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MASTER GARDENER PRESENTATION TRAINING

Extension Education

Dustin Blakey
CEA - AGRI
Barling

Abstract

The River Valley Master Gardener program moving away from providing labor on beautification projects to offering public education. A speakers’ bureau was established for this purpose more than 10 years ago, however, it lacked willing participants. Master Gardeners who were otherwise willing to give public programs felt they were unprepared to create and deliver an effective presentation. To this end 8 volunteers were trained to give programs using PowerPoint effectively. Participants learned how to give a speech, design a program, and use the equipment in 4 educational sessions of 1.5 hours each. At the end of these sessions, each would have a program ready to give. A practice session offered a chance to hone their skills with each other and were evaluated using 4-H Illustrated Talks criteria with constructive comments. Upon completion, 5 gave a seminar in a program to the Master Gardeners’ monthly meeting; 1 gave her program to 2 outside groups; 3 volunteered to teach at basic training with new programs they developed; and 3 are now available as speakers to the public. Participants of this program and the state PowerPoint only training reported they preferred the emphasis on presentation as opposed to using the software package.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: D.W. Blakey
  1. Blakey, D. County Extension Agent, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension, Arkansas, 72903