What is happening with the NYS Level Public Presentations Event?

Public Presentations Event 2011-2012

With eager interests, many of you have inquired about the status of NYS Public Presentations. Specifically, the common question has been, “Will there be a State Public Presentations Event?” We will not host a state level event during the 2011-2012-program year. 

I support the skill set that Public Presentations offers and I recognize public speaking as a very necessary 21st Century Skill for young people. However, in reviewing the amount of resources we put into the state event, there does not appear to be a clear connection with our state mandates and the State Fair does not appear to be the best venue for this type of event. Based on our review, the state office will not continue to offer Public Presentations in its most recent format.

Where Are We Now?

Currently the state staff, with Adam Davis taking the lead, has drafted a logic model for our involvement with Public Presentations. I have shared this process with educators, most recently at the NYSACCE4-HE Conference last Wednesday afternoon. We've also received a request to share our model, which isn't quite ready for educator review but should be by the end of October. Our next step is to invite feedback from educators on our model, and to request educators draft their own models of the county level Public Presentations project and event.

The Future for Public Presentations

Over the course of the year, we are likely to revise the curriculum to insure clear connections with our mandates. We are also giving considerable thought to the best venue and time of the year for a State Level Event. I know educators, volunteers and youth who are most passionate about this event may consider this decision unfavorable. However, I believe revamping Public Presentations is a perfect opportunity to make clear connections to our state mandates. I believe a revised Public Presentations project curriculum will help us to develop the type of impact I would like to see the state office have on programming.

Please be assured, we plan to work with the educators association and the State 4-H website to keep everyone informed and involved in the process. I hope you will be willing to work with us to improve NYS 4-H Public Presentations.

Dr. Valerie Adams PhD.

NYS 4-H Program Leader

Public Presentations Documents (for reference)

• NYSPublicPrstnsNov2011[1].pdf
• State Level Guidelines and Evaluator's Guide (2010)
• Public Speaking Made Easy

Evaluation Forms and Guidelines for Evaluating Presenters

Evaluation Forms: (pdfs)

• State Level Demonstration Evaluation Form
• State Level Illustrated Talk Evaluation Form
• State Level Speech Evaluation Form
• State Level Creative Communications Recitation Evaluation Form
• State Level Creative Communications Dramatic Interpretation Evaluation Form
• District/County Level Demonstration Evaluation Form
• District/County Level Illustrated Talk Evaluation Form
• District/County Level Speech Evaluation Form
• District/County Level Creative Communications Recitation Evaluation Form
• District/County Level Creative Communications Dramatic Interpretation Evaluation Form

State Level Evaluation Guidelines:

• State Level Demonstration/Illustrated Talk Evaluation Guidelines (pdf)
• State Level Speech Evaluation Guidelines (pdf)
• State Level Recitation/Dramatic Interpretation Evaluation Guidelines (pdf)

Videos from the 2007 event - Selected Presentations from 2007 State Level 4-H Public Presentations Event (not Horse Communications) – Real 4-H members videotaped for training of 4-H members, volunteers and staff on how to do a presentation in different categories.

• Demonstration – Amanda B. presentation on packing tape sculptures
• Dramatic Intrepretation – MegAnn K. presentation on the importance of beginings
• Illustrated Talk – Lulu R. presentation on Dutch Rabbits
• Speech - Bethany R.'s presentation on Laura Ingalls Wilder, Michelle A., "Confidence is Key", Gabriel B. "A Passion for Justice" Part I, Gabriel B, Part II