IMPACT STATEMENT
4-H Public Presentation

 

Need
Our society is becoming more and more of an information based society. The ability to communicate effectively with groups of people is increasingly important.

Leadership in local communities often falls to those individuals who are confident in speaking before a group and who can clearly express their ideas. National studies and reports, on the transition of youth to adulthood, indicated that youth need positive experiences, useful life skills, and to contribute to society.

While attending college, former Warren County 4-H member Lonnie Curri relied on 4-H training during a senior year public relations internship - "Through 4-H, I learned the structure of a speech and the little extras that keep an audience interested. It's important to be able to speak and present ideas.

Response
Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Program Youth Development of Warren County conducts two area 4-H Public Presentation Trainings each year in January, and two area 4-H Presentation Days in February for youth ages 7-19 years.

At the training 4-H'ers learn how to gather and organize information, and then present it as a demonstration, or illustrated talk. The 4-H'ers learn how to incorporate visual aids in their demonstrations. This training is assisted by older 4-H teens who have been demonstrating for several years.

Presentations are made first at a local level within the club, then at the County Public Presentation Days. The presenters are evaluated by volunteer judges who consider both content, and presentation 4-H'ers also are given the opportunity to give their presentations at the County Fair, New York State Fair, and at Public Exhibits.

Results
Since 1936, thousands of youth have demonstrated their skills during County Public Presentation Days. The value of Public Presentations is well documented through comments from educators who have taught 4-H members in their classes, and through letters received from 4-H Alumni, who stated that 4-H Public Presentations was one of the most worthwhile learning experiences they received while in 4-H. A few of their comments relating to Public Presentations were:
- It helped me gain self confidence.
- I learned to express myself more effectively.
- I overcame my shyness.
- It helped me in making radio & TV commercials(both writing and taping).
- It helped me reach my career goals.

Future
Public Presentations will continue to be a very important part of the 4-H Program in Warren County. Efforts continue to be made to increase the number of 4-H members involved in the Public Presentation Program, and to expand their opportunities by involving them in demonstrating at County & State Fairs, Mall exhibits, speaking before service groups, and TV public service announcements.

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