2020 was not the year anyone planned for, hoped for or dreamed of.  The world was hit with a global pandemic which ultimately affected every human being on this planet not to mention the lifestyles they led.  The effects of the restrictions placed on our communities due to COVID-19 forced state and local Extension professionals to think outside the box in order to somehow continue programming by means of utilizing technology in ways that had never been done.  The term ‘virtual’ became a buzzword almost overnight and encouraged many to begin altering traditional programs such as annual 4-H speech and demonstration contests many know as the Talk Meet.  

The Hardin County 4-H program jumped on board with the alterations and advertised the instructions for the virtual program format and surprisingly received 12 digital entries, 9 of which were speeches and 3 demonstrations ranging from topics on horse slaughterhouses to country hams.   The speeches and demonstrations were judged and 9 of them qualified for the area level contest.  Judges were able to provide comments an suggestions for improvements through digital scoresheets and the participants were able to use comments to improve their presentations by re-recording before advancing onto next level.  Nine competed at the area level with 5 of them advancing on to the state contest, all being done virtually.