Leigh Helms

Faulkner County CEA – 4-H / FCS

Public Speaking…4-H Style

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 BodyThe 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 Informationi.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 minutesJuniors: 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 props3. 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 SpeakingUniversity of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service

• Tools for Public SpeakingOhio State University

• Public Speaking…4-H StyleTexas Agricultural Extension Service