Facebook, Twitter, texting are how today’s youth communicate. Social media has become an important form of communication for all of us. Communication is essential to youth success and social media can certainly enhance youth communication skills. However, it is effecting verbal communication among our youth and can affect their future success. Verbal communication skills, like anything else, must be taught. The proper ways to speak, make eye contact and use body language are all a part of the communication skills that play a role in a young person’s success. Without good verbal skills, it will be difficult to find a job, ace a job interview, start a business, etc. (Dr. Linette, Empowering Youth) Kenton Co extension 4-H in cooperation with six school districts in Kenton County implemented 4-H speech and the demonstrations program into 4-H  School Clubs beginning in Dec 2017. This year we had 71 youth  participate in the County Event. The youth completed a survey after the event 75 % of the youth had never given a speech in front of a group of people they did not know. 85% stated that because of what they learned in school and experienced at the event they are now more comfortable speaking in front of a group. 99 % found the event to be a rewarding experience. Some of the comments from the youth show what this event meant to them. "I loved this experience. " "Thank you."  " I hope you enjoyed my speech" "I love this experience very rewarding"  "I loved the atmosphere.  The judges were so nice." "This was probably my favorite day this year so far"