Florida 4-H Demonstration Judge’s Orientation

Demonstrations  Purpose: To learn public speaking skills and delve into chosen subject matter  Presentations are 3-12 minutes for Juniors and Intermediates, and 5-12 minutes for Seniors  A new demonstration should begin every 15 minutes or sooner

Demonstrations  Wide variety of categories in which youth compete from veterinary science and plant connections to waste management and general public speaking  2-3 judges per topic  Some people will judge more than one topic area

About the Youth  Top demonstrations progress to District for Juniors and Intermediates and to District then State for Seniors.  Some categories have national competitions for Seniors.  Can use power point, but must bring & set up equipment themselves

Demonstration Score Sheets  Same score sheets used at county, district, and state competitions.  Scoring out of 100 points, each section designates maximum points assigned to that section  It is natural to judge the first few more harshly than subsequent demonstrations. Feel free to go back and adjust once you know what to expect.  Judges may ask 2-3 questions of each demonstrator. Only judges may ask questions.

Demonstration Score Sheets  Please continue the learning experience for the youth by writing constructive comments on the score sheets. Try to sandwich criticisms in between positive comments.  Youth will receive score sheets back with comments.

Making the Decision  Award Recipients must meet the standards criteria before being considered for “top placing” among their peers.  Blue, Red, & White ribbons are awarded to determine the standard met. An award will be given to the top individual and to the top team from the blue ribbon category for each program area.  Actual placing must match the scores on your score sheets (please adjust them if need be)!  Blue: , Red: 89-80, White: 79 & below.

Room Monitors  Each room is assigned a room monitor.  Room Monitors have the following items for you:  Pencils  Calculators  Score sheets  Stopwatches  Room Monitors will assist you by:  Timing the presentations  Returning score sheets and summary sheets to Headquarters after presentations

Thank you! We hope that this will be an enjoyable experience for you and that you will consider joining us again next year!