1. Perfecting Presentations
Communications
Perfecting Presentations
Welcome to the Manitoba 4-H Council’s Canned Presentation Series: Communications – Perfecting Presentations. This presentation is geared towards Intermediate members working on either speeches or visual presentations. This presentation is based on Manitoba 4-H Council’s 4-H Communications Fact Sheet Series, available from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development offices.
This presentation is designed as a 30 minute workshop (including activities) for 4-H clubs or Districts. While each of the presentations are independent, they build upon one another to make a series.
Please feel free to adapt the examples of activities provided, to specific situations, based on your knowledge of the group. You may also need to find new activities if presenting the workshop to the same group. Activities included in the workshop are taken from; the Quality Equation Club Pack, 4-H Club Discovery Zone and the Quality Equation Binder. You can refer to these resources for additional ideas of activities.
**Some activities require supplies or copies. Be sure to read through the presentation before delivering it.**
Relevant quotes are included in each. They may be used; as discussion starters, posted on the wall or handed out to members for their manuals. Additional information may be provided as “Presenter’s Notes”. These are meant to further explain or suggest ways to enhance the workshop. Add your own notes and comments to assist you in delivering these workshops.

2. Step by Step… Read the guidelines for your age category.
Choose a creative topic.
Develop a catchy introduction.
Lay out the core of your presentation in logical manner.
Tie it all together with your conclusion.
Choose visual aids to enhance your presentation.
Practice , Practice, Practice

3. Read the Guidelines
Carefully look at the time frame for your presentation.
Time frames will vary depending on a one person or two person presentation.
Read the guidelines every year.
Read the Guidelines
* Carefully look at the time frame for your presentation.
* Read the guidelines every year because they may change for different age categories and if the books are updated.

4. Through the Judges Eyes . . .
Be familiar with the judging card that is used.
Knowing what you are being judged on is vital to making a good presentation. Presentations are judged based on: topic (10%), Speech structure and development (30%), workmanship (20%), presentation (20%), results (20%)
Each presenter will answer at least one question, either from the audience or the judge
It is also a good idea to talk to the judge after you have given your presentation to get feedback.
Through the Judges Eyes
* Be familiar with the judging card that is used.
* Knowing what you are being judged on is vital to making a good presentation.
* Presentations are judged based on the following components
- Topic (10%)
* Appropriate for presentation
* Concise
* Clearly define objective
* Information
- Speech structure and development (30%)
* Title – appropriate and catchy
* Introduction captures attention of audience and judges
* Organization – logical sequence
* Balance of visual aids and speech
* Summary – important points stressed
- Workmanship (20%)
* Work and narration
* Appropriate visual aids
* Smooth use of aids
* Aids in plain view of audience
* Even distribution of work/narration (two person presentation only)
- Presentation (20 %)
* Natural voice, sincere enthusiasm
* Good eye contact
* Language appropriate
* Appearance – dressed appropriate
- Results (20%)
* Achieved objective
* Overall impression of presentation
* Questions answered satisfactorily
* Within time limits
* Each presenter will need to answer at least one question, either from the audience or the judge. The judges may want you to clarify a point or see how well you understand the subject you are presenting.
* It is also a good idea to talk to the judge after you have given your presentation to get feedback.

5. Choose a Creative Topic
Choose an interesting topic that is not normally done.
Make sure your topic is age appropriate.
Make sure the topic can be fully demonstrated easily and clearly within the timeframe.
Do some research to be sure that you are comfortable with the information and can answer any questions that may arise.
Choose a Creative Topic
* Choose an interesting topic that is not normally done.
* Make sure your topic is age appropriate.
* Make sure the topic can be fully demonstrated easily and clearly within the timeframe.
* Do research to be sure that you are comfortable with the information and can answer any questions that may arise.

