Communication is Vital for Success

“Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.”

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – “Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.” This quote from author and motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, expresses one good reason why development of communication skills is important for today’s young people. As junior high and high school students prepare to enter into adulthood, learning effective communication skills will increase opportunities for them in their careers and their businesses. Having good communication skills will enable them to get ahead in certain areas where others who are less poised and confident may not succeed. Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Research conducted in 2013 identified the twenty most common skills required for employment positions. At the top of the list, one of the skills employers consistently listed was verbal communication skills. A 2011 study, published in Business Outlook, found that the average business executive spends 75-80 percent of their time communicating. Communication skills, both written and verbal, are used every day and in every job; therefore, it is important to encourage youth to develop and master these skills and to provide a place for them to practice.

4-H is the premier youth development program conducted by the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. Through non-formal, science-based, experiential education activities, 4-H activities help members gain knowledge and enhance life skills. Part of the 4-H mission is to help youth to acquire knowledge to help make them productive, contributing members of society. The Arkansas 4-H framework utilizes the “Targeting Life Skills Model” developed by Iowa State University Extension in 1996. Communication is one of the thirty-five skills listed on the model. Garland County 4-H strives to provide avenues for each and every member to develop and practice their communication skills.

Garland County 4-H reinforces the importance of communication skills through different projects and programs. Youth who hold a club or county officer position are required to speak at meetings and banquets. Often club members are asked to give a talk at meetings to inform the rest of the club about their project. County, district, and state 4-H contests, called O’Ramas, enable members to compete by giving public speeches or illustrated talks. More informal ways of encouraging verbal communication happen as Teen Leaders conduct lessons at the county 4-H camp and help teach sessions at school programs.

Along with good oral communication skills, written communication is also important to develop. Each year, 4-H’ers are asked to submit a Record Book recording their activities over the previous year. One of the components of the Record Book is a 4-H story where the 4-H’er uses creative writing skills to describe their main project, other projects, leadership activities and community service. Secretary or reporter officer positions that 4-H’ers hold require participants to demonstrate their written communication skills constantly by recording minutes at meetings and reporting the minutes at the next meeting.

Garland County 4-H continues working to “make the best better”. Youth and adult volunteers alike can enjoy free membership in a great organization. To get information about how your kids can become a 4-H member or to learn how to get a club started in your community, call 623-6841 or email lbates@uada.edu. Additional information is available at our website: www.uaex.uada.edu/garland.

Master Gardener Information

Master Gardener meetings are held on the 3^rd Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. They’re open to the public and guests are always welcome. For more information call the Extension Office at 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email Allen Bates at abates@uada.edu .

EHC Information

Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC contact Jessica Vincent on 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email her at jvincent@uada.edu.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.

By Linda Bates
County Extension Agent - 4-H
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Linda Bates
County Extension Agent - 4-H
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
236 Woodbine Hot Springs AR 71901
(501) 623-6841
lbates@uada.edu

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The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.