Village Voices - We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks

4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Hope Brinkmeier from Stephenson County recently put her public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held at Parkland College April 29.

Youth who participate in this yearly exhibit develop skills for communicating real-life issues to live audiences and receive professional and peer feedback. Youth ages 8-18 can participate in the contest and gain skills in learning how to organize and prepare a speech, developing speech delive...