Four steps for improving youth communication skills
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EmailHaving conversations about animal experiences can be challenging. Use these four steps to spur an informed discussion.
Speaking in front of an audience can be intimidating, especially for those with limited practice doing so. Gaining experience speaking in front of others is a great way to be beyond ready for new situations and future success. Whether delivering a prepared presentation, an impromptu conversation or even an exchange on social media, Michigan State University Extension offers four simple steps to help have a more productive conversation. While examples are specific to animal agriculture conversations, the tips could be valuable for any scenario.
Know what you are going to talk about
This applies to situations where you know the topic and audience ahead of time. Whether you are able to prepare for a few months or only a few minutes, jotting down some notes can be helpful to make sure your thoughts are organized. Mind maps or even just a bulleted list of ideas can be very helpful in keeping conversations on topic and geared towards what you really want to say.
Do your research
Even if it is a topic you already know a lot about, take the time to do some research so you have references to support what you are saying. Learning more about the issues, as well as current events, will add more to the conversation. Remember to check your resources to make sure they are credible and look for biases that may be included in searched articles. This will help you avoid spreading misconceptions about agriculture. A few reliable sources to look at include United States Department of Agriculture, national or state producer associations such as National Pork Board or Michigan Pork Producers, breed associations like the American Angus Association or peer-reviewed scientific journals such as the Journal of Animal Science.
Listen and observe
Take time to listen to others and observe things firsthand. By first listening to your anticipated audience, it will help you choose the language you use to communicate tactfully. If you are talking to a group of people who are unfamiliar with animal agriculture, you should avoid using jargon and rather speak in terms that are common knowledge. Similarly, when talking to groups who are already familiar with animal agriculture, it is acceptable to use lesser-known, more specific terms and go into greater detail. Also, take the age of your audience into consideration. If you happen to be talking to a group of young children, the words you choose will be very different than if you were speaking with adults. Observing situations and the audience will help you better frame your thoughts.
Practice!
Practice improves abilities and decreases fears associated with public speaking. Practicing your speaking skills with parents, friends or even a mirror can be a great way to hone your skills. Accepting and listening to feedback from others is also a wonderful opportunity to continue improving your communication skills. As you become more comfortable, challenge your skills by seeking out opportunities to test them at events such as livestock judging contests.
Consider applying these steps throughout your 4-H experience. Whether you are asking a buyer to attend the fair and bid on your animal, explaining how you completed your project, or discussing current issues, these steps can be applied and help youth have a more meaningful and confident conversation.
For other helpful tips for public speaking, see:
