Finding Their Voice: Local 4-H members take the stage for annual public speaking events

Seven youth from the Cobscook Currents 4-H Club participated in Speak Up, Washington County 4-H! at Washington County Community College, presenting to three judges and an audience filled with friends, family, and 4-H staff. Youth ages nine and above who received a qualifying score were invited to present at the Speak Up, Maine 4-H! State Showcase that took place on Saturday, April 11 at the University of Maine in Orono.

Public Speaking is one of Maine 4-H’s longest running programs where youth continue to reap the benefits of a skill they use throughout their life. In this program, youth have the opportunity to practice and develop their public speaking skills through three types of presentations: demonstrative, illustrative and performative. In a demonstrative talk, youth show the audience how to do something, like making a 4-H charcuterie board or building a bow out of popsicle sticks, while explaining the process. In an illustrated talk, youth explain topics like the history of fly fishing or using a 3D printer with visuals. New this year is the performing arts category, where youth perform a skill or talent and relate it back to their 4-H experience.

Youth choose topics they are passionate about, which 4-H describes as sparks, and then work on crafting captivating introductions, building confidence in themselves and engaging with the audience.

“It’s incredible to see the youth’s confidence grow from year to year in this program,” said Gabby Brodek, 4-H Youth Development Professional. “I’m also so impressed with how these kids show up at the state showcase, ready to help others set up their presentations, troubleshoot technology, and offer words of support and encouragement. I’m really proud of them.”

Below are the presentation names and results of the county showcase as well as the state competition.

Senior Division (ages 14-18)

Soren D., Filament of Your Imagination: The 3D Printing Process

Junior Division (ages 9-13)

Ira D., Why is Snow Slippery?

Théo M., Medieval Armor – Types and Uses

Nora B., How to Take Care of Cats

Ryland S., Tornadoes

Cloverbud Division (ages 5-8)

James S., How to Bake a Cake!

Theodore S., How to be a Good Big Brother!

At the county event, all junior and senior division participants received blue ribbons and qualified to present at Speak Up, Maine 4-H!, in Orono. All Cloverbud participants received a participation ribbon.

At the state showcase, Soren D. received a red ribbon on his talk Filament of Your Imagination: The 3D Printing Process in the Senior Division. Ira D. and Théo M. received white ribbons for their talks Why is Snow Slippery? and Medieval Armor – Types and Uses, respectively, in the junior division. Ryland S. received a red ribbon for his talk Tornadoes in the junior division.

For more information about 4-H, visit the Washington County 4-H Program or contact 207.255.3345.