Angie Barnard Executive Director at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Official website
Angie Barnard Executive Director at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Official website
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held at Parkland College on April 29.
The event saw young participants showcase their hard work and courage as they delivered speeches on various topics. Cindy Ogwal, the director of the Public Speaking Contest, expressed her excitement, stating, "Every one of these youth showed hard work, dedication, and courage."
In different categories such as Formal Speech, Illustrated, Oral Interpretation, and Original Works, participants demonstrated their ability to communicate effectively and engage with their audiences. Winners were announced in each category, recognizing the efforts and talents of the young speakers.
Public speaking is a significant aspect of the 4-H experience, with members regularly giving talks and presentations at club meetings throughout the year. This opportunity allows them to hone their communication skills and receive valuable feedback in a supportive environment.
Acknowledging the support received, Ogwal extended her gratitude to the volunteers, judges, and sponsors, particularly highlighting COMPEER Financial for their contribution. She emphasized the impact of such events in providing a platform for children to shine and share their voices.
In conclusion, the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest not only showcased the speaking abilities of the youth but also highlighted the importance of fostering confidence and communication skills from a young age.
COMPEER Financial's financial support for the program was instrumental in making the event a success, reflecting their commitment to empowering youth in the community.
For more information about Illinois 4-H and its youth development programs, interested individuals can reach out to Cindy Ogwal at cowusu@illinois.edu.
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This article provides a detailed overview of the recent Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest, highlighting the participants' hard work and courage while emphasizing the significance of public speaking in youth development. The piece also acknowledges the support received from volunteers, judges, and sponsors, particularly COMPEER Financial.
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