4-H hosts public speaking opportunity at fair
4-H members gave their public speeches at the youth building during the Coshocton County Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Pictured from left are: Kyra Weaver, Piper Andrews, Luke Massie, and Kiera McPeck.
COSHOCTON – When people are asked what they are afraid of, most would list public speaking as one of their top fears. But a committee made up of 4-H advisors is hoping that the public speaking opportunity offered to 4-H members each year at the Coshocton County Fair will help prepare kids and teens for a lifetime of speaking in public.
“In school, they give so many talks and presentations and continue in high school, college, and in the workforce, so this prepares them to get over being nervous and to get more organized,” said Jean Haumschild, a member of the committee.
The speeches are non-competitive and contestants are awarded with a very good award or an excellent award with comments from the judges and ways the contestants can improve their speech. Judges for the event this year were John Turnbull, Julie Turnbull, and Kim Mack.
“The judges are looking for poise, how much of the speech do they do making eye contact and without their notes, inflection in the voice, and how the speech is organized,” said Haumschild.
Each speech had to be centered on the 4-H theme, “4-H is how we roll” and depending on age and division, had to fit within a certain time slot. This year, there were four 4-H members who gave a speech and one cloverbud.
4-H members who spoke were Luke Massie, Kiera McPeck, Piper Andrews, and Kyra Weaver. Josh Collins was the cloverbud who recited the 4-H Pledge.
First to speak was Weaver who is a member of Happy Tracks 4-H Club who talked about the projects she brought to the fair which included photography, writing, and pigs.
“You’re going along with the motions in life and relax and follow your heart,” said Weaver about the 4-H theme. “People say ‘Go with the flow’ and 4-H means the same thing.”
Andrews was next to present and is a member of Magic Makers. This was her sixth speech. She compared 4-H to that of a ball rolling.
“There are always situations in life that impact you and you must be able to handle these situations,” said Andrews.
To get a ball rolling, Andrews said you must have force. She compared this to her mom forcing her to join 4-H, which she’s glad of. Then, there is gravity to keep the ball rolling.
“Gravity in 4-H is when you’re laughing and having fun with your friends,” she said.
Then, there is always friction which slows the ball down.
“4-H friction teaches you life won’t always be perfect,” said Andrews. “But you have to slow down and enjoy the ride.”
A ball needs momentum to keep going and Andrews said 4-H momentum is nailing every question.
“Whatever you do on this crazy ball of life, just keep on rolling,” she said.
Collins then took the stage and gave the 4-H Pledge.
Massie of Magic Makers 4-H Club gave his ninth speech.
“This has been a fun-filled adventure with plenty of opportunity for me,” said Massie about 4-H.
Massie is involved in a lot with the fair including the junior fairboard, working in the junior fair office, and is a member of junior leaders.
“We go on various trips throughout the state and I had a lot of fun on our trips this year,” said Massie about junior leaders.
He was also a 4-H camp counselor this year.
“I’ve always loved 4-H camp as a camper and I couldn’t wait to go back as a counselor,” he said.
Massie has been in 4-H for nine years and this year is showing his market hog and also participated in the grill masters where he planned an entire off-site meal as part of the project and qualified to go to the state fair.
Massie ended his speech by saying, “4-H is whatever you make it to be.”
McPeck is a member of the Keene Kountry Kids and was last to give her speech. This was her seventh speech and she likened 4-H to the game of golf.
The judges took 10 minutes to deliberate returned to award the ribbons.
“Nice job being brave and getting up in front of all of these people,” said Julie. “It’s very hard to do when you’re young.”
Very good went to Weaver and McPeck. Excellent went to Andrews and Massie.
In addition to Haumschild, other people on the committee included: Stephanie Snyder, Karin Moran, Heather Erman, and Analea Smith.
Category: Clubs & Organizations
