CENTER – Several 4-H members, including ones from Wausa, participated in the 2024 Knox County 4-H Communication Event that was held on April 1.
Participants delivered a speech, recorded a public service announcement (PSA) or gave a presentation during the event, which took place at the Knox County Extension Office in Center.
Clover Kids, children ages 5-7, participated in a non-competitive fashion by reciting a poem or reading or telling a short story. Participants in the Clover Kid Division included: Danica Cunningham, Wausa; Dominic Cunningham, Wausa; and Tate Hanefeldt, Center. Each Clover Kid received words of encouragement from the judge and a Clover Kid rainbow ribbon for their participation.
Dayton Cunningham, Wausa, presented a prepared speech titled “Hope for the Future.” She received the champion trophy in the Junior Division.
The impromptu speech competitioan gives the participants the opportunity to write and present a speech around a 4-H-related topic that they select during the competition.
They are given 15 minutes to develop and prepare for their presentation. The judge evaluates the subject, organization and delivery of the speech.
Dayton Cunningham, Wausa, also presented an impromptu speech and received the champion rosette in the Junior Division.
Some 4-H members also participated in a radio PSA category in which they recorded a 60-second radio spot promoting 4-H and using the theme “4-H is a Feeling.”
Participating in the Junior Division for PSAs, Tucker Hanefeldt, Center, received a purple ribbon and was awarded the champion trophy.
In the Intermediate Division for PSAs, Peyton Bratetic, Bloomfield, received a purple ribbon and was awarded the champion trophy.
Lastly, in the Senior Division for PSAs, Marshall Bratetic, Bloomfield, received a purple ribbon and was awarded the champion trophy.
To finish the event, two presentations were featured by 4-H members.
An illustrated presentation is a live one with a formal talk during which participants will use visual aids – such as props, posters, computer-based visuals, handouts, video, etc. – to show and tell others how to do something.
In the Novice Division, Jocelyn Hanefeldt, Center, prepared a presentation called “Beautiful Bouquets.” Dayton Cunningham, Wausa, prepared a presentation titled “How I Take Care of My Rabbit.” Jocelyn was awarded the champion trophy. Dayton was awarded a purple ribbon.
Marshall Bratetic, Peyton Bratetic, Dayton Cunningham, Jocelyn Hanefeldt and Tucker Hanefeldt all qualified to compete in the Nebraska 4-H Premier Communications Event, set for June 17-18 in Lincoln, in their respective events.
Whether speaking in person or virtually, communicating thoughts to others is a valuable skill. Public- speaking contests help youth develop skills for communicating with audiences, learn how to organize and prepare a speech, develop speech delivery skills, learn how to present themselves to others and develop self-confidence.
