Heading into the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition, Spencer Graling’s initial goal wasn’t to come home with a national title.
“The competition is so high. The calibre is so high. It’s tough to stand out,” said Graling, speaking over the phone on Saturday night, after the 4-H speaking competition wrapped up in Toronto.
But, Graling did stand out, and reaffirmed that he is among the best 4-H public speakers in Canada, as he was named this year’s CYSA senior category winner. To grab the title, Graling had to do his speech, which was called “The Name of the Game,” and focused on the impact of public opinion on Canadian farmers, and social licensing within the industry.
Immediately after he was named the national winner, social media posts began appearing, and locals were quick to share the good news.
“Though one of the youngest in his age group, Spencer's passion and enthusiasm wowed the judges,” said one post by 4-H Alberta. Graling had competed successfully at the provincial level in order to qualify for nationals.
Twelve speakers from across Canada took part in Graling’s category. The competitors showed up early Saturday, and were paired with another competitor to put together an introduction and thank-you speech for their partner.
In Alberta, it’s more common to do impromptu speeches, rather than introductions and thank-yous for other competitors, so this was something new for Graling. But, he took the opportunity to learn, observed how others were doing it, and kept his head held high.
He says he was also confident both times he did his speech, which is possibly one of the things that separated him from some of his other competitors. Graling says he noticed some competitors were more comfortable on the mic than others, and this proved to be a deciding factor.
“Everybody was good speakers, but all means,” said Graling, but confidence proved key.
The young speaker admits that just making it to the national competition to represent Alberta was an honour. When he made the trip to Toronto, he was hoping to just make the most of the event, make some connections while he was there, “And get my message out.”
As the day went, Graling’s goal shifted, and he pushed to make the top six. When he did that, he again pushed, and set a new goal to reach the top three. Each time, he succeeded.
But, Graling wasn’t along in his trip across Canada. Both his parents, Ted and Annette, were on hand to cheer him on, along with his Nana and his auntie and cousin.
“I definitely had a large support group out there with me,” said Graling.
And although there is some prize money involved in his win, Graling says the best part of winning the competition is what he will take away from the experience.
“It’s another feather to put in my cap. It’s also the connections that I made.”
Graling says he sees himself pursuing a career in business one day, and used the opportunity in Toronto to make some contacts with that goal in mind.
After nearly eight years of being involved in St. Paul 4-H, winning provincials an then nationals, Graling’s competitive 4-H speaking days have come to an end, since winners are not allowed to compete anymore.
With the title in his name, Graling admits the whole experience was “kind of surreal,” but certainly was “fulfilling” also.
Graling offered thanks to his parents, grandparents, and everyone close to him that supported him along the way, including friends, teachers, and the 4-H organization.
“It’s nice to know that I’m being heard.”
