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 4^th and 5^th 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 6^th to 12^th grade 4-Her’s from our specialty clubs.  33 youth attended the County Contest.  There were 12 4^th graders, 14 5^th graders, 1 6^th grader, 1 7^th grader, 3 8^th graders, 1 9^th grader and 1 10^th 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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