Taking a shot in life

Times Contributor

 

The goal of 4-H Clubs in Alberta is to help youth develop leadership, communication, technical and life skills.  They offer various means to achieve those goals. Part of their program is to complete and get credit for their year by taking part in a communications activity.

Jillayne Swalwell, a 17-year-old Strathmore 4-H Multi-Club member, embraced the task and excelled by placing first in Provincial competitions held at Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton on April 14. This is the second year Swalwell has competed in Edmonton. Last year she won third place.

“I really enjoy the speech writing, although I always have too much material. I really get into it,” said Swalwell.

For the Edmonton competition, the panel gave contestants their topic and allowed 10 days for preparation before delivery of the speech. They assigned Swalwell the topic of My Alberta and she chose to focus on Educational Diversity in the province. The speech was 4-6 minutes in length.

Swalwell has participated in public speaking for six years. She said 4-H has four levels of public speaking competitions to work through. Participants choose a topic and write one speech for each level. 

There are often prizes awarded for winners. Swalwell has won about two hundred dollars and received a sponsorship to the Young Speakers of Canada competition in Toronto, held in November. She said being involved in public speaking has given her personal rewards as well.

“It is a great asset. The public speaking has boosted my confidence immensely,” said Swalwell.

She graduates soon and is planning to go to SAIT to take photography. 

For those youth who feel they have nothing to do, they can check out the  4-H website at www.4h.ab.ca. It outlines all the interesting activities available for youth. For prospective speakers just starting, Swalwell recommends jumping right in.

“Don’t be scared. Go for it. Take a shot,” said Swalwell.