Audience Appeal Earns 4-H’ers Awards at Iowa State Fair

Iowa State University Extension

Mahaska County 4-H’ers earned recognition this week as communicators at the Iowa State Fair.

4-H’ers compete in three categories of oral communication — educational presentations, working exhibits, extemporaneous speaking — and one in visual communication. In educational presentations, the 4-H’ers teach their audience about a topic they selected and researched. In working exhibits, the 4-H’ers invite passers-by to try a skill they demonstrate. In extemporaneous speaking, the 4-H’ers prepare a speech in 30 minutes and deliver it to an audience. In poster communication, the 4-H’er conveys a message visually.

“Almost any time fairgoers come into the 4-H Exhibits Building they can learn from a 4-H’er participating in a communications activity,” said Mitchell Hoyer, program coordinator for Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development. “Effective communication means appealing to the interests of your audience.”

Mahaska County 4-H’ers giving educational presentations follow: Julie Wanders – Recognition; Lexi Randau/Sandra Blom – Recognition; Jeb Shaw – Excellence; Lindsay Breon – Merit; Shelby Seddon – Merit

“Many work situations require the ability to demonstrate a skill while instructing others who are learning the skill,” Hoyer said. “4-H’ers frequently practice this skill as they present information at club meetings and county fairs.”

Mahaska County 4-H’ers with working exhibits follow: Lexus Baker – Recognition; Sienna De Jong, Leah Van Maanen & Cara Roquet – Excellence; Brooke Eveland/Bailey Edmonds – Excellence; Megan Eveland – Excellence

“Billboards, television, newspapers, the Internet — the need to visually communicate effectively faces us each day. The poster class helps members improve layout and design skills as they interpret a promotional message about 4-H,” Hoyer said.