The Boyle County 4-H Communications Contest will be Thursday, Dec. 13, at Boyle County Middle School. Registration begins at 6 p.m. and the contest begins at 6:30 p.m. There is no fee to participate. Youth must pre-register by Dec. 11, by calling (859) 236-4484 and providing your name, title of speech or demonstration, and date of birth.
Youth may participate by giving a speech in the Talk Meet, presenting a demonstration or illustrated talk in the Demonstration Contest, or both.
Public speaking is one the greatest fears of American adults. 4-H gives participants a chance to begin working on this most valuable life skill at a young age through the communications program.
Youth compete against others of similar age in both contests. In the Demonstration Contest, they also compete against another youth speaking on a similar topic, such as foods, small engines or horticulture. Heart of Kentucky United Way helps us award the winner of each age division and category $25, second place earns $20, third place earns $15, and fourth place earns $10. Every youth who delivers his/her speech or demonstrations earns $1 for participating.
Youth ages 9 to 18 (as of Jan. 1, 2013) may compete and winners may go on to the district and state levels of competition. Youth ages 6 to 8 participate as Cloverbuds at the county level only.
Youth can deliver speeches, demonstrations or illustrated talks on any topic they find interesting. Before selecting a topic, youth should make a list of subjects they are curious about or enjoy. Research skills are developed as they search for more information. They develop organizational skills by composing the speech and structuring it with an introduction, body and conclusion. They must use creative techniques in order to get the audience’s attention.
Before delivering a speech or demonstration, it is helpful for youth to practice in front of their peers or family. It is important for youth to dress appropriately, understand their topics and be prepared when they present.
For more information, contest rules, or to pre-register to participate in the 4-H Communications Event,contact the Boyle County Cooperative Extension Service at (859) 236-4484 or cesboyle@uky.edu.
Kim Ragland is Boyle County extension agent for 4-H youth development.
