CHAMPAIGN, Ill. –  4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Hope Brinkmeier from Stephenson County recently put her public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held at Parkland College April 29.

Youth who participate in this yearly exhibit develop skills for communicating real-life issues to live audiences and receive professional and peer feedback. Youth ages 8-18 can participate in the contest and gain skills in learning how to organize and prepare a speech, developing speech delivery skills, and learning how to present themselves in front of an audience.

Hope entered the formal speech- original category for beginners (ages 8-13). Her speech was on trees and their importance to our lives and our communities. When asked why she chose to talk about trees, Hope said this, “I recently learned about trees and the rain forests at school, and I was amazed at how important they are to our everyday life. I wanted to write about it and share it with others.”

In the Formal Speech Division, youth share their perspective on a topic of their choice with a speech intended to motivate, persuade, or inform an audience.  In the Illustrated Division, speeches may inform, persuade, or motivate the audience with the use of a visual aid and may include audience participation. In the Oral Interpretation Division, presentations must be previously published works or manuscripts with youth competing individually and in teams.  In the Original Works Division, presentations must be published works, and manuscripts or transcripts. 

Public speaking is an important part of the overall 4-H experience. Throughout the year, 4-H members give talks and demonstrations at community club meetings and share information about the skills they learned in a project while receiving feedback in a supportive environment. Every 4-H member is also encouraged to give at least one formal presentation during a club meeting each year. 

To learn more about public speaking growth opportunities in Stephenson County, please reach out to Brenda Heimann at the local Extension office at (815)-235-4125.

COMPEER Financial provided financial support for this program.

Photo: Hope Brinkmeier, Country Cuzins 4-H Club, Stephenson County Public Speaking Champion