The Logan County 4-H Communication’s Night took place on Monday, March 16th at the Logan County Extension Office. The students presented speeches and demonstrations on various topics, while 4-H volunteers served as judges and room monitors for the event. Students vied for the championship honor in each class, but only one could be named in each of the age groups or demonstration categories. The 2009 Logan County 4-H Communication’s Night Champion Speeches were: Sarah Edgar– “Pearl Harbor,” Matthew Edgar– “Kit Carson,” Jarrett Hamilton– “Discovering Your Talent,” and Katy Kinser– “Technology and Education.” The champion demonstrations were: Zach McElfresh– “Like Duck Tape,” Sarah Edgar– “Tasty Dish,” and Katie Tyson– “Simple Stitching.” These youth qualified to compete in the Area 4-H Communications Contest on Monday, April 21st in Barren County. Each of these 4-H youth also received a blue ribbon score for their efforts. Also competing this year were Becca McElfresh– “Memories” and Cody McElfresh– “Breakfast Casserole.”

Learning to be a good public speaker is something that will be useful through a 4-H member’s lifetime. Good public speakers are made, not born. The necessary skills associated with being a good public speaker have always been an important part of the 4-H experience. Teachers and parents are the key to insuring that their students and children have opportunity to speak in public. The Logan County 4-H program provides that opportunity every spring for 9 to 19 year olds. Teachers are encouraged to conduct 4-H speech contests in their classrooms. Parents must provide the support for transportation and encouragement to participate in such an important event.

Public speaking is generally not everyone's most favorite thing to do. However, it is necessary when we get into our jobs, volunteer in organizations or get active in our churches.....we typically find ourselves up in front of a group. If you have had experience in front of a group through your childhood, you typically feel less nervous in front of a group. Many people attribute their success in their job to the experiences they had in the 4-H public speaking program.

A special thanks to those who served as judges or room leaders for the 4-H Talk Meet: Ashley Amos, Kay Thornberry, Ronnie Robinson and Richard Estes.