Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky. The development of communication skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member, and a leader. Using age-appropriate activities selected from the approved Kentucky 4-H Communications & Expressive Arts curriculum, educators can maximize the ability of youth to develop their writing, reading, and personal communication capacities. This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K.R. 2006).

The Campbell County 4-H agent worked with 3 schools to provide communication lessons so students could compete in the 4-H speeches and demonstrations component of the state 4-H communications program. 169 students from grades 4^th through 8^th benefited from specific lessons such as choosing a topic, developing posters for demonstrations, proper delivery of their presentations, and impromptu speaking exercises.  

Evaluations showed that 154 students agree and strongly agree that they gained knowledge in public speaking. 157 students gained knowledge in how to use spoken, written, and visual language. 162 students can now identify the parts of a speech.

Six 6^th grade students advanced to the Area 4-H Communications event with their demonstrations. Nine 4^th-8^th grade students advanced to the County 4-H Speech Finals with 3 of those advancing to the Area 4-H Communications Event later this month.