Key Elements of the 4-H Illustrated Talk

4H group sitting at a talbe with visual ads on a stand next to the tableIn a 4-H illustrated talk, the youth gives information about a subject and uses visuals to explain the subject. Unlike a demonstration, the work is not performed before your eyes and there is not a finished product as a result of the presentation.

Unlike the 4-H demonstration, there are no limits or specific criteria for visual aids which may include posters, objects, slideshows, costumes, handouts, PowerPoint presentations and more.

When timing a 4-H illustrated talk, the time begins when the youth introduces themselves and their topic. It stops at the end of the summary. The question section of the demonstration or illustrated talk is not considered part of the presentation for timing purposes. When choosing a topic, be sure your presentation can be seen from a distance of 15 feet.

Cue cards are allowed, but, if used, youth are encouraged to refer to them as little as possible.

Introduce Yourself

  • Give your name, 4-H age, years in 4-H and 4-H club or group to which you belong:

“Hi, my name is Louis Howe, I am 13 years old, I have been in 4-H for 6 years, and I am part of the Happy Feet Club.”

Introduce Your Topic

  • Catch your audience’s interest and then give your topic title:

“Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fall from a plane? Well, today I’m going to tell you about my exciting skydiving adventures.”

Optional Variation

  • As an alternative, you can give your catchy introduction, introduce yourself, and then give your topic title.

“Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fall from a plane? Hi, my name is Louis Howe, I am 13 years old, I have been in 4-H for 6 years, and I am part of the Happy Feet Club. Today I’m going to tell you about my exciting skydiving adventures.”

Introduction

  • Capture your audience’s interest by telling them a little bit about what you will be talking about. In this section of the talk, you are giving a sneak peek at the main part of your talk. You are telling what you will be talking about.

Body

  • Now you get to share what you know about your topic with your audience. This is the main section of your talk and is the “meat” of the matter. Be sure to show your enthusiasm for your topic.

Summary

  • Finally, wrap up your talk by summarizing what you have shared.  Here is where you go back over the key points of your talk.

Ask for Questions

  • Now you get to answer any questions your audience may have. This is where you really get to show what you know and be honest about what you don’t know as well.

First, ask for questions:

“Are there any questions?”

Once asked a question, repeat it so that all may hear:

“The question was can you go skydiving on cloudy days.”

Now answer the question to the best of your ability:

“It was always clear when I went skydiving, so this might be the case, but I don’t know for sure.”

When there seems to be no more questions, make sure:

“Are there any more questions?”

And now for the conclusion, and don’t forget to THANK your audience for their attention:

“If there are no more questions, that concludes my presentation.  Thank you!”

And now you know how to do an illustrated talk the 4-H way!