4-H Member, Dax Harper, combines his love for music with public speaking, as he demonstrates "The Basics of How to Play a Mandolin" in front of an audience.

“Public speaking is a valuable skill that everyone needs and can last a lifetime.”   

-  Senior 4-H Member, Ty Jones

Kentucky 4-H has built its foundation on teaching youth leadership, civic engagement and communications skills through 4-H.  Through the 4-H Public Speaking project, youth practice the following Targeted Life Skills as identified by youth development professionals: communication, critical thinking, self-motivation, confidence and marketable skills.  These skills are all indicated as critical skills needed in our future workforce.  

At the county level, Allen County 4-H dedicates various opportunities for youth to practice communications skills.   Several activities build to culminating experiences such as public speaking workshops, speech writing, radio and tv broadcasting, country ham speeches, in addition to the various opportunities to compete at the county, area and state level.

This spring, the 2024 County 4-H Communications Contest was hosted at the Allen County Extension Office on April 12^th, 2024. Allen County had a total of 20 entries from 16 different youth in Speech, Demonstration and Mock Interview Categories.  Four of which, were entries presented by new budding Cloverbud 4-Her’s getting an early start to public speaking as a 5-8 year old.

“Public speaking is such an important and valuable life skill.  I’m so thankful our 4-H program offers this to help my children gain knowledge and experience that they will carry with them into adulthood.”   

- 4-H Parent of six 4-H Youth, Andi Harper

This year, Allen County youth competed in a wide array of demonstration content areas, demonstrating knowledge in Food & Nutrition, Animal Sciences, Arts & Crafts, Sports & Physical Health, Performing Arts, Chemistry Sciences and Natural Resources.   Speakers presenting speeches shared on Healthy Habits, Preparation & Organization, Self-Esteem, Cars and Animal Care.  Two youth took their communication skills to the next level, having chosen to engage in Mock Interviews to prepare them for future success in job interviews.   Each contest requires youth to prepare, research, practice and speak in front of an audience.  

“The public speaking opportunities I participated in during my 4-H career are what has given me the confidence to pursue goals that I would have never thought possible.”

-  4-H Alumni, Daphnica Wood

We are excited to announce that 11 youth advanced to the Area Communications Contest in May 2024.    Of those 11 youth, 3 youth will advance to the State Communications Contest in 5 speech & demonstration categories.   We wish these youth best of luck as they continue to use the 4-H Communications and Public Speaking Contests to build confidence and continue to “Make the Best Better!”