Communication Exhibits
Communications projects give 4-H'ers the opportunity to level up skills that will serve them well throughout life, leadership, and any career they choose.
Mastering the art of communication through educational presentations prepares them for academic careers, where the ability to convey complex information is crucial. Creative writing sharpens their capacity to express thoughts and emotions effectively, enhancing both personal expression and professional correspondence. Public speaking boosts confidence and improves the ability to argue and persuade in real-time, skills that are invaluable in leadership roles or any career requiring strong interpersonal communication. Additionally, videography combines visual storytelling with technical skills, opening doors to careers in digital media and beyond.
Together, these skills not only enrich personal development but also deepen 4-H'ers career readiness and strengthens youth voice.
Writing Exhibits, Educational Displays, and Presentations
Writing and Educational Displays are submitted to fair as hard copies. They will be on display at the State Fair Exhibit hall (assuming they are of display quality).
Nonfiction writing is new this year, so please take a look at the fairbook to see which classes interest you!
Presentations are live contests in which 4-H'ers present during a designated time to a real audience at the State Fair Exhibit Hall. If you qualify for the State Fair Presentations Contest at your local fair, your local 4-H program coordinator will work with you to ensure you get a time slot for your presentation. If you are unable to attend the state fair in person, please reach out so that we can work with you to provide an accommodation.
Only intermediates and Seniors (ages 13+) may qualify for the State Fair Presentations Contest.
The writing contest is open to 4-H'ers in any project area!
Creative Writing
- Fair Book - Creative Writing
- Writing Explanation Sheet (212-01)
- Poetry Evaluation Sheet (212-03)
- Short Story Evaluation Sheet (212-05)
- Rubric for Judging Poetry
- Rubric for Judging Short Story
Nonfiction Writing
- Nonfiction Writing Fairbook (Contest Guide)
- Nonfiction Judges Rubric (use this to guide your work)
- Writing Explanation Sheet (212-01, same as creative writing)
- Judge's Score Sheet for nonfiction writing
- Judges will complete and return this sheet for nonfiction writing projects
Graphic Design, Videography/Cinematography, and Audio Production
These three categories are submitted online for judging and presentation at the State Fair. Make sure to read the instructions in the Fair Book and find the upload links below.
To give us time to set up the digital displays at the State Fair, the submission deadline is August 15.*
*If your local fair has not happened by August 15, please submit your exhibit anyway! Work with your local 4-H Coordinator or Club Leader to ensure your exhibit is ready-to-show.
Audio production classes are open to all 4-H members in all project areas.
Explanation Cards and Judging
All Audio Production Exhibits must be accompanied by an Audio Explanation Sheet. Upload your Explanation card as
a PDF or Word doc to the same folder as your audio file. Title it "firstname_lastname_classnumber_county.pdf"
- Judges will complete the Audio Production Score Sheet for each project
- Judging criteria are outlined on the Audio Judges’ Rubric.
Naming your file and submitting your exhibit
To be eligible for judging, audio submissions must be added to the folder below in .mp3 format or via link to a hosting platform such as SoundCloud or YouTube. If you prefer to link your submission, include the link in your Explanation card and upload that to the folder.
- Name your file as follows: “first_last_classnumber_county.mp3”
- For example, a Junior from Benton County named Benny Beaver would submit a podcast titled: “Benny_Beaver_216000101_Benton.mp3”
Upload your submission to the folder above by August 15 at midnight!
Resources
Explanation Sheet
Submissions must include a brief Graphic Design Explanation Sheet outlining the project goal, audience, and tools/software used. Upload it with your project exhibit.
This card takes the place of an interview with the judge, so fill it out completely. You can also use it to prepare for your interview if your local county fair uses judge interviews!
Naming your file and submitting your exhibit
Please upload your submission and explanation card as one pdf file to this folder (also linked above) with the file name as follows: “first_last_classnumber_county.PDF” For example, a Junior from Benton County named Benny Beaver would submit an infographic titled: “Benny_Beaver_21500301_Benton.pdf”
How are graphic designs judged?
Judging criteria are outlined on the Graphic Design Judging Rubric & Graphic Design Score Sheet. Judging will prioritize design quality, creativity, and clarity of communication over technical perfection.
Resources
Learning videography skills can help kids become more creative and tech-savvy, which are important for many jobs in media, marketing, and entertainment. Being good at making videos also helps with sharing ideas and telling stories clearly, which is useful in almost any career. Plus, these skills can lead to exciting opportunities in new fields like content creation and virtual reality, setting kids up for success in a digital-focused future.
- Fair Book - Videography
- Videography Exhibit Explanation Card (213-02)
- Videography Exhibit Evaluation Sheet (213-01)
