Georgia 4-H Public Speaking Competition:
Through 4-H Project Achievement, youth learn valuable life skills such as organization, communication, and confidence. One of the keystones of the 4-H program in Georgia is Project Achievement. In 4-H Project Achievement, youth, based on their age and stage of development, identify a project area, construct a plan to learn more in that area, and share what they have learned with others. For middle school and high school participants, 4-H members create a portfolio to document their learning. This portfolio serves as an introduction to a cover letter and resume for applying for a job.
4-H Project Achievement is available in all 159 counties in Georgia with dedicated staff members and volunteers able to assist military dependents whether they live on a military installation, attend a military installation based club, or live in a geographically dispersed area. Base and County staff have a unique opportunity to work together on teaching youth this valuable skill and to promote a sound 4-H activity that is for all ages.
Connecting with your County 4-H Program:
A great way to learn about the full potential of Project Achievement and to know about Project Achievement deadlines is to meet with your local 4-H Agent. As mentioned before Project Achievement is offered to all ages, so depending on the age and your area competitions can vary. Generally, there are several competition options in the Fall and Spring for youth in grades 4th-6th. In fact, there is even a special overnight trip to Rock Eagle 4-H Center for 6th grade competitors that some counties promote. Additionally, 7th-12th grade competitions occur in either March or February depending on your area of residency.
Project Achievement is a great partner activity. County 4-H staff typically host public speaking workshops to prepare youth for the competition along with themed days to help youth learn about their given topic of interests. For example, in Lowndes County staff planned a behind the scenes tour at Chick-fil-a to youth interested in projects related to food prep and nutrition. County4-H staff take youth to the competitions further alleviating pressure to on base staff members; however, base staff are always welcomed and encouraged to come to 4-H events at the county, district, and state level.
Ideas on how to teach Public Speaking and Promote Project Achievement:
A fun way to promote Project Achievement all while teaching public speaking skills is to host an in-club competition. On base you can do a 2-4-week program (depending on how often you meet) where you have the youth pick a topic of interest, write speech, create visual aids, and then host a presentation day/night/afternoon. The great key here is the youth can use their speeches at the county and district level competitions as well. So, youth not only get plenty of time to work on their speeches during your regular scheduled club time, but they also get to practice public speaking in front of multiple audience types and have the opportunity to present in front of a panel of judges.
Another, great partnership idea is for the 4-H base staff member is to invite the local 4-H Agent to come in and teach a lesson on public speaking as well as advertise Project Achievement. 4-H staff regularly teach public speaking to teens of all ages as well as promote Project Achievement, so this might alleviate some pressure on planning for the base staff member.
Maybe you find that you have already missed your local Project Achievement deadlines or your current plans are to full to include additional activities until a later date. Hosting a theme day or lesson series can be a fun way to introduce public speaking to teens as well. Your theme day could include: presentations from local 4-H’ers to showcase the variety of speaking styles, an improve game to get youth comfortable, a lesson on writing a speech, a lesson on choosing proper visual aids, and other related activities. Public speaking workshops and lessons are great instructional pieces to include in programming all year.
National 4-H Resource to Teach Public Speaking: Finding Your Voice: Public Speaking Made Easy