SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Local 4-H members will present 14 speeches in several styles during the 2023 Logan/Menard/Sangamon 4-H Public Speaking Contest, which will be held Thursday, March 30, at 6 PM at the Sangamon Extension Office (700 S Airport Dr, Springfield). The public is welcome to attend.

Individuals will present in the categories of Formal Speech, which is a persuasive speech written by the presenter on a topic of their choice, or Illustrated Speech, which is an informational speech often demonstrating how to do something. Individuals and 2-person teams will present Oral Interpretation speeches, which are often short plays, published stories, or excerpts from famous historical speeches.

The 4-H Public Speaking project focuses on supporting youth in developing and strengthening their abilities and confidence to speak in front of people. “Giving presentations helps develop many life skills including the ability to speak in front of a group, organize ideas, and create and present in 4-H,” says Carissa Davis, 4-H Youth Development Educator for Logan, Menard and Sangamon Counties. The Public Speaking Contest provides youth with an opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of public speaking in front of their family, friends, community members and judges.

Champion and Reserve Champion prizes will be awarded, and the top presentations will be selected to advance to the statewide Illinois 4-H Public Speaking Contest on April 29 in Champaign.

Public speaking is one of many life skills taught and practiced in 4-H. More information about 4-H activities in Logan, Menard and Sangamon Counties can be found at extension.illinois.edu/LMS/4-H-youth-development.