Multi-Club speakers advance to regional speak-off

By Walker Way – Club reporter
Development of communication skills is a significant part of 4-H.
On Jan. 14, 2023, the members of the Claresholm Multi 4-H Club met at the Claresholm Nazarene Church for their annual speak-offs.
After the last two years of there not being any Multi-Club in Claresholm, it was a brand new year with all members, who had never done a prepared or impromptu speech.
The audience consisted of family and interested community members, who came to listen to the junior and intermediate members express their personal choice speech.
Our afternoon, began at 1 p.m. with our emcee for the afternoon, Beverly Allain, club leader. Alexis Way then led everyone with the 4-H pledge and then we heard the speeches.
We had four junior members doing prepared speeches, one junior member doing a presentation and two intermediate members doing a prepared speech as well. After speeches were done, we went and had refreshments downstairs, while the score sheets were marked. Little did we know, that we would have to go back up and listen to more speeches, as there was a tie between the intermediate speakers.
Alexis Way and Kaitlyn Bullock had to do an impromptu speech to break the tie with “What is Your Favourite Season and Why”.
Our first-place finisher in the junior level is Walker Way with a speech on “How to Make Friends”, followed by Kohen Way, second, with “Dirt Biking”, Andrew Allain with his speech on “All about Sharks” as third, and Cooper Bishop with fourth-place with his speech on “Christmas”.
Mairi Smith was uncontested as the only junior presenter with “My Favourite Animal”.
Our first-place intermediate winner was Kaitlyn Bullock with a speech on “Dad Jokes” and Alexis Way received second place with her speech on “Boat Safety”.
We appreciate our judges for donating their dedicated time to coming out and giving the speakers some valuable encouraging written comments and their support in 4-H.
First and second-place winners will advance to the Willow Creek District Speak-off in Claresholm on Feb. 11, 2023.