Public speaking, demonstrations, and illustrated talks are all speaking competitions held at County Events. They have a lot in common, but there are some important differences between the three.

What’s the difference?

• Public speaking uses NO visuals and has slightly different time requirements from demonstrations and illustrated talks.
• A demonstration teaches HOW TO do something – props are brought in to help visualize how something is done; demonstrations can be presented with a partner.

An illustrated talk is a speech with visual aids such as a Powerpoint presentation or poster boards; these talks do not need to demonstrate a “How To”, they just share information on a topic

How are they the same?

• All are styles of public speaking.
• All should be related to your 4-H project or experiences.
• All provide a chance to move on to District Events.
• All will be shared at the County Events live competition on March 13th.

Judging and Rubrics

• All ages of youth are eligible to participate in any of the 3 competitions; Cloverbuds will receive participation ribbons; all other youth will be judges using the modified Danish system.
• All 3 events are judged on speech content, the 4-H member’s appearance and projection, and the organization of the speech.
• Public speaking has its own rubric – click here!
• Demonstrations and illustrated talks use the same rubric – click here!
  

  Moving on to District and State

• Public Speaking
  The top 2 youth in the junior, intermediate, and senior age divisions at County Events move on to District Events (held May 2nd in Putnam County)
  The top 2 seniors for the entire district move on to the state competition (held at 4-H University)
• Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks
  Any junior, intermediate, or senior who receives a blue or high level red at County Events and practices with the 4-H agents moves on to District Events (held May 2nd in Putnam County)
• Any senior who receives a blue ribbon for a demonstration or illustrated talk at District Events will move on to the state competition (held at 4-H University)
  

  Preparing Your Speech

• Choose a topic that is interesting to you and that you can relate back to your 4-H project or experiences.
• Review the rubric for your competition – be sure to note the time limits for your age group and practice meeting them.
• Practice, practice, practice – if you want to practice with the 4-H agents, call us and schedule a time.
  For other tips about public speaking, check out this blog
  For more information on preparing your demonstration or illustrated talk, click here.
• To register, click here!

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