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4-h connections

By Glenn K Turner UT Extension Agent published: December 21 2009 11:37 AM updated:: December 21 2009 10:58 PM      Nervous jitters, weak knees and a butterfly in the stomach. These are often the feelings experienced when speaking before a group. 4-H members can learn to overcome these feelings by participating in the 4-H public speaking activity. Last year over 2,600 Sevier County 4-H Members took part in public speaking, by giving a speech at their local club. This year’s public speaking emphasis is taking place in January 4-H Club Meeting.
     To help 4-H members prepare for this years speaking contest, a Public Speaking Workshops will be held, on January 11th and 12th, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., at the 4-H Office, 752 Old Knoxville Highway, adjacent to the Sevier County Fairgrounds. 4-H’ers attending should bring their speech to the workshop, to get the maximum benefit. Adults will work individually and in small groups with 4-H members to improve their speeches and speaking skills. 4-H members can attend either one workshop or both.
     The following suggestions will help you as you prepare that speech for your January club meeting.
1) Decide on a subject: good speeches are based on things you know about or an experience you have had. The speech does not have to be about 4-H, but you might mention how 4-H is related to your subject.
2)Collect and organize your thoughts: do some research on your subject and then put your thoughts into an easy to understand order. Include an introduction, body and conclusion.
3) Write your speech: Use note cards. Become familiar enough with it that you only need to glance at your notes. A good speech is never read.
4) Time your speech: Fourth through sixth graders should be two to three minutes; 7th & 8th grades should be three to five minutes long and 9th through 12th graders should not exceed seven minutes.
5) Practice giving your speech: say it in front of a mirror, your pet, parents and friends. Listen to their advice for improving your speech. Also, remember to have good eye contact, keep good posture and speak with a pleasant voice.
     Each 4-H member giving a speech will be recognized in their club meeting. 4-H’ers wishing to speak competitively can participate in the county speaking contest to be held in February. Sponsors for the public speaking contest include: The Mountain Press, the Sevier County 4-H Endowment Fund and the Sevierville Sunrise Rotary Club. If you need more information about the public speaking contest or other 4-H opportunities, please contact Glenn K Turner at 453-3695.