Public Speaking Q&A with Julie

What does it take to be a good public speaker?

Becoming a good public speaker takes time.  You can't become the "best" your first try, you have to work at it again and again.  The more you use your ability the easier and better you get.  Becoming a good speaker takes practice and work on key elements of your speaking- eye contact, hand gestures, volume level of your voice, and so much more.  The more and more you speak the better you become so jump in!

How did you get interested in public speaking?
My Mother insisted on my sisters and I taking public speaking as a 4-H project,  I soon found out that I loved giving speeches.  I realized it was one of my favorite 4-H projects and activities.   We went to the State Contest when I was 13. I had so much fun I realized I wanted to be the best I could be, but public speaking goes way beyond speeches. I was able to develop it as club president, through demonstrations, and many different ways.

How can being a good public speaker help you in life?
Everyone will need to use public speaking at some point in their life, I just know that I have a "jump-start."  I know that this ability will give me opportunities to express my views, beliefs, and thoughts in an effective and clear manner.  It has also given me the opportunity to become a stronger leader because I can speak in front of people.  Public speaking is a great life skill I can use every day.

What do 4-H’ers need to know about public speaking?
I think 4-H'ers need to know that developing their public speaking skills is so important.  They can use it in so many different ways and it will help them to be the leaders 4-H is making them.