The Boyle County Extension and 4-H Councils identified improving the ability to communicate as a key life skill local 4-H programs should focus upon. Cooperative Extension Service personnel cooperated with teachers in the Boyle County, Danville, and Danville Christian systems to provide public speaking contests within their classrooms. CES provided educational materials, guidelines, judges, equipment, score sheets, and ribbons to 11 classrooms that conducted in-class Talk Meets with 240 youth. Students presented 3-5 minute speeches standing before their classmates and the judges on subjects of their choosing. The Boyle County 4-H Council then offered cash prizes to participating classrooms for sending students to participate again at the County 4-H Communications Contest. CES provided judges, officials, materials, and awards for 22 youth presenting speeches and demonstrations. Of youth evaluating the County Talk Meet, 100% agreed they had given their speeches multiple times before multiple people and 99% agreed they had improved their public speaking skills, including eye contact, voice control, gestures, etc. Ninety-nine percent indicated they had already used these skills at home, at school, or in the community.