Submitted Photo Anna Talbot gives her illustrated talk about Goat Identification to judges Branden Boyer and Brandi Peterson and an audience of fellow 4-H presenters and their families at a 4-H Public Presentation Day Contest.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Program is planning countywide Public Presentation Evaluation Day today, March 9, at Cassadaga Valley Central School. Over 50 youth are expected to give presentations on varying topic areas and styles.

Public speaking is an essential life skill that 4-H is glad to promote. Youth ages 5-19 prepare presentations in five different categories: illustrated talk, demonstration, dramatic interpretation, speech, and recitation. Many youth choose to give a presentation on a 4-H related topic but that is not required. Youth are encouraged to pursue a topic that they want to learn more about.

Teams of volunteers will evaluate delivery, presenter’s knowledge of the subject, and the presenter’s appearance, poise, and enthusiasm. Youth then meet with evaluators to discuss the highlights of their presentation as well as some ideas on how to improve their presentations in the future. Youth who deliver exceptional presentations are chosen to participate at the Western District 4-H Public Presentation contest in Buffalo on March 30th.

Presentation Day aligns with the New York State 4-H value of helping youth develop skills that will help them succeed in higher education, their chosen career path, and as members of their families and communities.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.