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 in this article.

Good public speakers are made – not born. Check out our homegrown, right here in Currituck, 4-H National Public Speaking Champion.

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. All participants may compete in our District 4-H Activity Day Competition on June 15, 2023 and qualify for the NC 4-H State Public Speaking competition held on the campus of NC State University in Raleigh, NC on July 22, 2023.

Currituck County 4-H staff will host a “Presentations Ice Cream Social” on April 4, 2023 for all families interested in participating in the 2023 presentations/public speaking program. We will provide information about the program, go over the process and rules, provide a calendar of presentation program workshops and practice sessions, and provide a detailed walkthrough of the presentations categories and age groups. There are no fees for this event however pre-registration is required by visiting: Ice Cream Social Registration

We have also scheduled a series of workshops each Wednesday afternoon from 3:30-6pm, from May 3, 2023 until June 15, 2023. Practice sessions will provide youth with assistance, tips and techniques, formatting, preparation, poise (appearance and body language) and practice in a safe and friendly environment. If your child would like to participate in the public speaking program but cannot attend the Wednesday workshops-call the 4-H staff and we will work with you to find practice time. To ensure that we have the proper resources and personnel on hand please register your child for the workshop slots they would like to attend at this link: Presentations Practice Workshops

For more information on categories, rules and general information on the 2023 NC 4-H Presentations program check out the 2023 4-H Handbook.

For questions or more information or if you need accommodations for persons with disabilities, please contact Sherry Fischlschweiger at slfischl@ncsu.edu or by calling 252-232-2262 no later than 10 days prior to the event you wish to attend.