Speech & Demonstration

The Project Speech category is a chance to share a 4-H project you have done recently. It is designed to give youth in grades K-6  practice showing and telling about a project. Visual aids or the actual project should be included. You may want to share why you chose the project and what you had to do to complete the project. Reflection is also encouraged. 

• What did you learn from this project? 

• What went well, what did not go well and how did you learn from that? 

• Can you use what you learned in other areas of your life? 

• What would you do differently next time? 

• Do you want to continue to pursue this project in the future?

This is your chance to promote 4-H. Tell why you are involved and why others should join.  Props or visual aids are optional.  

Talk must be developed by the member who is presenting it. It cannot have been delivered in a previous years contest. Only Cloverbuds may have their speeches written out and read them.  Intermediate and Senior category speakers should use note cards. Speakers may choose to use props and visual aids if they desire.

Formal demonstrations involve showing and telling the audience how to make or do something. Youth present information through actions with an explanation of steps required to complete a task. Demonstrations should have an introduction, body, conclusion, and a time to answer questions.

• Cloverbuds (Grades K-2):up to 2 minutes: (Speech only, no demonstration)

• Novice (3rd -5th Grade):

  • 3-6 minute: Demonstration

  • 1-3 minutes: Any Speech

• Intermediate (6- 8th) Grade: 

  • 6-10 minutes: Demonstration 

  • 3-5 minutes: Any Speech

• Seniors (9th Grade & Up): 

  • 8-15 minutes: Demonstration  

  • 4-6 minutes: Any Speech

Any of the categories listed above can be done as a team of two as a “Dynamic Duo.” A team may be two 4-H members of any age, or a 4-H member and an adult. You must indicate to the judge before your speech if one or both members are to be judged.

Each 4-H participant will receive a participation ribbon and a certificate. A top overall speaker in each age division will be selected and receive special recognition (across all entry divisions).