Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky.   The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader. This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006)

Positive youth development researchers theorize that youth who are confident and who have strong communication skills are more likely to make substantial contributions to their family, their community, and society. One way that youth can develop confidence and their communication skills is by completing a speech competition. In the 2023 program year, approximately 534 youth from Marion County completed a speech with sixty youth advancing to the county level. Seven youth advanced to the C5/C6 Area Speech Contest and 6 4-H’ers were chosen as the Champion in their age division.  Six youth advanced to State 4-H Communications Day in July and demonstrated effective presentation skills by attaining a blue ribbon, which is a score of 80-100. Two youths were chosen as the Champion in their age division and another 4-H’er received third place. Youth improved their public speaking skills and reported that they gained confidence in their ability to speak in front of others.   Also, 62 community members served as volunteer judges and some of these 62 served as a judge more than one time.   The judges commented on how impressed they were with some of the speeches and asked to judge again next year.