According to 4-H Youth Development research and educational materials:

Communication is a primary life skill that supports youth in expressing themselves, building relationships, and succeeding academically and socially. The 4-H program uses an experiential learning model, allowing students to plan, practice, and present speeches or demonstrations in a supportive environment. This hands-on approach helps youth reflect on their experiences and apply their skills in real-life situations Through structured activities like demonstrations, informative presentations, and public speaking events, youth learn to overcome fear, build confidence, and develop leadership abilities. These skills are not only valuable in school settings but also prepare students for future careers in fields such as journalism, education, public relations, and leadership roles in any profession.

In today’s fast-paced, media-driven world, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently is more important than ever. Yet, public speaking remains the number one fear among adults, often rooted in a lack of early exposure and practice. Based on the Webster Count needs assessment, the Webster County 4-H Youth Development Program partnered with Providence Elementary School to bring the 4-H Communication, Speech, and Demonstration Program to students in grades 3 through 6.

The Webster County 4-H Youth Development Program, in collaboration with Providence Elementary School, its teachers, and the school guidance counselor, successfully implemented the 4-H Communication Program for students in grades 3 through 6. This initiative aimed to build students’ confidence and competence in public speaking—an essential life skill and the number one fear among adults. The Webster County 4-H Youth Development Program, in collaboration with Providence Elementary School, its teachers, and the school guidance counselor, successfully implemented the 4-H Communication Program for students in grades 3 through 6, which included a total of 97 students. This initiative aimed to build students’ confidence and competence in public speaking—an essential life skill and the number one fear among adults.

Teacher Feedback

• 100% (6 out of 6) teachers reported that their students can now communicate ideas more effectively.
• All teachers involved observed improvements in their students’ writing and presentation skills.
• Five of the six teachers also noted that students applied these communication skills in other areas of life, such as classroom discussions and peer interactions.
• Teachers from Providence Elementary highlighted significant gains in student confidence, particularly in public speaking. They observed students becoming more comfortable and expressive when presenting in front of others.

Student Outcomes

• Among the 6 teachers who completed the evaluation: All reported that their students used writing and presentation skills learned through 4-H.
• All confirmed that students could identify the key parts of a speech or demonstration.
• 25 students expressed interest in pursuing a career in communication as a result of their             experience.

Student Evaluations

• 92 of 97 students agreed or strongly agreed that they gained knowledge in public speaking.90% of students reported learning how to use spoken, written, and visual language effectively.
• 75 of 97 students can now identify the parts of a speech, compared to only 25% prior to implementation.
• 100% of students said they now feel more confident and more comfortable speaking in front of an audience than prior to the program.

“Basic public speaking skills are critical for students to learn from an early age.  I am so grateful for the collaboration efforts of our 4-H program and school to ensure the students have ample opportunities to experience growth that will benefit the rest of their lives. Before this experience, my son was shy and self-conscience when speaking in public. Through the support of his 4-H agent and teachers in school he has not just become more comfortable presenting to an audience, but he has also found the courage to lead his school's quick recall team.”

4-H Parent Comment 

"Participating in 4-H Communications Day programs for a decade gave me the opportunity to gradually develop my confidence and speaking skills, each year making progress and becoming ever more prepared for real world situations. As part of the graduation requirements for the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at Ole Miss, students are required to submit a thesis and defend their thesis in front of a committee of academics. Last month I defended my thesis entitled The Well-Kept Wallet: Your Pathway to Financial Literacy utilizing public speaking skills I learned in 4-H. Additionally, I have very recently seen the benefits of participating in the interview portion of Communications Day. I graduated college less than a month ago and secured a job in private wealth management. Having previous experience with interviewing gave me the confidence I needed to answer interview questions with ease and let my skills and qualifications shine through." 4-H Alumni Comment