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By Sherry Fischlschweiger, Currituck Extension

Confident public speaking is a crucial, but often overlooked and underdeveloped skill. Developing effective communication skills and techniques provide youth with a positive sense of self and higher levels of self-confidence. This empowers them to achieve and succeed in any situation they encounter.  More information on the benefits and importance of developing effective public speaking skills in youth can be found at bit.ly/4cOG4KG.

Good public speakers are made – not born. Check out our homegrown champion at bit.ly/44zDzcM.

The Currituck County 4-H Public Speaking program allows youth to develop and practice these essential skills in a positive and fun learning environment under the guidance of caring volunteers and Extension staff. In this program, youth ages 8-18 research, write, practice and deliver a 5-12 minute presentation on a topic of their choice. Youth ages 5-7 can also participate by presenting a two to four-minute presentation on the subject of their choice. The Gold and Silver medalists at District Activity Day will qualify for the NC 4-H State Public Speaking competition held on the campus of NC State University in Raleigh, NC on July 21, 2025.

In order to help youth draft and prepare their presentations we have scheduled several program activities:

Presentations Overview and Q&A: May 2, 2025

This session presents a general overview of the program and how youth can get involved. We will also outline the presentation categories and program areas and then follow up with a question and answer session. Join us Friday, May 2, 2025 at 6 p.m. for this activity.

If you are unable to attend please contact the 4-H Agent and we will coordinate a date and time to meet with you regarding this program. Register at presentations_overview2025.eventbrite.com.

Presentation Prep & Practice: Wednesday and Friday afternoons from May 2 to June 23  We have also scheduled a series of workshops and work sessions for Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 3:30-6 p.m. These sessions will provide youth with assistance, tips and techniques, formatting, preparation, poise (appearance and body language) and practice in a safe and friendly environment. Call the 4-H staff at 252-232-2262 to register for a day and time and we will add you to the schedule. If these days and times are not convenient for your family please call and we will coordinate a day and time that will work best for you.

Presentation Competition Dates:

June 10, 2025, County Activity Day: A final “dress rehearsal” for all Currituck participants. Youth will have the opportunity to present in the same type setting that will be seen at the District competition and receive feedback from a panel of judges that will help to finalize their presentation.

June 24, 2025, District Activity Day: Northeast District Presentation and Public Speaking Competition. Will be held in Martin County this year and will have youth from all 22 Northeast District counties. Transportation will be provided.

All youth participating in any of these activities must be fully enrolled in NC 4-H for the 2025 program year. Enrollment can be completed at bit.ly/3Y9Aht1.

For more information on categories, rules and general information on the 2024 NC 4-H Presentations program check out the 2025 NC 4-H Awards Handbook found at nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu.

For questions or more information, email slfischl@ncsu.edu or call 252-232-2262.

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