a Button

Wardrobe Selection

CRAFTS & PHOTOGRAPHY --to include crewel, decoupage, needlepoint, candle making, macramé, scrap booking,

embroidery, quilting, silk screen, batik, block print, corn-shuck flowers, ceramics, jewelry making and similar topics.

This category also includes demonstrations related to photography such as picture taking, composition, framing or

scrapbooking.

Examples: How to Make Rubber Band Bracelets

How to Make A Sock Puppet

How to Take the Perfect Selfie

FOODS – to include preparation skills and creativity in using foods for meals and snacks (excluding breads). Please

submit a copy of the recipe on day of event.

Examples: How to Make a Milkshake

How to Make a PB&J

Cake Decorating

GENERAL – to include demonstrations which do not fit into other categories.

HEALTH – to include information on physical and mental fitness, prevention and control of disease and parasites,

grooming, desirable health practices and attitudes for people, families and communities. Also posture as related to

physical or mental health. (CPR demonstrations should be done in SAFETY)

Examples: Hair & Diet

Skin Care

How to Brush Your Teeth

HOME ENVIRONMENT AND MANAGEMENT – to include topics based on information in the 4-H Home Environment

projects or Home Economics leaflets in home furnishings and skills in managing persona and family resources, care

and use of household furnishings. May include topics related to babysitting if the topic is not substantively related to

another category.

Examples: How to Make a Bed

How to Plan a Meal

How to Set a Table

HORTICULTURE – management practices, selection and production of fruits, vegetables and flowers, landscaping

and care of lawn including use of trees, shrubs, flowers, and house plants.

Examples: Flowerbed Arrangements

How to Plant a Seed

Planning a Garden

PERFORMING ARTS -all demonstrations related to the performing arts including theatre, dance, musical instruments

and musical performance.

Examples: Strumming a Guitar

How to Breakdance

Musical Performance

PRESENTATION SOFTWARE – all demonstrations using presentation software and projection equipment (i.e. Pow-

erPoint) should be placed in this category regardless of topic. Please bring the presentation on media that can be

transferred to another computer (i.e. CD or portable drive).

Examples: PowerPoint

Presentation Software

Projection Equipment

SAFETY – to include the use and care of any equipment to prevent accidents (including storage of fuels, chemicals

and tools), removing hazards, safety inspections. All first aid and CPR demonstrations are in this category.

Examples: CPR

First Aid

ATV Safety

DEMONSTRATION CATEGORIES

SCIENCE AND NATURAL RESOURCES – includes Agronomy, Entomology, and Natural Resources.

Includes soils, seeds, conservation practices, geology, weather, and fish/wildlife. This includes topics

related to the natural sciences. This category can include science-fair type experiments related to these topics.

Examples: How to Use a Fishing Lure

How Tornadoes are Made

Soil Layers

SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY – to include all topics relative to the physical sciences, engineering

and technology. This includes, but is not limited to, demonstrations related to farm equipment, automobiles, electricity,

construction, biotechnology, aerospace, rocketry, woodcraft and the care or construction of computers [may NOT use

computer projection equipment in place of posters]. This category can include science-fair type experiments related to

these topics.

Examples: Cleaning a Spark Plug

Computer Construction

How to Replace a Phone Screen

SHOOTING SPORTS – includes proper care and cleaning of equipment, safety, sighting alignment and shooting tech-

niques, selecting equipment and ammunition. Weapons of any sort can not be brought into the building or on the

grounds of school or university property. This includes firearms, bullets, bows and arrows. Mockups, models and

charts must be used instead. Models cannot look like an actual gun, bow or other firearm.

Examples: Proper Care

Alignment

Cleaning

***Weapons cannot be brought to school. Models can be used, but cannot look like an actual gun. Be sure to check with

your teacher if you choose this category.

DEMONSTRATION CATEGORIES

Choose a topic that is easily demonstrated and that you can access ALL

the supplies for. You will need to have a finished product on

demonstration day. If you can’t finish the project in the 5-15

minute time frame, be sure to finish at home and bring the

finished product. For example, if you are demonstrating

how to make cookies, you will need to bring all of the supplies to mix cook-

ie batter and bake cookies at home and bring a plate of baked cookies.

1) This event includes both Demonstrations (Team and Individual) and Illustrated talks.

2) Each District can send two (2) participants per category.

3) State standard is that state communication day event participants earn a blue ribbon at the district level to qualify for the

state communications day event.

