4-H Communications Project

working exhibit photo

Are You Into It?

Do you talk to friends? Take part in a school play? Write reports? Read books? If you do, you’re communicating! The world of communication impacts you every day. By participating in the 4-H Communication project, you will explore the exciting world of communication, and learn more about yourself and others.

  • Learn written, oral, and visual communication skills
  • Develop self-confidence through public presentations
  • Practice self-expression and creativity
  • Demonstrate puppetry and stagecraft skills
  • Learn how to organize and present information

Here’s what you can do all year!


Starting Out Basic / Level 1

  • Introduce a speaker at your club meeting
  • Learn the basic parts of a speech
  • Write a thank you note
  • Learn about puppets used around the world
  • Make /Create your own puppet
  • Use clothing to create a character
  • Practice communicating with gestures
  • Add voice to a character

Learning More Intermediate / Level 2

  • Learn and practice electronic etiquette
  • Learn to make good impressions
  • Practice using technology with presentations
  • Create exciting and effective visual aids
  • Develop listening skills; observe and record listening types at your next meeting
  • Learn to make props for a play
  • Observe others in conversation, keep a journal of your findings

Expanding Horizons Advanced / Level 3

  • Prepare for an interview by practicing with your leader
  • Prepare your resume
  • Present a persuasive speech
  • Learn about stage lighting
  • Write a play; then assemble a cast, direct and present the play at a community event
  • Learn to mime and perform for your club
  • Plan and perfom a puppet show for a day care center

Back to 4-H Project Home

Take It Further

 

Communication Hot Sheet 
(color or b/w pdf)

 

Communication Exhibits Tip Sheet
(color or B/W pdf)

 

Poster Exhibits Tip Sheet
(color or B/W pdf)

 

Exhibitor Fair Information Form
(Word or editable PDF)

 

Exhibit Evaluation Form (pdf)

 

Here are other opportunities to explore Communication:

  • Write a short story or collection of poems. Make copies for your family and friends.
  • Give a presentation or working exhibit at your club meeting and at your county communication event.
  • Write thank you notes to a speaker or a donor to your club program.
  • Organize making posters for display for national 4-H week.
  • Record a radio ad or volunteer to be interviewed on a local radio station.
  • Volunteer to read a book at library.
  • Create and perform a puppet show for library.
  • Teach a younger member how to give a presentation or prepare a working exhibit
  • Create an electronic presentation about your 4-H club activities for members to use in community presentations.
  • Write and direct a skit for a club Share The Fun act.
  • Try out for a role in a school play or community theatre production.
  • Write a letter to the editor about the value of 4-H for national 4-H week
  • Create an improvisational comedy club/group
  • Attend Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and participate in workshops, motivational speakers and a community service project, bringing ideas back to your community
  • Interested in a college education in the area of communication? Schedule a visit with Iowa State University’s College of Journalism.

4-H Resources

Other Resources

Step It Up
Pass it on! Now that you know how, share it with others. Here are ideas to get you started.


Citizenship

  • Volunteer to teach Clover Kids how to do a new skill
  • Try out for a part in a local community theatre production
  • Construct props for a school play
  • Present puppet shows at a daycare

Leadership

  • Write a short play for your
    4-H club to perform
  • Help another member prepare their working exhibit or presentation
  • Volunteer to organize publicity for a community event
  • Direct a school play

Exhibit Ideas

  • Give an educational presentation, working exhibit, or extemporaneous speech
  • Perform in Share The Fun
  • Make a poster to demonstrate use of visual aids
  • Construct a puppet theatre and puppets
  • Prepare an exhibit describing steps in preparing a speech
  • Write a short story. (or a novel!)
  • Make an audio file of sound effects to use with a play
  • Prepare a poster about text messaging dos and don’ts
  • Write and exhibit a collection of poems
  • Make an exhibit showing make-up techniques for clowns
  • Make a poster for the 4-H Poster Communication exhibit class
  • Prepare a poster or presentation about social networking and use by teens