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.<\/p>\n
Public Speaking is one of Maine 4-H\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s incredible to see the youth\u2019s confidence grow from year to year in this program,\u201d said Gabby Brodek, 4-H Youth Development Professional. \u201cI\u2019m 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\u2019m really proud of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Below are the\u00a0presentation names and\u00a0results of the county showcase as well as the state competition.<\/p>\n