Preparing a Presentation for a Club Meeting

So it's your turn to give a presentation at your club meeting...and you don't know where to start. Or do you??  If you work your way through these questions, your job should be a lot easier. Have a leader, fellow 4-H member or parent help you get started.

On Your Mark!
What is your presentation about? Write it down.

List two or three main ideas you want club members to learn from your presentation.

Where will you get information you need to give your presentation?  What books or publications will you read?  What people will you talk to?  Where else will you get information?  List references you plan to use.

Get Set!
Now you have your topic and some main ideas, it's time to start thinking about how you will organize your presentation.  Some people who have given presentations like to plan their talk in three parts: the introduction, the body and the conclusion. These three parts are described below.

As you plan your presentation, you should think about the best way to communicate with the audience.  Are you going to show them how to do something?  Will you need materials and equipment? What pictures or slides can you use?  Will you need charts? Or models?

Make a list of materials you will need to help you when you give your presentation.

Go!!!
Practice your presentation at home and ask your family to watch.  They may have suggestions to improve your talk.  Now you are ready to give your presentation at the meeting.

Introduction
Try to be creative and get your audience's attention.  Introduce yourself and your partner if you have one.  Tell the title of your presentation and explain why you are giving this presentation.  The introduction should be brief.

Body
This is the main part of the presentation.  Your topic should be explained with three to five points of expansion.  Be sure to share personal experiences as appropriate. This keeps your audience interested. Keep your presentation moving along -- avoid long pauses.

Conclusion
This is your last chance to "sell" your topic. You will review the main points of the presentation. No new information should be given as a part of the conclusion. Try to coordinate the introduction and conclusion.

Questions
In most judging situations, you will be asked some questions. Remember, if you are not sure of an answer, simply say, "I'm sorry, I do not know."  Most judges know the answers to questions before they ask the question.
 

Do a good job ... learn something ... teach something ... have fun!!!

Return to 4-H Club page