4-H Public Speaking

Learning to be a good public speaker is something that will be useful throughout a 4-H member’s lifetime. Good public speakers are made, not born. The necessary skills associated with being a good public speaker have always been an important part of the 4-H experience and 4-H clubs are encouraged to foster a positive, learning-oriented environment for youth regarding this subject.   4-H’ers who participate in Public Speaking can expect to:

  • Develop skills for communicating about real issues to real audiences.
  • Learn how to organize and prepare a speech.
  • Develop speech delivery skills.
  • Learn how to present themselves to others.
  • Develop self confidence

The 2024 County Public Speaking Contest was held on January 25, 2024 at the James E. Ward Ag Center.  245 4th and 5th grade 4-Her’s participated in the public speaking contest in their local school clubs from 2 private schools, 1 city school and 2 county schools.  54 of them received a blue ribbon for their speeches.  Those students were all invited to attend the County Public Speaking Contest on January 25, 2024 along with 6th to 12th grade 4-Her’s from our specialty clubs.  33 youth attended the County Contest.  There were 12 4th graders, 14 5th graders, 1 6th grader, 1 7th grader, 3 8th graders, 1 9th grader and 1 10th grader.  The County blue ribbon winners were invited to attend the Sub-Regional Public Speaking Contest on February 1, 2024.  Congratulations to everyone who participated.

4th grade – 1st place Zackary Kamer – Southside Elementary and Callie Crutchfield – Southside Elementary

5th grade – 1st place Tenley Gill – Coles Ferry Elementary and Reese Lee – Coles Ferry Elementary

6th grade – 1st place Angie Prado – Honor Club (Gladeville Middle School)

7th grade – 1st place Madeline Farmer – Honor Club (Holy Rosary Academy)

8th grade – 1st place – Elijah Hancock – Honor Club (Walter J. Baird Middle School) and Samuel Cordray – Honor Club (Homeschool)

9th grade – 1st place – Lincoln Cline – Honor Club (Watertown High School)

10th grade – 1st place – John Hancock – Honor Club (Lebanon High School)

Flyer and rules for the 2024-2025 Speech Contest

State standards