Evaluating Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks

This guide should be used with the judge’s rubric. Judge according to the rubric, not by comparing 4‑H youth to each other.

Presence

1. Appearance
   Appropriate dress is important to any type of presentation. Appropriate attire could include professional dress or clothing suitable to the topic. Accessories should not detract from the presentation or cause a safety hazard.
2. Voice Projection
   Voice should be clear and audible to the entire audience.
3. Eye Contact
   The presenter should look at the audience, moving naturally from person to person, and smile in a friendly way.
4. Attitude
   The presenter should be enthusiastic. A positive approach to the audience and the subject matter should be evident.

Presentation

1. Introduction
   The presenter should introduce themselves and their connection to the 4‑H program. There should be an explanation of the relevance of the topic to the presenter and the overall purpose of the presentation. What product will be produced or what lesson taught?
2. Organization
   The presentation should flow logically from one point to the next. The audience should sense this progression or pattern of organization.
3. Use of Visual Aids
   Visual aids (for example, props, slides, or posters) should be used to help explain the presentation’s subject and highlight the presenter’s objectives. They must be easily seen or heard. The visual aids should be an integral part of the presentation.
4. Coordination of Speech and Action
   Actions and speech should be complementary. Body movements, gestures, and actions should look natural and appropriate. Attention to vocabulary is important. Repetitious catch phrases such as "you know" should be avoided. Filler words such as "uh," "um," and "ah" should also be avoided.
5. Summary
   The important points of the presentation should be reviewed briefly, along with a conclusion that relates to the explanations of purpose in the introduction. The presenter should invite the audience to ask questions.

Content

1. Knowledge of Subject
   The presenter should be judged on the knowledge of the subject as it pertains to the presentation.
2. Accurate, Current Information
   Information must be accurate and up to date. Specific sources (including personal experience) should be provided. The use of outdated materials is not recommended.
3. Results or Finished Product/Lesson Taught
   The lesson taught or product made should fulfill the purpose stated in the introduction.

Bonus Points

These points are designed to recognize truly exceptional work. The emphasis is to reward some outstanding aspect of the presentation that is not covered on the score sheet above. This is not for use as a tie breaker.

This publication is based on the work of Gail Bethard, Former 4‑H Program Associate, Somerset County; Dee Gross, Former 4‑H State Program Associate; Donna Woody, Former 4‑H State Program Coordinator; and Keith G. Diem, Ph.D., Program Leader in Educational Design.

July 2025