4) NO LIVE ANIMALS of any size are permitted.

5) Junior Demonstrations: Any member age 9-13 may compete in Junior Demonstrations as per their age determined on

January 1st of the year in which the state contest is held.

Senior Demonstrations: Any member age 14-19 may participate in Senior Demonstration (must have passed their 14th

birthday but have not passed their 19th birthday as of January 1st of the year in which the state contest is held).

Age is determined by the date of the State event, not when the district or multi-county group hosts their event.

6) Time limit for project demonstrations will be 5 to 15 minutes. (INCLUDING BREADS) Demonstrations going under or

over time will be assessed a 3 point penalty from their overall final score and be given a blue, red or white ribbon and

WILL be eligible for Champion placement.

7) State Champions may participate only in categories in which they have NOT previously won.

8) Participants may have help in practicing and setting up for demonstrations. A participant may have help with practicing

the demonstration or speech. Preparation may include practicing in front of peers, club leaders, etc. At the SENIOR LEV-

EL, the 4-H’er is expected to demonstrate original work – choosing a topic, researching it and writing their own speech or

demonstration. The internet may be used as a reference source but NOT as a source for a non-original speech or demon-

stration.

9) It is suggested that the speech or demonstration given by the 4-H’er be a new topic from previous years.

10) Team demonstrations ARE permitted at the state level. They will follow the same rules and regulations of the single

participant demonstrations. Two (2) 4-H members will comprise a team. Each person must have a significant speaking and

presentation portion. Team demonstrations will be placed in a Junior Category or a Senior Category regardless of topic. All

team members must be in the same age category.

11) A 4-H’er need not be enrolled in a project to give a demonstration; however, they should be encouraged to use demon-

strations as an educational tool in their project area.

12) A demonstration obviously entered in the wrong category may be moved to the correct category if there is no more

than one other person from that district entered. If a participant cannot be moved, they will be given a blue, red, or white

rating but will NOT be eligible for Champion placement.

13) Weapons of any sort can not be brought into the building or on the grounds of school or university property. This in-

cludes firearms, bullets, bows and arrows. Mockups, models and charts must be used instead. Models cannot look like an

actual gun, bow or other firearm.

14) The decisions of the judges are FINAL.

STATE 4-H DEMONSTRATIONS PROGRAM RULES AND REGULATIONS

PREPARATION

The following steps will help you prepare to give a demonstration.

Choose a topic: Find a subject that you know something about or that is of interest to you. Make sure your topic is not

too broad. Check with your teacher to make sure it is permissible.

Select a Title: Think of a title that relates to the subject and is catchy, original and short. It should suggest the subject

without telling the whole story. For example, instead of titling a demonstration on how to tie your shoes “How to Tie your

shoes” you could title it “Tie it Up”.

Collect information. Think about what you already know about your topic. What examples do you know that will illus-

trate your demonstration? Is there a poem, song, joke that you can use to make your topic clear? Why is the topic im-

portant?

Organize materials. Separate your materials into three parts: introduction, body and conclusion. Use the worksheet in

this packet to help you get started.

Introduction-Get the attention of your audience, make them want to listen, inform them of your subject and show

them how the subject concerns you. Tell a story or joke or read a quote. Tell the audience what you are going to

demonstrate and why it is important to them.

Body-Select two or three main points and explain each point. Use accurate and up to date information. Arrange key

steps in logical order. Go through all the steps of your demonstration.

Conclusion-Briefly restate your main ideas. Leave your audience with an attention grabbing statement, question or

wrap up thought. Ask the judges if they have any questions. Be sure to cite your sources here.

Make note cards. Do not write the entire demo on note cards. Write down the main points and key words. Note cards

should be used to help you organize your speech but should not be a distraction.

Create visual aids. Make sure your aids are easy to read and add interest to your project. Use one poster to list your

materials, one to list steps, and one for conclusion. Posters can be hand written or printed. Be creative with your posters.

Practice! Giver your demonstration in front of a mirror and in front of friends and family. The more you practice the more

comfortable you will be on demonstration day!

HOW TO PLAN, PREPARE & DELIVER YOUR DEMONSTRATION

The more you practice the more comfortable you will be on

demonstration day. Don’t wait until the night before. Make

yourself an outline and try to do a little each day.

The sooner you choose a topic and make your posters,

the more time you will have for practice.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Delivery

Eye contact. Look directly into the eyes of your audience during your demonstration. Look at people in

various parts of the audience. Be sure to make eye contact with your judges.

