DEMONSTRATIONS

Public Speaking is a valuable life skill from which every young person can benefit. Each member should be encouraged to present a demonstration at the club meeting. Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks are a tool to help 4-H participants develop poise and self-confidence by providing a practical experience in organizing and presenting information learned in 4-H project work to others. Those interested in competition may enter the county-wide 4-H demonstration contest.

Youth will:

1. Any 4-H member from age 9 to 19 may participate.
2. Time limit for project demonstrations is 15 minutes. (Exceptions: Breads, 20 minutes; junior and senior horse, 9 to 12 minutes; junior and senior horse team demonstration must be 10 to 15 minutes).
3. Participants are divided into 2 divisions--"JUNIOR” - ages 9 - 13 and 
   "SENIOR" -ages 14 - 18.
4. Competitive categories are based on subject matter. A list of categories is attached. The subject matter of a demonstration should be determined by the content of the demonstration rather than the title only. If a demonstration does not clearly fit into a project category, the 4-H'er should be encouraged to adapt the demonstration to that project area. (Demonstrations are most often based on information gained through doing 4-H projects, and therefore should fit easily into one of the specified categories.
5. Horse is the only category which allows a team demonstration.
6. An illustrated talk is a speech with visuals.
7. Participants may have help in writing and planning a demonstration. The demonstrator should do all set up and clean up at the contest. (Parents should limit their help at the competition to taking supplies to the front of the room.) Any other assistance should be given by the room leader.
8. Note cards: The use of note cards is optional.
9. The contestant will be introduced by name, county. and subject (title) by the room leader before he/she presents the demonstration/illustrated talk. There will be no penalty if name, county and subject (title) are used during the demonstration/illustrated talk.
10. The contest is usually held at the Extension Office. One or more categories of demonstrations will be held in a single room. A table and an easel will be available for members to use. (If an easel is not available, the room leader will hold posters for each demonstrator.) Microphones will not be used. Any equipment needed for the demonstration should be brought from home.
11. Pre-registration information must be turned in at the Extension office no later than 4:00 p.m.
12. The decision of the judges is final.

The key to determining a project demonstration category is the subject matter content rather than the title.

AGRICULTURE ENGINEERING - to include care and use of farm equipment or automobiles (except small engines), selection, storage and use of fuels, lubricants, care and use of tools (such as hand tools and painting equipment), skills and knowledge acquired from woodcraft projects. Computer demonstrations fit into this category (except for senior category - see COMPUTER below).

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES - includes Agronomy, Entomology, and Natural Resources. Includes soils, seeds, conservation practices, geology, weather, fish/wildlife, and shooting sports if emphasis is not on safety.

ANIMAL SCIENCE (small) - to include information on selection, care and feeding of animals, including pets, (excluding horses), poultry, rabbits, dogs; financial records and operation; animal products (meats/eggs) from animals.

ANIMAL SCIENCE (large) - to include information on selection, care and feeding of animals, financial records, operations and animal products, including beef, sheep, swine, dairy, and dairy goat (does not include horses).

BREAD - to include preparation, skills and creativity in using breads as a part of family meals or snacks. Quick Bread such as cornmeal muffins, biscuits, fruit-nut breads for juniors; Yeast Breads for seniors. Any bread recipe using yeast is a yeast bread.

CLOTHING - to include construction techniques, wardrobe selection and planning (color, design accessories, appropriate dress for various occasions) selection, use or care of equipment, care of clothing. Posture as it relates to fit. Fibers, fabrics and textile related topics.

COMPUTER - a special category for those senior 4-H members who are taking the 4-H Computer Project and who want to participate in a hands-on computer exercise, a written quiz taken from the Computer Project books, an illustrated talk, and programming. Those who wish to do a computer demonstration only should enter agriculture engineering category, junior or senior level. Details about this category will be sent via a county mailing.

CREATIVE CRAFTS - to include crewel, decoupage, needlepoint, candle making, macramé, embroidery, quilting, silk screen, batik, block print, corn shuck flowers and similar topics.

DAIRY FOODS - to include preparation, skills and creativity in using dairy products in meals and snacks. A primary ingredient of the recipe must be a dairy product.

ELECTRIC - to include information on the construction, repair, servicing and use of electrical equipment and appliances. Extreme caution should be used in all demonstrations requiring live electricity.

GENERAL - to include demonstrations which cannot be slotted into other categories. Judges will be supplied with list of other categories available.

HEALTH - to include information on physical and mental fitness, prevention and control of human diseases and parasites, grooming, desirable health practices and attitudes for self, family and community. Posture as it related to physical and mental health. CPR demonstrations must be done in SAFETY.

HOME ENVIRONMENT & MANAGEMENT - to include topics based on information in 4-H projects or Home Economics leaflets in Home Furnishings and skills in managing personal and family resources, care and use of household furnishings. May include topics related to babysitting project, if subject is not specifically related to another category.

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.

OTHER FOODS - to include preparation skills and creativity in using foods with the exception of breads and dairy foods in meals and snacks.

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHY - selection, care and use of photographic/video graphic equipment and film/tape, skills in taking and using pictures/tape as an art, science or communicative tool.

SAFETY - to include use and care of any equipment to prevent accidents (including storage of fuels, chemicals, tools), removing hazards, safety inspections. First Aid and CPR demonstrations must go in this category.

SHOOTING SPORTS- includes proper care and cleaning of equipment, safety, sighting alignment, shooting techniques, selecting equipment and ammunition. Includes bows and arrows.