Teaching Youth Communication Skills Claudia Mincemoyer, Ph.D. 4-H Curriculum Specialist March 2003 Statewide In-Service Claudia Mincemoyer, Ph.D. 4-H Curriculum Specialist March 2003 Statewide In-Service

The Communication Process “ a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs or information”

“...through a common system of symbols, signs or information” The method or format chosen to share the messageThe method or format chosen to share the message –Make an anti-smoking speech at 4-H teen council meeting

With any communication project, youth should... Clearly define their message (try to keep it to one key idea)Clearly define their message (try to keep it to one key idea) Carefully identify their target audience. (be very specific)Carefully identify their target audience. (be very specific) Select the methods, approaches and formats that will work best for the target group.Select the methods, approaches and formats that will work best for the target group. Provide feedback to youth on how they didProvide feedback to youth on how they did

Delivering a Speech-voice Project voiceProject voice Use a conversational tone with familiar wordsUse a conversational tone with familiar words Speak at a comfortable paceSpeak at a comfortable pace Enunciate (pronounce clearly)Enunciate (pronounce clearly) Don’t slur wordsDon’t slur words

Delivering a Speech-eye contact Maintain eye contact with audienceMaintain eye contact with audience Memorize opening and closing statementsMemorize opening and closing statements Try not to stare at a fixed objectTry not to stare at a fixed object Look for friendly faces to make eye contactLook for friendly faces to make eye contact

Delivering a Speech-gestures and expressions Use natural gesturesUse natural gestures Smile!Smile!

Delivering a Speech-posture Put notes on podium if available, but don’t lean on itPut notes on podium if available, but don’t lean on it If walking while speaking, maintain good posture, hold notes at waistIf walking while speaking, maintain good posture, hold notes at waist Avoid pacingAvoid pacing

Reducing Stage Nerves Be preparedBe prepared Speak about things you know well or that interest youSpeak about things you know well or that interest you Identify anxiety symptoms. Learn to prepare and overcome themIdentify anxiety symptoms. Learn to prepare and overcome them Chat with your audience before speaking to feel comfortableChat with your audience before speaking to feel comfortable Eat light and avoid carbonated beveragesEat light and avoid carbonated beverages PracticePractice Learn a quick stress-reducing routine for relaxing your neck, shoulder and facial musclesLearn a quick stress-reducing routine for relaxing your neck, shoulder and facial muscles Visualize yourself succeeding!Visualize yourself succeeding!

Writing for Public Speaking Choose a comfortable topicChoose a comfortable topic Consider the audience-target the messageConsider the audience-target the message Develop an outline-introduction, discussion and conclusionDevelop an outline-introduction, discussion and conclusion Use the introduction to grab attentionUse the introduction to grab attention Be logical and thoroughBe logical and thorough Get personal-use personal examples and storiesGet personal-use personal examples and stories Summarize speechSummarize speech

Tips for Public Speaking Tell them what you’re going to say in the Introduction.Tell them what you’re going to say in the Introduction. In the Body, say what you want to say.In the Body, say what you want to say. In the Conclusion, tell the audience what you said!In the Conclusion, tell the audience what you said! Follow your notes or an outlineFollow your notes or an outline Avoid memorizingAvoid memorizing

Tips for Effective Demonstrations Picking a topicPicking a topic –Pick a well-defined skill or activity that can be demonstrated in a short period of time –Select a topic that can be easily broken down into illustrated steps –Think about how much the audience will already know about a topic

Tips for Effective Demonstrations (cont.) What is your purpose?What is your purpose? –To educate? –To inform? –To persuade?

Tips for Effective Demonstrations (cont.) A well organized speech has three parts:A well organized speech has three parts: –Introduction-grab the audience’s attention –Body-present the step-by-step procedure, explaining key points as you go –Conclusion-re-state the purpose of the demonstration and give a brief summary

Tips for Effective Presentations- delivery Be enthusiasticBe enthusiastic Dress for the partDress for the part Briefly introduce yourselfBriefly introduce yourself Know your subject and explain what you’re doing as you do it. Briefly explain if something goes wrongKnow your subject and explain what you’re doing as you do it. Briefly explain if something goes wrong Be sure your audience can see what you’re doingBe sure your audience can see what you’re doing Speak clearlySpeak clearly Stay within your allotted timeStay within your allotted time End by showing your finished product and answer questionsEnd by showing your finished product and answer questions

Providing Feedback Set a positive tone. Create a safe, caring, positive learning environment.Set a positive tone. Create a safe, caring, positive learning environment. Sandwich approach-focus initial comments on what the speaker did well. Then, discuss areas where improvement is needed. End with a positive observation.Sandwich approach-focus initial comments on what the speaker did well. Then, discuss areas where improvement is needed. End with a positive observation.