Taming the Demonstration Lion or
Helpful Hints for 4-H Demonstrations

Too often we let 4-H Demonstrations get the better of us and they become an uncontrollable lion that seems to swallow us alive. But they can be tamed by remembering a few helpful hints!

TAMING RULE #1

The Introduction: If someone has already introduced you )that is, told your name, club and demonstration title) DO NOT REPEAT IT! If they haven’t it's a good idea to tell your audience who you are. But remember this is not considered your demonstration introduction.

We all know a demonstration has 3 parts, introduction, body, and summary. Your introduction should:

1. Get the audience's attention
2. Tell why you are demonstrating
3. Say why the audience should listen

TAMING RULE # 2

The Body: This is the meat of your demonstration.

It should:

1. Show logical order.
2. Combine talking and doing; that is always talk while you're working if possible. Fill in with extra information relating to your demonstration.
3. Show step by step procedure but it is not necessary for you to always complete the entire product. For example, only sew part of a seam, or only shape part of a roll dough.

TAMING RULE # 3

The Summary: Don't forget it! Your summary is just as important as your introduction and body and must be included.

For a good summary:

• Don't read through your posters step by step.
• Select 3 or 4 important facts to review.
• Give handouts if appropriate, especially recipes.
• State your source of information, have copies if possible.
• Ask for questions, and restate the question before answering.

TAMING RULE # 4

Organize your demonstration workspace!

1. Keep your work area clean.
   • Work on newspaper if you’re messy.
   • Tape a paper bag to the table for trash.
   • Always carry a damp cloth for dirty fingers and to wipe the table before and after the demonstration.
2. Keep the demonstration area free of clutter. The audience needs to see what you are doing.

   *Special notes for Foods demonstrations*

   • Work on waxed paper or dish towel.
   • Use clear bowls and wooden spoons (they make less noise).
   • Use trays - Place to one side with all materials on it.
   • Show finished product. Provide samples for judges.
   • Show product attractively, may offer several serving suggestions.
   • Hand out recipes.

3. Clear off work area entirely.
4. Keep hidden until ready to display.
5. Be able to handle any equipment with familiarity. Bring extension cords for electric equipment.

TAMING RULE #5

Posters are very important in your demonstration. Here are some helpful hints:

1. Use a pointer.
2. When beginning your demonstration or when appropriate show a title poster; don't start with title poster showing.
3. Handle your posters from the back to the front. It's easier.
4. Keep them clean and flat, don't roll them!

Other types of visual aids are:

• Charts
• Flip Charts
• Flannel Boards
• Models
• Actual objects

Posters should be:

• Neat
• Sturdy
• Eye Catching
• Simple
• Readable
• Colorful, but not gaudy
• Stress or explain one point

In fact, we think posters are so important here are a whole list of DO'S and DONT’S!

1. DO Keep posters the same size. DON’T Have small and large posters as part of the same demonstration.
2. DO Use one color for letters within a word. DON’T Use red, yellow, blue, green or black letters all in the same word.
3. DO Use solid letters. DON’T Use outline letters.
4. DO Space your words to use the entire poster. DON’T Crowd them all at the top.
5. DO Make letters 2-3” tall. DON’T Use letters under 2”.
6. DO Mix upper and lower case letters. DON’T Use all upper or all lower.
7. DO Stick with one color for all lettering. DON’T Use 3 or 4 colors in your poster.
8. DO Use drawings or samples to attract attention. DON’T Keep it dull.
9. DO Stick to one main idea. DON’T Put your entire demonstration on one poster.
10. DO Use a minimum of 2 posters. DON’T come without a poster.

TAMING RULE #6

Keep your appearance neat and well groomed.

• Dress appropriately but conservatively
• If working with food - tie your hair back.
• Keep hair out of your face - bangs, stray ends.
• Keep the attention focused on the demonstration, not you.
• Be poised:
  1. Speak slowly
  2. Loudly
  3. Enunciate clearly
  4. Be enthusiastic
• Don't panic if something goes wrong.

Doing a Team Demonstration? They require special handling.

• Be sure the demonstration is difficult enough for two people.
• Divide the working and talking evenly.
• Dress similarly.
• Introduce yourselves so audience knows who is who.

Now the lion has been tamed and you are well on your way to being a GREAT DEMONSTRATOR!

New Castle County, Delaware Cooperative Extension, Rev. 7/96

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Copyright © 1998-1999NCC Cooperative Extension . Last revised August 26, 1999

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