6. Develop a Catchy Introduction
You could start with a question, interesting statement, or bold action.
Introductions should be three to four sentences and include reference to the title of your visual, your name, your club and why you choose your topic.
Develop a catchy introduction
* Not only should your title be catchy, but so should your introduction.
* You could start with a question, interesting statement, or bold action.
* Introductions should be three to four sentences and include reference to the title of your visual, your name, your club and why you choose your topic.

7. The Body
Decide what information you want to give your audience and arrange it in a logical manner.
Pick out the key points you wish to highlight using visuals.
Make sure you have all the key points so that everyone will understand your presentation.
If you are doing a two-person visual divide the presentation in a way that is equal yet not distracting.
The Body
* Decide what information you want to give your audience and arrange it in a logical manner.
*Pick out the key points you wish to highlight using visuals.
*Make sure you have all the key points so that everyone will understand your presentation.
* If you are doing a two-person visual divide the presentation in a way that is equal yet not distracting.

8. The Conclusion Your presentation has to have a definite conclusion.
The summary should tie in with your introduction.
Near the end of time frame, Give time for questions.
After the question period, try to have a catchy flare to end your presentation to help the audience and judges remember you.
The Conclusion
* Your presentation has to have a definite conclusion.
* The summary should tie in with your introduction.
* Allow time for a question period. These questions may come from the audience or judges.
* Near the end of the presentation, invite the audience and judges to ask questions. You must repeat questions or else include the question in your answer.
* After the question period, try to have a catchy flare to end your presentation to help the audience and judges remember you.

9. Visual Aids
Choose visuals that enhance your presentation, not distract from it.
Visual aids should be used to reinforce key points in your presentation.
Remember to coordinate your visuals and speaking.
There are many different types of visuals including; posters, slides, videos, model, handouts, props, overhead and computer projections.
Be sure that all of your visuals can be easily seen and/or read.
All text should be printed or typed in a clear, simple font.
Make sure all of your visuals are well organized before you start your presentation.
Visual Aids
* Choose visuals that enhance your presentation, not distract from it.
* Visual aids should be used to reinforce key points in your presentation.
* Remember to coordinate your visuals and speaking.
* There are many different types of visuals including; posters, slides, videos, model, handouts, props, overhead and computer projections.
* Be sure that all of your visuals can be easily seen and/or read.
* All text should be printed or typed in a clear, simple font.
* Make sure all of your visuals are well organized before you start your presentation.

10. “Presenting to Aliens!”
Activity Time!
“Presenting to Aliens!”
This fun activity is a great way to practice your visual presentation skills while having a good laugh. As individuals or pairs lets have a look at the everyday.
Activity Time! - “Presenting to Aliens!”
This fun activity is a great way to practice your visual presentation skills while having a good laugh. As individuals or pairs lets have a look at the everyday.
Collect a wide range of everyday items that we use on a everyday basis. Examples: hair brush, spatula, fork and knife, backpack, telephone, etc.
Either as individuals or as partners choose an item. You will have 5 minutes to prepare a brief presentation about your item. Prepare your presentation as if you are presenting it to aliens from outerspace who know nothing about the item. Be sure to include a title, an introduction, body, conclusion and use of your prop.
You will then present your visual presentation for the rest of your group who will judge you using the standard judging forms. Judge it as if you are an alien. Do they do a thorough job of explaining the item? Do they demonstrate how the item works?

11. Discussion: What do you think makes up a presentation
that is informative and fun to watch?
What makes a poor presentation?
Brainstorm some fun, unique topics for
visual presentations.
Discussion:
What do you think makes up a presentation that is informative and fun to watch?
What makes a poor presentation?
Brainstorm some fun, unique topics for visual presentations.

12. “Quality practice = quality performance.” ~anonymous
There are many other public speaking resources to help 4-H members practice.
* 4-H Club Discovery Zone – has a whole section of activities related to communications
* Quality Equation Club Pack – has a variety of activities. To find them, look for the key word, Communication on the cross reference chart at the front of the book.
* Manitoba 4-H Council’s 4-H Communication Fact Sheet series