Olds, Alberta—On Saturday, April 6, 2024, 4-H Alberta showcased its members’ exceptional communication skills during the prestigious 4-H Alberta Communications Competition. This annual event featured 28 senior 4-H members from across the province demonstrating their abilities in public speaking and presentations.
4-H Members in Alberta build communication skills through a 4-H Member requirement that involves preparing a speech or presentation. 4-H Members qualify for the 4-H Alberta Communications Competition by progressing through competition at club, district, and regional levels to compete.
The day began with the Presentation competition, in which fourteen participants each delivered an 8–10-minute researched presentation, followed by one question from the judge. The winners of this segment were Isabella P. from Kneehill 4-H Multi Club, who took first place, followed by Hanna D. from Wainwright 4-H Multi Club and Kate A. from Holden 4-H Beef Club.
Presenters Group Photo:
Presenters Included:
| Name | Club |
| Eva N. | Bow River Riders 4-H Lighthorse Club |
| Jane S. | Irvine 4-H Beef Club |
| Bailee S. | Millarville Mutts and Mustangs Club |
| Kate A. | Holden 4-H Beef Club |
| Hanna D. | Wainwright 4-H Multi Club |
| Madelyn R. | Gibbons 4-H Sew & Sos Multi Club |
| Arynn R. | Lin-Berry-Buck 4-H Beef |
| Jenna P. | Sexsmith 4-H Multi Club |
| Jolene R. | Wildrose 4-H Multi Club |
| Holly B. | Shadow Riders 4-H Club |
| Axzel, Hayzlee & Jazlynn O. | Gilby 4-H Beef Club |
| Aryann H. | Erskine 4-H Beef Club |
| Rylan M. | Battle River 4-H Beef Club |
| Isabella P. | Kneehill 4-H Multi Club |
Presentation Winners Photo:
Presentation Winners:
| Place | Name | Club |
| 1st | Isabella P. | Kneehill 4-H Multi Club |
| 2nd | Hanna D. | Wainwright 4-H Multi Club |
| 3rd | Kate A. | Holden 4-H Beef Club |
In the afternoon, the competition shifted to public speaking, where twelve speakers delivered 4–6-minute speeches. At the club, district and regional levels, members deliver their own speech to qualify for the provincial competition. Those who qualify for the provincial level are provided a topic ten days prior to the competition. The competitor must write and prepare a speech within that time period. The topic this year was “Has Education changed to set Youth up for success? Are they given tools to help make a sustainable living?”
The prepared speeches alternated with impromptu speeches that were 2-3 minutes in length. During impromptu, members were presented with three different topics from which they could craft their impromptu speech. Waylon K. from Grande Prairie 4-H Multi Club emerged as the top speaker, with Evangeline M. from Dryland 4-H Multi Club and Charlotte H. from Prairie Winds 4-H Club placing second and third, respectively.
Speakers Group Photo:
Speakers Included:
| Name | Club |
| Anna C. | Turin 4-H Club |
| Charlotte H. | Prairie Winds 4-H Club |
| Kara N. | Battle River 4-H Beef Club |
| Amy N. | Airdrie 4-H Beef & Sheep Club |
| Izzy S. | Rollyview 4-H Dairy Club |
| Madison C. | Sexsmith 4-H Multi Club |
| Elizabeth R. | Readymade 4-H Multi Club |
| Waylon K. | Grande Prairie 4-H Multi Club |
| Sierra B. | Bluffton West 4-H Beef Club |
| Evangeline M. | Dryland 4-H Multi Club |
| Jenalee S. | West Ponoka 4-H Beef Club |
| Sierra A. | Duffield 4-H Club |
Speakers Winners Photo:
Speakers Winners:
| Place | Name | Club |
| 1st | Waylon K. | Grande Prairie 4-H Multi Club |
| 2nd | Evangeline M. | Dryland 4-H Multi Club |
| 3rd | Charlotte H. | Prairie Winds 4-H Club |
The first-place winner will have the opportunity to represent Alberta at the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture Competition, which will take place this fall at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
4-H Alberta extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants, volunteer judges, committee members, and Altalink for their ongoing support of the communications program. This event not only highlights the talents of young speakers but also underscores 4-H’s commitment to developing essential life skills in youth.
Congratulations to all competitors for their professional, polished presentations and speeches and for furthering their personal and professional development through 4-H.
