Strong writing, reading and presentation skills present youth with the dexterity of being good communicators as well as allowing them to form receptive relationships with peers and adults.   When young people are confident and capable in presenting their thoughts and feelings they are more likely to accept roles of responsibility in their communities and enhance their contribution to society.  This development of internal and external assets, as researched by the Search Institutes “The 40 Developmental Assets” helps to develop youth into competent, caring and contributing adults.        (Jones, K.R. 2006).  Warren County has always had a strong communications programs providing the youth opportunities in talk meet, demonstration, mock interview, and written communication contests.  This past year we had 30 participants in these contest.  Of those participants 17 advanced onto the district level and 10 advanced onto the state level.  At the State Communication Contest, we had 2 first place winners, 2 second place winners, 1 third place winner, and 3 blue ribbon winners.

When surveyed at the county contest, 90% of the contests stated they improved their communication skills by participating in the county contest this year.  A 100% believed they can communicate a message to someone now as well. One parent commented that over the past 3 years her daughter had been giving speeches and was a very nervous when presenting these speeches.  It was recommend that she should try a demonstration this year, so she did.   At the state contest her daughter stated that she was not nervous at all this year.  She was runner up at the State Family & Consumer Science Demonstration where in the past she never advance from the area talk meet contest.