Extension
It Starts With Us
Enhancing Communication Skills Through Public Speaking and Expressive Arts
Communications and Expressive Arts
David Fourqurean and Kelly Bland and Nolan Petit
Agriculture
Communications & Expressive Arts
Research consistently shows a correlation between involvement in the arts, academic success and civic engagement. Unfortunately, there has been a sharp decrease over the years in Arts programs in our schools. Kentucky 4-H Youth Development has an opportunity to fill this void and inspire future artists across the Commonwealth. Advisory councils prioritized this area of work at the top of their list.
Youth utilize the skills gained through education and involvement in Extension programs to serve as leaders in 4-H and other organizations.
Youth share the elements of the music, dance, drama and visual arts with their community.
Youth become more comfortable sharing their thoughts with others.
Youth develop into competent, capable, contributing adults as a result of their participation in 4-H Communications & Expressive Arts Programs.
Youth construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing.
Youth present before their family, a group of their peers (such as at a 4-H club meeting), a school or county qualifying event.
Youth demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups.
Youth use their communication skills to assume a leadership role in 4-H or other organizations.
Youth apply elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts in creating and performing.
Youth research a presentation topic prior to developing a speech or demonstration.
Youth write an outline, including an introduction, body and conclusion for their speech or demonstration.
Youth create a formal presentation, speech or outline using the written outline.
Youth be prepared to present before their family, a group of their peers(such as at a 4-H club meeting) and a school or county qualifying event.
Youth can identify key elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts.
Initial Outcome: Youth prepare and present a speech or demonstration before their family and peers at a school communications event.
Indicator: The number of youth that present in front of a group.
Method: County communication contests.
Timeline: 6 months- 1 year
Intermediate Outcome: Youth demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups.
Indicator: The number of youth that have confidence speaking in front of groups.
Method: County, district and state communication contests and 4-H club meetings and events.
Timeline: 1-2 years
Long-term Outcome: Youth utilize the skills gained through education and involvement in Extension programs to serve as leaders in 4-H and other organizations.
Indicator: The number of youth that report feeling comfortable sharing their thoughts with others.
Method: Observation and evaluation.
Timeline: 2-4 years
Audience: McLean County youth, grades 4-12
Project or Activity: School, county, district and state communication contests.
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Speeches and Demonstrations.
Inputs: UK specialists, agents, volunteers and schools.
Date: March and April 2025
Audience: McLean County Youth
Project or Activity: School Based Speeches, Demonstrations, Culture Day
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Speeches and Demonstrations
Inputs: UK specialists, agents, volunteers and schools.
Date: 2024-2025 School Year
