Being able to communicate face-to-face is starting to seem like a skill that is being lost by today’s youth since technology and social media are becoming second nature to most people.  In February, the Owen County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development contacted the Owen County School system to work in partnership with one 7^th grade class on how to prepare, draft, and present a speech. The Owen County Agent for 4-H Youth Development shared information about the annual contest for those that wanted to participate. Due to COVID-19 the County Level contest was held virtually, the participants were asked to submit a video of their speech or demonstration. The Contest participation even amidst a pandemic grew exponentially from 2 participants in 2020 to 13 participants in 2021. The Multi-County (District 3) Contest will be held virtually during May, there are 5 youth from Owen County competing in 6 areas at the next level, 4 of the 5 are all from the one classroom that the workshop was presented in. 

After the Owen County 4-H Communications Contest was held and the results were made, plans to expand the contest to younger grades and older so that communications skills can be taught, and practice continued for many years.