Many garden clubs enjoy presentations on herbs. Herbs are popular plants and are not understood my many people. People are anxious to learn all about these wonderful, useful plants. If you have been growing herbs for a while and really enjoy them, then it is likely that you know quite a bit about herbs. You probably know more than the average person. Giving herbal presentations could make you some extra money or you may just enjoy doing it for fun.
Who is the group you are doing the presentation for? How long should a good presentation be? Do I need to have slides for an effective presentation? Should I have handouts? How do I begin? All of these questions should be answered, but it is not as hard as you think. Most garden groups are very informal and you can be informal with your presentation. If you have access to a slide projector, then that is great, but it is not necessary. You can give an effective presentation with photos and handouts and live plants. Your audience will most likely be gardeners who are knowledgeable when it comes to plants and herbs. They obviously want to learn more about them. Do not give the basics to an experienced group of Master Gardeners. You will need to do some research and find out just what your group is looking for, in the information you will be presenting.
A simple presentation can be very effective. Keep it light and add some humor. Give them some of your background when you begin your presentation. Your audience wants to know who you are. You should have an outline to help you keep information in order. Your presentation should have some sort of structure. Write down your beginning ideas and plan your presentation while you are doing research. Edit your information down to the correct time length. A presentation is sort of like writing an essay. You want to have first drafts and then make changes to refine it. You can touch their minds, their hearts and their life. You want to connect with your audience. When writing your presentation you will want to have an introduction and a minimum of three points in separate paragraphs to support your conclusion.
Present your information in a unique way. Have live herb plants on hand to pass around as you speak about each herb. Demonstrate how to do something unique. Your audience wants to learn something new. Have samples of compost, different additives, soil mixes, herb books, and herb cuttings to give away. Make your presentation materials attractive and appealing. Have everything labeled so your audience can look at things beforehand. Take photos of herbs or your herb garden, and put them on a poster board at eye level, for everyone to see. An easel is a good tool for this purpose. Label each photo. Be ready to talk about what you bring. Be well organized and be prepared for all kinds of questions at the end of your presentation. Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know", if you are asked something you don't know. Offer information where they can go to find out the answer.
Another thing to remember is to always arrive early so you can set things up before any of the audience arrives. Handouts are always a good thing for your audience to take home with them. Be sure and put your contact information on the handouts. Title your presentation and put a cover sheet on the handouts.
Most of all have fun!
