About the Program
Effective communication is a valuable life skill you'll use your entire life. This Lancaster County 4-H contest is open to all 4-H’ers ages 5–18 (by January 1 of the current year). The main purpose of this contest is for 4-H members to gain confidence speaking in front of people. However, youth also learn how to organize their ideas into a logical order, express themselves clearly and emphasize major points through the use of visuals.
Contest Held Sunday, April 19, 2026
It will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County conference rooms, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln. NOTE: New day of the week. Time slots will be assigned in advance; however, 4-H staff will do their best to accommodate a time preference requested by a 4-H member. A schedule of presentation times will be emailed to participants ahead of the contest date. During the contest, arrive and check-in at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
Register by April 13
Register by Monday, April 13 by contacting Kristin Geisert at kristin.geisert@unl.edu or 402‑441‑7180 and providing youth name(s), age(s) by Jan. 1 of current year, presentation/video title(s) and email address. Specify if it is a Illustrated individual or team presentation, or a video communication entry.
Accommodation requests for registration or attendance may be directed to Kristin Geisert at least two weeks prior to the program. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
Contest Procedures
Participants are encouraged to wear attire corresponding with their presentation (be creative!). Otherwise, 4-H attire is encouraged. Participants may come dressed or change in one of the restrooms.
The following equipment will be provided: tables, an easel, PC compatible computer (including the following software: Microsoft Windows Media Player and Microsoft PowerPoint). Each conference room has a built-in projector and audio system. Presenters using computer-based visuals may bring:
• Files on a USB drive or retrieve from cloud storage. Custom fonts downloaded from the Internet may not show up correctly on PowerPoint — it is best to use basic system fonts. Please avoid using a Lincoln Public Schools PowerPoint file, as it will not be accessible in our building.
• Their own computer or other equipment as needed, which may contain different software programs and fonts. A standard-sized HDMI port is needed to connect to the conference room’s audiovisual equipment. Those bringing Apple devices need to bring their own dongle.
Family or friends may help 4-H members set up for their presentation (and give last minute encouragement).
Family and friends are invited to watch 4-H members’ presentations. Note: once a presentation has started, doors are closed and no one may enter until the presentation is finished.
This is a Lancaster County Super Fair contest held before the fair and premium payouts must be picked up Monday, Aug. 3, 7–11 a.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center – Ag Society Hall .
For more information about the Illustrated Presentation and Video Communication Contest, contact Kristin Geisert at kristingeisert@unl.edu or 402‑441‑7180.
Illustrated Presentation
An Illustrated Presentation is a live presentation with a formal talk where youth will use visual aids (such as props, posters, computer-based visuals, handouts, video, etc.) to show and tell others how to do something. The judge views the entire presentation and engages in a question-and-answer session following the presentation.
4-H members may compete as individuals and part of a team of two individuals. If team members are not in the same age division, they must compete in the age division of the oldest team member.
Illustrated Presentation topics should be related to what the 4-H youth is learning through 4-H educational experiences. Live animals may be used during the county contest but are not allowed at the state contest.
Presentations must include an introduction (the “why” portion of the topic), a body (the “show and tell” portion of the topic), and a conclusion/summary (the “what” portion of the topic).
Age Divisions (by Jan. 1 of the current year)
- Junior division: 8–10 years of age
- Intermediate division: 11–13 years of age
- Senior division: 14–18 years of age
Time length
- Junior individual: 3–5 minutes
- Intermediate/senior individual: 6–8 minutes
- Junior team: 5–7 minutes
- Intermediate/senior team: 8–10 minutes
Participants may be penalized if they to not meet or exceed the time limits.
Scoring
4-H members are judged on the following criteria:
- 10% – Introduction: Attention getter is used to attract audience Importance and purpose of subject established
- 20% – Subject Matter: Presentation clearly relates to how 4-H youth is learning through 4-H experiences or projects • Once central theme • Information accurate, complete, and practical
- 30% – Presentation: Visuals appropriate and attractive • Visuals incorporated into presentation smoothly • Voice(s) clear and understood, good diction • Logical sequence • Work and talk coordinated • Supplies and equipment coordinated • Work area neat, orderly and organized • Good teamwork (if applicable) • Easily viewed by audience • Stayed within time limit
- 5% – Originality: • Unique and current topic
- 15% – Achievement of Purpose: Information appropriate for age levels watching • Educational value • Objectives reached
- 5% – Appearance: Grooming, cleanliness • Appropriate attire • Enthusiastic
- 5% – Questions: Responded to questions satisfactorily
- 10% – Conclusion/Summary: Major points emphasized • Reference • Definite closing
Video Communication
The Video Communication class is available for all age divisions. 4-H member will need to be present to introduce their video and answer any questions from the judge. Judges will be evaluating on both the organization of information as well as the audio and video production.
- Length: 60-90 seconds
- Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.
- Youth may use a phone, laptop or tablet to create a multi-media video around the 2026 Theme: "Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow"
- Sound effects, public-domain music, and graphics can be used. Copyrighted materials may not be used.
Scoring
4-H members are judged on the following criteria:
- 20% – Introduction: Did the introduction catch your immediate attention? • Was it short and to the point? • Did the excitement match the content?
- 20% – Organization: Is/Are the main point(s) of the video clear? • Is there an appropriate amount of information given? • Does the content flow seamlessly? • Was time used effectively to communicate a message?
- 30% – Production – Video: Images are high quality • Video moves smoothly from shot to shot • Content clearly communicates the concept of video • Pace of video is effective.
- 30% – Production – Audio: Audio is clear and easy to understand • Narration (either verbal or nonverbal) is easy to follow • Audio compliments the concept of video • Pace of audio is appropriate
Watch Examples
Lancaster County 4-H Illustrated Presentation Example Videos
4‑H Illustrated Presentation Contest Junior Division Example (Re‑enactment)
4‑H Illustrated Presentation Contest Intermediate Division Example (Re‑enactment)
STATEWIDE RESOURCES
Nebraska 4-H Premier Communication Event
The top youth at the Lancaster County 4-H Illustrated Presentation Contest in the junior, intermediate and senior age divisions will qualify for the state contest, which is part of the Premier Communication Event, a two-day event held June 16–17, 2026 at University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus.
Note: The state Premier Communication Event's Video Communication Contest is open to all 4-H’ers ages 8–18, which does not require qualifying at a county contest.