Speak Up: 4-H Communications

 

It is that time of year again! 4-H Alberta Communications competitions, at all levels, are being held from now until the big event that marks the grand finale of the 4-H Communications season: the 4-H Alberta Provincial Communications competition! This year Provincial Communications will be on April 12, 2014 at the Northlands Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. This event showcases Alberta’s top 4-H speakers and presenters and is a showcase of the valuable communications skills that 4-H members gain as a result of their involvement in the program. 4-H Alberta’s top speakers represent the program and make us all very proud as they showcase the outstanding outcomes that are the result of 4-H Communications.

One of the highlights of the 4-H program is that each 4-H member is required to complete one Communications project each club year. Speaking before an audience comes natural to some, but for many it is daunting and can even be frightening. It is important that 4-H members feel comfortable and secure speaking in a safe and supportive environment, with the idea being that a member’s confidence and abilities will grow with each passing year of their 4-H career. While “butterflies” and nervousness are normal, feelings of apprehension and anxiety will not make for a positive experience, especially for a very young member.

This compilation of 4-H Communications tips is themed around combating nerves, increasing confidence, and helping 4-Hers to feel comfortable when speaking in front of an audience. This list is designed to make helpful suggestions, and by no means are you required to follow all or any of the points included below.

• Host a communications workshop well in advance of your club’s Communications date in order to increase comfort level and to familiarize all members with public speaking/presentations expectations: how to choose a topic, planning and researching your speech, the structure of a speech/presentation, judging criteria, practicing impromptus, effective speech delivery, etc. If you wish, invite Senior members to help plan the workshop and encourage them to contribute their ideas on what would be effective for, and helpful to, younger members. Break up into small groups and have senior members help younger members practice impromptus, choose a speech topic, or answer questions and concerns that members may have.

• Encourage members (especially Juniors or first year 4-Hers) to attend any district or regional Communications workshops that are offered. The more information they have about what to expect and how to prepare, the more comfortable they will feel!
• If your 4-H club includes Cleaver Kids, encourage the Cleaver Kids and their families to attend the club’s Communications event. As it can be a long day, let Cleaver Kids parents know that it is okay to attend part of the day. This will help to familiarize youngsters with the Communications component of 4-H even before they become Junior 4-H members. Ask the Cleaver Kids leader to discuss, before and after, what the Communications competition is all about and answer questions.

• Inform and educate parents about the Communications program – what to expect, what is required, how to help their 4-Her(s) to prepare, judging criteria, how to help younger members choose a speech topic and write a speech, etc. Ask them to, if possible, attend the club’s communication event as an audience member in order to support, represent, and encourage their 4-Her(s). Encourage parents to ask questions and provide feedback if they have comments. Arming parents with information will help to relieve fears and uncertainty in new 4-H members, as they may approach their parents with concerns that you as a 4-H leader would never be aware of.

• Remind Judges that positive and constructive feedback is the most effective. When commenting on younger members, remember to use encouraging and positive language that they will understand. Ask judges to keep in mind, at all levels, what is reasonable to expect from each age group, and discuss and review the judging criteria with them in those terms. Remember, it takes a lot of courage to even get up in front of a group of people – at any age!

The speaking experience, skills, and confidence that 4-H members gain as a result of participating in this component of our program truly sets our youth apart from their peers and will be of value to them as they continue on to post-secondary schooling and pursuits beyond.

 

In addition to the hard work the members contribute to the Program, so too, do the 4-H volunteers contribute their time and effort into making sure the Communication Competitions go off without a hitch.  Volunteers prepare judging cards, secure judges and timers and provide snacks and meals to keep the competitors full!  We want to thank all the 4-H volunteers that help at each level of the program - club, district, region and provincial to make this a successful program! 

We also would like to remind all members to express their gratitude to the 4-H Alberta Communications sponsors that provide funding, resources and volunteer hours which further enables these opportunities.

Provincial 4-H Alberta Communication Sponsors

 

 

 

Regional 4-H Alberta Communication Sponsors







 (Calgary Only)  

District 4-H Alberta Communication Sponsors



 (Select Districts)

 

Club 4-H Alberta Communication Sponsors

 
 
 
If you require contact information, please refer to the sponsorship packages that were distributed at Leaders' Conference, or you may contact us as well: 4-H Foundation of Alberta, Email: partners@4hab.com.