Students at Ardmore School sharpened their public speaking skills at the annual Ardmore 4-H Communications Day.
Junior and intermediate level 4-H members put their communications skills on display for judges to evaluate on Friday, Feb. 2.
Whether it was a presentation or a speech, each student had to address their classmates in a clear and concise manner.
“It's a mandate within 4-H Alberta that every member does a communications event. I think it's really important for them because it's what they'll carry into life,” detailed event coordinator and club leader for Ardmore 4-H, Evelyn Bourbeau.
A lot of the skills students gain from the event fit in with the current curriculum at the school.
Principal Ken Pshyk looks forward to seeing how his students can incorporate what they learn in the classroom into their presentations every year.
“As a principal, the reason I support this so much is because it's co-curricular. A lot of what they learn in 4-H is already a part of our language arts program. The second reason, is because it really is a lifelong skill to publicly speak,” he expressed.
Students watched as their classmates put on a total of 20 presentations and 18 speeches throughout the day. Judges carefully considered different components of each appearance.
Making notes on eye contact, enunciation, and projection, they told participants how they could improve, before deciding which presentations stood out.
For those who have experienced more than one communications day, the difference it can make in their speaking ability is evident.
“This really helps me with my people skills. When I was younger, I didn't like talking to people at all. Being in 4-H has helped with my vocal skills, and I like speaking in front of people now,” expressed Grade 8 student Bethany Greffel.
Leaving criteria for content open allows students to tap into their creative side and talk about something that matters to them.
According to Greffel's classmate, Duncan Critch, this can help presenters calm their nerves and focus on their speaking.
“We get to express what we like to do. If we go on a trip, we can talk about that trip. Some people talk about sports, there was a lot of football stuff here,” noted Critch. “One kid talked about his favourite job. I've known him for years and I never knew that he wanted to be a cop since he was two-years-old.”
After learning from each participant, 4-H members gathered in the gymnasium for an awards presentation.
There, winners for best speech, and best presentation from each division learned they would get the opportunity to refine their work for the Bonnyville District 4-H Communications Day on Feb. 25 at Ardmore School.
“No matter what college, trade school, or job they go to, they have to have the ability to talk. This is a way for them to become more comfortable in front of an audience talking,” expressed Bourbeau.
First place for speeches in the junior level was Taylor B., while Bella C. and Brooklyn G. claimed top spot for junior presentations.
For the intermediate participants, Christian B. won first for his speech, and Victoria B. and Chaya K. were number one for their presentation.
