4-H Public Speaking

Stepping up to the podium and standing before a lectern to speak before a large audience can be an intimidating thing to do for many people. For 4-H members, speaking before a crowd is a little bit easier, thanks to the experience and practice learned at the county and state level. It doesn't take long before 4-H'ers begin to show mastery in an important skill that lasts a lifetime.

Adult alumni 4-H'ers freely credit their 4-H Public Speaking experiences for providing an edge in interviews, and comfortable ease while presenting as professionals.When veteran 4-H public speakers get up to talk before a crowd, they always stand out in a positive way- noticed by others!  Public Speaking and 4-H are a proud and lasting association!

Besides refining and reinforcing oratory and presentation skills, an effective 4-H speech requires the contestant to research his or her topic. It is amazing what can be conveyed in only a few minutes! Judges and audience members who attend the local and state contests frequently comment that they leave having learned something new and often valuable.

 

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The Sussex County 4-H Public Speaking Contest is open to 4-H'ers ages 8-19. We have even had a few brave Cloverbuds step up to be heard (though they do not compete)! Contestents are judged in four age groups and vary in time depending on age.The average speech is only two minutes long. It is two minutes that can change one's life!

The entire Sussex County 4-H community is invited to attend local and state contests! If you know a 4-H'er who is a little tentative about participating, please urge them to attend as a member of the audience. Once they see their friends do it - and see how much fun it can be - they are often motivated to plan a speech for the following year. Contestants also do well knowing there are friendly, supportive faces in their audience. Contestants and their families are asked to bring a snack tray or item to the event for others to share. During the judging intermission, the audience is invited to share the refreshments, 4-H fellowship, and usually, get treated to a 4-H slide show prepared from images from the past year.

What you need to know:Below are some resources that will assist 4-H'ers in preparing effective speeches.

A Closer Look - A helpful worksheet to help plan your speech

Sample Scoresheet - What do the judges look for? Practice in front of your family, friends and club members and have them score you! You will know where to improve and your friends will develop good critical thinking skills as practice judges!

Public Speaking Entry Form - Will be posted closer to the event

Public Speaking Gallery -Click this title link if you cannot see the slideshow above. See Sussex County's talented participants from last year! Topics ranged from: Patriotism, US History, Spelunking, Favorite Pets, Sport Activities, Culinary Arts,Ghost Hunting,Learning an Instrument, Farming as a Career,Ecology and Recycling, and yes, even the science behind Body Odor! Unlike the Demonstration Contest which focus on a specific 4-H Project, the 4-H Public Speaker can choose a topic that interests them and that they feel passionate about. Topics have been serious and comedic in tone...and everything in between! We invite you to share your passions with others in the form of a 4-H Public Speech!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cooperative Extension Education in Agriculture and Home Economics, University of Delaware, Delaware State University and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating.  Distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.  It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin.