4-H members participated in the 2024 Knox County 4-H Communication Event held Monday, April 1st at the Knox County Extension Office. Participants were able to present a speech, record a PSA or deliver a presentation.
Whether speaking in person or virtually, communicating our thoughts to others is a valuable skill. Public speaking contests help youth develop skills for communicating with audiences, learn how to organize and prepare a speech, develop speech delivery skills, learn how to present themselves to others, and develop self-confidence.
Clover Kids, youth ages 5-7, participated in a non-competitive fashion by reciting a poem or reading or telling a short story. Participants in the Clover Kid Division included: Danica Cunningham of Wausa, Dominic Cunningham of Wausa and Tate Hanefeldt of Center. Each Clover Kid received words of encouragement from the judge and a Clover Kid rainbow ribbon for their participation.
Dayton Cunningham of Wausa presented a Prepared Speech titled "Hope for the Future”. She received the Champion Trophy in the Junior Division.
The Impromptu Speech competition gives youth the opportunity to write and present a speech around a 4-H-related topic that they select during the competition, where they are given 15 minutes to develop and prepare for their presentation. The judge evaluates the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech. Dayton also presented an Impromptu Speech and received the Champion Rosette in the Junior Division.
4-H members also participated in a Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) category in which they recorded a 60 second radio spot promoting 4-H and using the theme “4-H is a Feeling”.
Participating in the Junior PSA Division, Tucker Hanefeldt of Center received a purple ribbon and was awarded the Champion trophy; Intermediate PSA Division, Peyton Bratetic of Bloomfield received a purple ribbon and was awarded the Champion trophy. In the Senior PSA Division, Marshall Bratetic of Bloomfield received a purple ribbon and was awarded the Champion trophy.
To finish the evening, two presentations were featured by 4-H members. An Illustrated Presentation is a live presentation with a formal talk where youth will use visual aids (such as props, posters, computer-based visuals, handouts, video, etc.) to show and tell others how to do something.
In the Novice Division, Jocelyn Hanefeldt of Center prepared a presentation: ‘Beautiful Bouquets’. Dayton Cunningham prepared a presentation: ‘How I Take Care of My Rabbit’. Jocelyn was awarded the Champion trophy. Dayton was awarded a purple ribbon.
Peyton Bratetic, Marshall Bratetic, Dayton Cunningham, Tucker Hanefeldt and Jocelyn Hanefeldt all qualify to compete in the State 4-H Premier Communications Event to be held June 17-18 in Lincoln in their respective events.