A common theme or goal of all our 4-H youth development programs is to teach and reinforce skills in public speaking and showmanship. At our local, regional, and state fairs we typically have a showmanship portion where the children get to talk about their project or their animal. In a 4-H poultry show, for example, showmanship happens when 4-H youth stand before a judge and describe their bird to the best of their ability and are quizzed by the judge(s) on how well they know poultry science for their age division.
Teaching showmanship to young people can offer many advantages, benefiting their personal growth now and in the future, in several ways:
Building Confidence: Showmanship helps youngsters present themselves confidently in front of others. By practicing and performing, they learn to manage nerves and show self-assurance, which can help in school presentations, job interviews, and social situations.
Improving Communication Skills: Showmanship isn’t just about words—it involves body language, gestures, and expressions. Learning showmanship helps young people communicate better, with clarity, engagement, and the ability to captivate an audience.
Encouraging Creative Expression: Showmanship allows kids to express themselves creatively. Whether it’s acting, dancing, or singing, they can explore their talents and emotions in a supportive environment, fostering creativity and imagination.
Promoting Teamwork: Many showmanship activities, like theater or musical performances, require teamwork. Youngsters learn to collaborate, compromise, and support each other, developing essential life skills such as leadership and cooperation.
Building Resilience: Showmanship often involves facing challenges, like stage fright or criticism. By overcoming these obstacles, young people learn resilience, the value of hard work, and the importance of continuous improvement.
Fostering Cultural Understanding: Exposure to different forms of showmanship introduces youngsters to diverse cultures and perspectives, fostering empathy and respect for others.
Facilitating Personal Growth: Showmanship provides opportunities for self-discovery. Young people learn about their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and passions as they explore different roles and performance styles.
In summary, teaching showmanship to young people offers numerous benefits that go beyond the stage, equipping them with essential skills and qualities for success in various aspects of life.
For more information about showmanship or any of our 4-H programs contact us at the extension office at telephone 321-633-1702.
Sources:
Montana Extension Showmanship Guide: https://www.montana.edu/extension/dawson/documents/Small%20Animal%20Showmanship.pdf
4-H Youth Poultry Showmanship video from Florida 4-H: https://youtu.be/FbNnNq0Crvs?si=iz-AxzlB0ckErYPm
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