4-H program promotes public speaking, communication skills

Public speaking is an important skill for school, work and life, but many Americans have anxiety about presenting information to an audience.

"Through 4-H, all youth are encouraged to develop communication and public speaking skills," said 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator Doris Braddock. "In a 2015 survey, 85 percent of local 4-H members reported being comfortable speaking in front of others."

Those 4-H members who want to hone those skills further can enter the annual Public Presentations Contest in their county.

"The Public Presentations 4-H project helps youth learn how to prepare a speech and how to deliver it comfortably to an audience," Braddock said. "It's about learning clarity of purpose, understanding knowledge of their subject, and how to organize of a speech. The experience teaches poise, voice quality, and gives them confidence. All are important skills they can use throughout many facets of life."

In May, four Kane County 4-H youth earned top honors and some will have the chance to compete at the Illinois State Fair following the local contest. The youth presented speeches on a variety of topics, ranging from Italy to swords to feral cats.

Speeches could be given in any one of the following formats: formal, illustrated, oral interpretation or original works.

At this year's county competition, youth presented in front of fellow 4-H members, an audience and volunteer judges - educators Jim Armitage and Jennifer Schafernak.

4-H youth earning the honor to present at the State Fair in August include: Nathan Holmer of Hampshire for formal speech, Willem Vandermeij of Geneva for illustrated speech, and Rebecca Rickert of Elgin for oral interpretation.

Maria Ochs of Carpentersville was named a State Fair alternate for her oral interpretation piece.

The Grand Champion Public Presentations honors went to Ochs for the 8-12 age group and Rickert for the 13-18 age group, with Vandermeij receiving the Reserve Champion honors.

Public Presentations is just one of the many 4-H projects youth may enroll in, Braddock said.

There are hundreds of 4-H project areas, including science, robotics, leadership and arts, to name just a few.

For information on the 4-H program in Kane County, contact Program Coordinator Doris Braddock at dbraddoc@illinois.edu or visit go.illinois.edu/extensiondkk.

4-H Youth Development programs include 4-H Clubs, learning enrichment, and other youth outreach activities. These positive youth development programs provide opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and experience mastery.