60 Missouri FFA leaders complete speech training at UCM
Jul 2, 2008, 4:37 PM
WARRENSBURG, Mo.--Sixty FFA members from across the state participated in the Missouri FFA Public Speaking Academy on the University of Central Missouri campus in June.
During the three-day event, FFA members used the Internet and other communication technology to develop and refine an effective speech. Professors Terry Cunconan and Wendy Geiger and graduate students from the University's Communication Department conducted the intense learning sessions.
The academy was designed to help FFA members increase their confidence, develop organizational skills, use language effectively, analyze audiences and improve speaking skills by judging themselves honestly and critically -- while keeping a positive attitude. Each student presented a speech in competition at the conclusion of the academy.
Assisting with the conference were several state FFA officers: Beverley Kreul, FFA secretary from Area 12 from the Republic FFA Chapter; Jared Henderson, Area 4 state FFA vice president from the Salisbury FFA Chapter; Brandon Thiel, Area 6 state FFA vice president from the Marshall FFA Chapter; and Daniel Kahne, Area 9 state vice president from the Miller FFA Chapter. Also assisting with the academy were chaperones Jamie Rogers, Gallatin FFA advisor, Morgan Payton from Ashland and Nathan Scheiderer from Salisbury. The conference manager for the academy was Ron Scheiderer, retired agriculture educator from Salisbury.
Toyota, a major supporter of the Academy, made it possible for FFA members to benefit from the professional staff at University of Central Missouri. Eric Hill, Heartland strategy manager for Toyota from Kansas City was present for the presentation of awards at the concluding banquet.