Posture. Stand in a comfortable position. Be sure to face your audience. Be careful about turning your

back to the audience.

Gesture. When using gestures, try to be natural and relaxed. Be sure to incorporate these into your demonstration.

Emphasis. Pause just before and after an important point. You may want to change your tone of voice for added empha-

sis.

Quotations. Give full credit to your source and pause before and after so the audience knows where the quote begins

and ends.

Notes. Do not write your entire demonstration on cards. DO NOT READ from your note cards! Refer to your cards for

the main points you want to make.

Attire. Dress appropriately for your audience and topic. Consider wearing a costume if it fits your topic.

Visual Aids. The more equipment, extension cords, utensils and other materials you use, the more you must practice

and experiment. The following will help you plan your demo.

Select the best possible piece of equipment for the job and make sure it is good working order and you know how to

work it.

Arrange each piece of equipment in the order you plan to use it.

Make sure your audience can see your visual aids.

Be careful not to let equipment or supplies block the line of vision and your hands.

Use at least 3 posters. One to list the supplies needed, one for the steps, and one for the conclusion. You can use

more than three if necessary. Ask these questions about your posters:

Do they add interest and excitement to my demonstration?

Are the words large enough for those in the back of the room to see? At least 1 inch high.

Are my posters visually appealing? Colorful? Have pictures?

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Shoe with

laces

Two hands

HOW TO STEPS:

1.

2.

3.

4.

CONCLUSION:

Walking around with untied

shoes is dangerous. Knowing

how to tie your shoes is an

important life skill. Follow

these simple steps and you’ll

be a tying expert.

4-H DEMONSTRATION PLANNING GUIDE

Title

Introduction

Introduce your subject using a quote, story, or joke. Keep it short and use it to get the audience’s atten-

tion. Tell the audience what you are going to demonstrate and why that topic is important to them.

Example: Have you ever had one of those falls that happen in slow motion? You trip over you shoelaces

and see yourself falling and can’t stop it...you go down and everyone sees it? Today, I’m going to teach

you how to tie your shoes to save yourself that embarrassment.

Body

The body is the MOST important part of your demonstration. Review the materials needed for the

demonstration and the key points. This is the “how to” portion of your demonstration.

Example: If you want to save yourself from tripping over your shoelaces, you will need a shoe with laces

and two hands. The first step in tying your shoes is to...secondly you need to…third you will...and finally

you...and congratulations you now know how to tie your shoes!

Conclusion

Summarize your main points. Use a story or quote to express your point. Finish strong with an attention-

grabbing statement, question or wrap-up thought. Be sure to cite your sources and ask your judges if

they have any questions.

Example: In conclusion, don’t let your shoes trip you up in life! Follow these simple steps you can easily

tie your shoes and keep yourself upright and moving forward. My mom taught me how to tie my shoes at

age 5 and I’ve been walking confidently since. Do the judges have any questions?

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!!

As you practice your demo, ask your family to use this list to

evaluate it:

Dress clean, neat, and appropriate

Posture erect, but not stiff

Gestures poised and natural

Voice easily heard

Voice expressive.

Introduction interesting, brief and gives purpose.

Body of demo well organized and in

logical order.

Eye contact with the audience.

Correct grammar and vocabulary.

Notes do not distract.

Demo flows smoothly from one point to another.

Subject matter up to date and accurate.

Suitable for age.

Equipment and visuals easy to follow and appealing.

Procedures visible to entire audience.

PRACTICE TIPS

Don’t forget the time limit is 5-15 minutes.

Make sure your posters are neat and clean and the lettering is large enough to read. Use colors that

are easy to see. Dark colors usually work best. Add some pictures to jazz them up.

Remember to look around and make eye contact when you speak.

Keep talking while you are demonstrating. Make sure there is no dead silence.

Speak LOUDLY and SLOWLY.

Don’t forget to prepare ahead of time. Know how to work your equipment and be sure to have ALL of

your supplies ready.

Practice in front of the mirror. Practice in front of your friends, family, dog, anybody that will listen.

Maybe record yourself so you know what needs work.

Remember to SMILE and try to HAVE FUN. Remember, everyone in your class is doing this too,

you’re not alone!

DATES TO REMEMBER My Demonstration Day ___________________

County Competition April 2016 at ACTC

4-H Camp June 13-16, 2016

Boyd County Fair July 12-16 2016

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