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. 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). 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)
The annual Perry County 4-H Talk Meet provides the emphasis on the development of these communication skills. This year 157 youth enrolled in the County 4-H Talk Meet event . The number one reason given by the schools that promote this program is the increase in self confidence of the youth as they have presented their speech to an unfamiliar audience. The classroom leaders appreciate the support they get from the structure of the event including the professionalism of the Meet Judges. The County Program includes categories in special education in order to include these youth in the challenge of writing and delivering a speech to an audience, although these category champions are not included in the district meet now. Six county youth have qualified to compete at the District level in the spring.