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Have you ever shown
someone how to take a picture, groom a horse, peel a carrot or weed a
garden? If so, you've given a demonstration, because a demonstration is
simply showing and telling how to do something. It's words in action.
Demonstrations aren't
difficult; you just tell how to do something by using action words such as
cut, fold, stir, mix or saw. For example, say, "Fold the paper into
halves," as you actually fold the paper. Explain why you are doing the
step. Review the steps and answer questions about the steps.
As a project leader,
you can encourage members to give demonstrations at project meetings to
introduce a new skill or as review. As members become more experienced they
might want to give demonstrations to a wider audience.
Why Give Demonstrations?
A
demonstration helps others learn how to do something useful, perhaps in an
easier or more practical way. Demonstrating is one of the best methods of
teaching others, because it involves visual and verbal presentations at the
same time.
Demonstrations help 4-H
members
· Develop self-confidence
· Express their ideas clearly
· Spontaneously respond to
questions
· Acquire subject matter
knowledge.
Kinds of Demonstrations
In 4-H
there are several kinds of demonstrations.
Individual
Demonstrations
An individual
4-H'er shows and tells how to do something as described here.
Team Demonstrations
Two or more 4-H
members work together on a topic that requires more than one person to
successfully demonstrate the procedure.
Working
Demonstrations
Members giving
working demonstrations do not prepare a talk on the topic. Instead they
select a skill in which they have considerable experience — one that
they can demonstrate for 15 to 30 minutes. They sit at an assigned table
and work, more or less continuously. When an audience member makes an
inquiry, the demonstrator describes what they are doing and continues the
conversation as long as the person has an interest. When the onlooker
leaves, the demonstrator continues working until another person makes an
inquiry. This type of demonstration is good for fairs, displays, in
shopping centers or at special events.
Demonstrations in 4-H
In 4-H,
project leaders give demonstrations to teach members a skill. Members and
teen leaders are often encouraged to give demonstrations as a review of
skills at project or club meetings.
It is fun for 4-H'ers
to show others the skills they have learned in 4-H. Encourage project
members to share their skills at club meetings, for parents, at achievement
days or even at the State Fair. Also,
check your 4-H newsletter, fair book, achievement day announcement and the 4-H
Clover for more opportunities.
Parts of a
Demonstration
A demonstration
has four parts.
- Introduction — what
the member is demonstrating<
- Body — the steps of
the skill and how to do them.
- Summary — review of
the steps.
- Questions and Answers
— the members answer questions the audience may have.
Select a Topic
Members should
consider the following as they select a demonstration topic.
· Is it part of my project work?
· Can I demonstrate the topic in
about five minutes?
· Does the topic have enough
action?
· Is the topic appropriate for my
age and experience?
· Is the topic worthwhile, useful
and practical?
· Am I demonstrating approved
practices, proven by research?
Collect Needed
Materials and Equipment
Make a list of
the equipment and materials needed to give the demonstration. Remember, the
audience needs to see what is being done. Using transparent equipment and
keeping the work area visible to the audience are two ways to help.
Arranging equipment on a tray to carry it to the demonstration area also
helps.
Develop the
Demonstration Outline
- Develop steps by actually
going through the demonstration and writing down each step. Define the
key points to emphasize and write them down.
- Build in the explanations.
For each step, tell what is being done, how it is being done and why.
- Show the results. If you
cannot complete a whole job in the short time, prepare a sample ahead
of time. For example, have some cookies baked or a finished bootjack.
Invite the audience to look over or sample the finished product.
- Tell where you got the
information.
Summary
· Review the main points.
· Clear the work area except for
the finished product.
· Display the product
attractively.
· Offer it to the audience for
close inspection.
Questions
Ask,
"Are there any questions?" When a question is asked, repeat it.
You may say, "John asked ..." Or just repeat the question. Then,
answer if possible. If you don't know the answer, say so or tell the
audience you will try to get the information for them or refer them to sources
of information.
When the questions are
answered, add a courteous ending. Say something like; "This ends my
demonstration. I hope you will find this information useful." Use your
own words to say how you feel.
Introduction and Title
Plan
the introduction and the title last. The introduction gives the reason for
this practice or method. Include the subject in the introduction and give
reasons for presenting the demonstration. This is a chance to sell the
topic to the audience. Making the introduction interesting and catchy helps
the audience listen attentively to the rest of the demonstration.
The title should identify the subject and add a
"hook" to create interest and curiosity about the subject.
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