Develop essential workplace skills with the Communications and Marketing project! From effectively organizing your thoughts into a speech, presentation skills, interviewing, demonstration, and creative design of marketing materials, this program strives to create well rounded individuals prepared for the workforce. Whether you are an experienced speaker or just getting started, this program is open to you.
The Communications and Marketing project includes contests like the Public Speaking Contest, Demonstration & Interactive Exhibit Contest, and the Poster Contest, though any 4-H student may participate in these contests regardless of their enrolled program or class.
How do I sign up?
Review Program Details
Please read through the eligibility, dates, and policies closely! This information is very important. Free programs like Animal Science, Horse, and Communications are available to join year round.
*if you are also joining a paid class, please start by paying for that class on its page!
Register Online
You must register with our online Google Form and select that you want to sign up for a free program. Please answer all questions and ensure that your information is accurate – all communications will be sent via email and you might miss something if there’s an error! You may also sign up for any other free programs or interest lists.
Public Speaking
Learn how to organize your thoughts and present them effectively in front of an audience! You’ll gain confidence in your ability, learn to manage nervousness, and learn how to share your unique perspective with others. You’ll have the opportunity to present your speech in smaller forums for practice before competing in the County Public Speaking contest in January.
Any 4-H member is highly encouraged to participate in Public Speaking!
- Public Speaking Workshop I – October 28, 2024, 6:30 – 7:45 PM
- This workshop will cover how to prepare and organize a public speech
- Registration open now!
- Ag Expo Park
- Public Speaking Workshop II – November 7, 2024, 6:30 – 7:45 PM
- This workshop will help students with their speech delivery by focusing on skills involving posture, pace and other presentation skills
- Registration open now!
Register now for the Public Speaking Workshop(s) – https://tiny.utk.edu/SpeechWorkshops
Demonstrations
Students learn the skill of demonstrating “how to” do something using their spoken words, slides, posters and props. They can share about a hobby, interest, or skill set all while learning to use multiple tools to make their communication more effective!
Students from 2nd – 12th grade may participate, though only 4th – 5th may advance to Area.
Pre-Register by March 7th: https://tiny.utk.edu/Demonstration
Interactive Exhibits
Learn to identify key elements of creating a visual display that draws your audience in to ask questions about your presentation. Students are interviewed about their display and asked questions about the hobby, project, or special interest they decided to promote!
Students from 6th – 8th grade may participate.
Register for Interactive Exhibit: tiny.utk.edu/InteractiveExhibitContest
The Demonstration and Interactive Exhibit joint contest will take place in March 2025.
Workshop Dates:
To Be Announced
Workshops and the county contest take place at the Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064
Poster
Utilize your creative skills to make an awesome digital or physical poster marketing 4-H to students just like you! Learn to design and create posters according to marketing and graphic design tools and principles.
Students from 4th – 12th grade may participate.
Workshop Dates:
Dates to be announced
Keep an eye on our newsletter for when this contest opens in 2025!
The resources below are available to help you prepare your posters for the Poster Contest in 2024.
Poster Contest Rules
Poster Contest Scoresheet
Class Policies
Some meeting times may have to be moved due to weather or personal emergencies. It is our policy to communicate these as soon as possible and try to find a makeup day that works for everyone.
What is 4-H?
4-H is a youth development organization dedicated to hands-on educational programming and offers a unique blend of learning and fun! 4-H instills essential life skills like recordkeeping and responsibility, setting your student up for success in academics and beyond. With access to college scholarships and leadership roles, 4-H empowers youth to thrive as future leaders. 4-H’ers get many opportunities to exercise citizenship, which fosters a sense of community and global awareness and nurtures well-rounded individuals.
Through fun, educational experiences and the lifelong friendships forged within the 4-H community, your child will grow both academically and personally, laying a strong foundation for a bright and promising future!
Interested in more classes with Extension?
Doug Berny
A native of South Texas, Doug grew up on a family owned and operated Dairy Farm and is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Animal Science. Doug has extensive experience in poultry, beef cattle management, communications, and coordinates the Livestock project groups and associated judging teams.