Two Cremona brothers are getting notice for their smooth talking skills. Clay and Dawson Grattidge both received awards at the 4-H District Communications Competitions earlier this month.
Two Cremona brothers are getting notice for their smooth talking skills.
Clay and Dawson Grattidge both received awards at the 4-H District Communications Competitions earlier this month.
Clay, 11, placed first in Regionals in his section for junior presentations, while his brother Dawson, 13, advanced to the District Communication competition and placed third for intermediate presentations with his partner Keely Airth.
“I got to say there was lots of competition, a lot of people were pretty fantastic, ” Clay said. “I felt pretty great … I was really happy to make it to Regionals. ”
According the 4-H Alberta website, oral communications is listed as one of the biggest assets from 4-H alumni. To qualify in the communication activities, the members must prepare and present a presentation for a minimum of three-minutes.
Clay joined the Cremona 4-H club last year while Dawson has been in Alberta 4-H clubs for the last four years. Dawson said his oral communication skills have improved majorly since he first started speaking in public.
“I have gotten a lot better … I used to struggle and I was not nearly as nervous this year, ” Dawson said.
Clay said next year he wants to work on memorizing the speech more, with a personal goal to also look up at the audience while speaking.
“I want to become a lot smoother, ” Clay said.
Dawson said despite being sick he still felt like he did pretty well.
“It was good and fun. I'm proud I made it that far, ” Dawson said.
The older brother also said he wants to become a smoother talker for next year's competition, in the hopes of advancing more.
4-H Alberta hosts public speaking and presentation competitions throughout the year, while also encouraging members to actively participate in communication activities such as emceeing a 4-H function or activity, giving formal introductions and thank you's to guest speakers, presenting a report on club activities, or facilitating a project workshop.
Both brothers agreed the communication aspect of the 4-H club is beneficial in the long run. Dawson said learning the skill will help him once he is ready to go to post-secondary school and start looking for jobs.
“I will use it for all I can, ” Dawson said, with his brother in agreement.
While the skill set is definitely a perk, so is the $100 Clay won for placing first.
“I'll probably put the money in a (savings) account so one day I can spend it on what I want, but right now I am going to leave it, ” Clay said.
For more information on the 4-H Alberta clubs, go to 4h.ab.ca.
