4-H members will challenge judges with their high-quality communication skills on Saturday, March 25 at the Strathmore Civic Centre.
The Calgary 4-H region has three public speaking competitions starting at 9:30 a.m. and three presentation competitions starting at 2 p.m.
The regional competitions are the fourth level of competition for these 4-H members. This is the last level of competition for the junior and intermediate members, but the Top 2 senior members will continue on to the provincial 4-H competitions.
Six senior 4-H members will also get to display their communication skills by being the MCs in each competition. 4-H is very grateful for all the distinguished judges and volunteers that come from across southern Alberta to volunteer their day to do the many duties throughout the event.
The Calgary 4-H region consists of five districts as far west as the Alberta- B.C. border, as far east as Kneehill County, as far north as Innisfail and as far south as Cayley.
Each district sends forward its Top 2 competitors in each age category and competition event. Juniors are nine to 11 years old, Intermediates are 12 to 14 years old and Seniors are 15 to 20 years old. There will be about 60 4-H members competing, entertaining and educating everyone throughout the day.
4-H members are encouraged to choose topics they have an interest in to speak and present on. The speaking competition consists of each member presenting his or her prepared speech within a set time frame. They will then give a one- to two-minute speech on an impromptu topic, which they will only have one minute to prepare for.
The presentation competition consists of members presenting in a set time frame followed by a question from one of the judges, which they must answer immediately. The high quality of communication skills that 4-H members have at this level of competition will challenge each other as well as the judges.
A very special acknowledgement to AltaLink, 4-H Alberta and the Calgary Regional 4-H Council for recognizing the importance of the quality communication skills 4-H members learn through 4-H and these events. Confidence and communication skills are important assets to all 4-H members and society both now and in the future.
Angie Dawson is an assistant leader in the Millarville-Stockland 4-H Beef Club and a member of the Calgary Regional 4-H Communications Committee. For more information on the event contact her at 403-803-7614.
