Communication
4-H Communication is…
4-H Communication Activities
Speaking in front of a group is the number one fear of Canadian adults, but not for those who have been in the 4-H program. 4-H Alumni often list communication skills as one of the biggest assets they have gained from the 4-H program. Practicing communication activities in a club setting not only builds member’s confidence, but also helps them to effectively convey their thoughts and opinions to others.
To access Communications resources available for download, please visit https://www.4hab.com/downloads/. Resources can be found under the following headings: Communication Tools, Public Speaking, and Presentation resources.
4-H Communication Activities
Speaking in front of a group is the number one fear of Canadian adults, but not for those who have been in the 4-H program. 4-H Alumni often list communication skills as one of the biggest assets they have gained from the 4-H program. Practicing communication activities in a club setting not only builds member’s confidence, but also helps them to effectively convey their thoughts and opinions to others.
Taking Part in a Communication Activity is a 4-H Member Expectation
Communication is important, and in order to complete and get credit for their year, 4-H members must take part in a communications activity. For a communications activity to qualify, it must be:
- Prepared by the member.
- Presented in front of a 4-H group.
- At least three minutes long.
Types of Communication Activities
Many people think that a communication activity is participating in public speaking or presentations competitions. Well, it might, but these are only a couple options. There are lots of others to choose from, including:
- Emceeing a 4-H function or activity.
- Giving formal introductions and thank yous to guest speakers.
- Presenting a report on club activities.
- Facilitating a project workshop.
These would also be a big help to the club leader!
Using activities other than speakoffs can be a way to “kill two birds with one stone”. It’s often difficult to include all of the required activities in your program plan on dates that work out for all your members. By encouraging flexibility in your plan, you can get more accomplished in less time. For example, some experienced members could give a project workshop that would not only fulfil their communication requirement, but also teach other members new project skills.
Communications is a Year Round Activity
Include communication training throughout the year. Having members make motions, stand to answer a creative roll call, or participate in group discussions will give members more confidence to speak in front of a group. These small steps will all add up to a more successful final activity, whatever each member chooses to do. Be creative when planning ways to include communication activities in your club, this will keep your members interested and challenged, while making better use of your time!
Resources
There are materials available to help you with your club’s communication program. Make sure your club has copies of “Speaking Your Way to Success: A Step-by-step guide to creating effective speeches and presentations”
The following Communications supplies are used to help coach and improve members’ public speaking and presentations skills. There are also resources used to guide the organizing and judging of any 4-H communications competition or event, as well as any associated rules or responsibilities.
How to Emcee An Event – A one-page overview of the responsibilities and etiquette associated with being an emcee.
Speaking Your Way to Success Manual – A guide to preparing and presenting effective presentations and speeches.
Guidelines for “Non-Competitive Communication Activity” – A guide outlining the requirements by all members to do a communication activity.
Communication Banners
As you prepare for your upcoming Club Communication Competition, we are pleased to let you know that AltaLink will continue their generous support of 4-H Alberta’s Communications program and will remain the sole Communications sponsor across all Club, District, Region, and the Provincial competitions in 2020.
To honour this generous commitment, we ask you to please recognize AltaLink during your Communications event in the following ways:
- Recognition in your program guide/booklet/handout
- Thank you by event MC
- Banner is displayed during the event
- Group photo with the banner is taken
- If you know of any AltaLink employees in your community, please invite them to your event. (Please do not email Scott Schreiner to invite him to the event. The email is only to send Thank you letters/ pictures)
- Please email or mail a Thank You to AltaLink including the event photo (address below).
Scott Schreiner
Vice President, Communications
AltaLink
2611 3 Ave SE
CALGARY AB T2A 7W7
scott.schreiner@altalink.ca
Are you hosting a Club, District or Regional Communications Competition? Listed below are banners you can download and print to display at your event
Club Communications Banner (PDF for printing)
Club Communications Banner (JPEG)