Visual Presentation

What is a 4-H Visual Presentation?

A visual presentation is a teaching method used to communicate an idea. Charts, flannel boards, flash cards, slides, models, photography, or chalkboards are aids that can be used A visual presentation can sell an audience on the importance of an idea. A visual presentation includes demonstrations and illustrated talks.

Visual presentations can be a Method Demonstration or Illustrated Talk. Method demonstrations and illustrated talks are planned presentations in which a 4-H member teaches information related to a project or activity. Simply, there are ways of sharing useful information and of showing and telling others how to make or do something.

Through demonstrations and talks, 4-H members have the opportunity to:

• Work on something they like and in which they have an interest.
• Gain new knowledge and learn about a specific subject.
• Learn to plan and organize their thoughts so they can express themselves more clearly.
• Emphasize the major points of a presentation through the use of visuals or examples.
• Develop good judgment, speech and actions before an audience.
• Listen to the opinions of others.
• Teach and show others improved methods and practices learned through 4-H, thus performing a service to the community.

SPECIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR VISUAL PRESENTATION EVENTS

GENERAL RULES:

1. A member may compete in only one visual presentation contest.
2. Visual presentations should be given by one individual only.
3. The visual presentation contest should begin on a community basis.
4. The contestant must arrange for equipment and materials needed for the presentation. The specialist will furnish a table and an easel. (Note: Should a 4-H’er choose to utilize PowerPoint or other computer program, that 4-H’er must have back-up presentation in the event of malfunction. Agents must check with contest coordinator about PowerPoint equipment being provided for 4-H’ers use prior to the event).
5. The contestant shall bring to the contest: a. 4-H Contest Entry and Score Form 166 (typed) b. Pencil Refer to specific contest area for other material needed.
6. The participants will be judged utilizing the visual presentation score sheets: (F-334 & F-334A).
7. Ten and 11-year-olds will give a visual presentation and be judged blue, red, and white. All blue ribbon winners will receive awards.
8. Twelve and 13-year-olds and senior visual presentation contestants will be placed in order of ranking (1, 2, 3, etc.). Ribbons will be awarded to all contestants. Awards will be given to the top three places. (Exception: No awards will be given for white ribbons.)
9. The junior county winners are eligible to participate in the district 4-H Project Achievement Day contest.
10. The senior county winners are eligible to participate in the state contest.
11. A county may enter a total of three contestants in each contest category where individual participation is allowed and in each visual presentation contest, including the "Other Projects" contest.
12. 4-H Visual Presentation less than 3 minutes in length and those exceeding 10 minutes will be penalized.
13. In the event of a tie for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place, the score made on the "Presentation Section," will be used to break the tie. If a tie still persists, the contestants will make a second presentation.
14. Posters and other visuals used in a 4-H Visual Presentation should be prepared by the 4-H member giving the presentation.
15. "OTHER PROJECTS" visual presentations include the projects: citizenship, leadership, leisure education, poultry, and any others not listed on the enrollment card, such as aerospace, weather and geology.
    NOTE: A penalty of 10 points will be placed on visual presentations entered in the “OTHER PROJECTS” category if that visual presentation could have been entered in a specific project area contest. Senior 4-H members are not eligible to give a visual presentation in small engine, computer and electric. Refer to the miscellaneous area for contest that includes senior computer, electric energy and small engines.
16. Plant and soil science includes: plant pathology and field crops such as cotton, corn, soybeans, pastures, and other general plants and soils topics.
17. Gardening and horticulture includes flower and vegetable gardening, truck crops, orchard, and landscaping.
18. Conservation includes: Forestry, wildlife, soil and water conservation.
19. Engineering for seniors includes: Bicycle, safety, and all petroleum power vehicles, such as automobiles, tractors, and lawnmowers.
20. Engineering for Juniors ages 10-11 and ages 12-13 includes: Electric, safety, bicycle, and all petroleum power vehicles, such as automobiles, tractors, lawnmowers, three- wheelers, etc.
21. Refer to "How to Do a Visual Presentation", Publication 1096, for instructions on writing and presenting visual presentations.
22. Eight- and 9-year-olds are not eligible to enter the District Visual Presentation Contest.
23. Senior horse individual and Team demonstration contests will be between 10-15 minutes long to correspond with the Mississippi 4-H Horse Show Rules and Regulations. For Senior Horse Public Speaking, speeches should be 7-10 minutes in length. Junior horse visual demonstration contest will be between 5-10 minutes long. For Junior Horse Public Speaking, speeches should be 3-5 minutes in length.

Visual Presentation Contest With Age Categories