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
Three hundred and thirty three fourth and fifth grade 4-Her’s participated in the public speaking contest in their local school clubs from four private schools, two city schools and five county schools. Fifty four of them received a blue ribbon for their speeches. Those students were invited to attend the County Public Speaking Contest on January 16, 2025 along with all sixth to twelfth grade 4-Her’s from our specialty clubs. Twenty-seven youth attended the County Contest. There were 11 fourth graders, 12 fifth graders, one sixth grader, two ninth graders and one eleventh grader that participated in the contest. The County blue ribbon winners were invited to attend the Sub-Regional Public Speaking Contest on January 21, 2025. Congratulations to everyone who participated.
4th grade – 1st place – Elle Pfeffer – Friendship Christian School and Sophia Cone – Watertown Elementary
5th grade – 1st place – Zackary Kamer – Southside Elementary and Addison Coulter – Byars Dowdy Elementary
6th grade – 1st place – Ella Berlingieri – Anchor Academy
9th grade – 1st place – Elijah Hancock – Honor Club (Lebanon High School) and Tiffany Jenkins – Honor Club (Homeschool)
11th grade – 1st place – John Hancock – Honor Club (Lebanon High School)
The County Public Speaking Contest will be held on January 13, 2025 at the James E. Ward Ag Center in Lebanon, TN.
The Regional Public Speaking Contest for Jr and Jr High will be held on January 21, 2025 at the Williamson County Extension Office in Franklin, TN.
The Regional Public Speaking Contest for Sr. High will be held on February 1, 2025 at Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN.
Flyer and rules for the 2024-2025 Speech Contest