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!