It’s been said that all the world’s a stage ... but what if all the world was an audience? Could you get on the stage? Lots cannot; speaking in front of groups is the #1 fear of adults in North America. But 4-Hers of all ages can, because they have experience in Public Speaking! They know that good speakers are not born, they are developed.
Throughout the club year, 4-H members will have many chances to try a little public speaking, whether it’s telling their fellow club members the results of bowling costs research, participating in a roll call with creative answers, hosting a 4-H booth at a local fair, and participating in their 4-H Club’s Communications Night. Suggest some of these ideas at your next meeting.
4-H Communication Activities
Alumni often list communication skills as one of the biggest assets they have gained from 4-H. Practicing communication activities in a club setting not only builds member’s confidence, but also helps them to effectively convey their thoughts and opinions to others.
Taking Part in a Communication Activity is a 4-H Member Expectation
In order to complete and get credit for their year, 4-H members must take part in a communications activity. For a communications activity to qualify, it must be:
1. Prepared by the member.
2. Presented in front of a group.
3. A length as determined by the chart below:
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For 4-H Speeches, there are three categories:
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Length of Presentation: |
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Junior - (ages 9-11)
|
2-3 minutes
|
| Intermediate - (ages 12-14) |
3-5 minutes
|
|
Senior - (ages 15-21)
|
5-7 minutes
|
| For Demonstrations, there are four categories: |
Length of Presentation: |
| Junior Single (ages 9-14) |
5 - 7 minutes |
Senior Single (ages 15-21)
|
7 - 10 minutes |
Junior Team (2 members)
|
5 - 7 minutes |
| Senior Team (2 members) |
7 - 10 minutes |
All ages are taken as of January 1 of the club year.
For Team Demonstrations, the age of the older member of the team is used to determine the category. Time limits do not include set-up and clean-up.
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For further information, click on headings below.
Note to Communication Leaders ... If you are downloading the Judges’ letter to send to the people who will be judging your club’s Communications, check the bottom of the Judges’ letter and make sure you also download the items listed 1 - 4 at the end of this letter which are to be included with information sent to judges