Speak Up, Maine 4-H: Showcase Your Spark!

Every 4-H member in Hancock County is encouraged to participate in Speak Up, Maine 4-H! Youth choose a topic of their choice and then practice the important life skill of public speaking by giving presentations to their clubs, community, and at the county and state tournaments.

“My favorite part of 4-H Public Speaking is pushing myself out of my comfort zone”

– Hancock County 4-H Public Speaking Participant

Girl Giving Presentation on How to Make a Peanut Butter Pita
Youth from Jolly Juniors 4-H Club giving a presentation on How To Make Peanut Butter Pitas.

When preparing for a 4-H Presentation, youth learn how to:

  • Research a subject
  • Organize their ideas
  • Share their knowledge and passion with others
  • Create and use visuals to support their presentation

When youth carry out a public speaking presentation, they demonstrate advanced skills and a deeper understanding of what they learned.

2025 Speak Up, Hancock 4-H Showcase

February 28 – Last day to register for the Hancock County Speak Up Showcase
March 15 – Hancock County Speak Up Showcase at Surry Elementary School (10:00 – 2:00 pm)
March 22 – Snow Date: Hancock County Speak Up Showcase (10:00 – 2:00 pm)
April 5 – State Speak Up Showcase in Orono
April 6 – Snow Date: State Speak Up Showcase in Orono

Information regarding snow date updates will be shared via email to registered participants and to our Facebook page

Types of Presentations

  • Demonstration: In a 4-H demonstration, the youth shows how to do something while telling how it’s done. It is called a “show how” and “tell how” presentation. The work is performed before your eyes and there is a finished product at the end.
  • Illustrated Talk: In 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.
  • Team Demonstration/Team Illustrated Talk: As above, limit of two team members. Each teams’ members (limit of two) must be from the same age division.

Planning your Presentation

Visit the Maine 4-H State Speak Up, Maine 4-H Website for resources such as:

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