Cloverleaf communication apprehension: influential extent of the 4-h project achievement process

Fear and anxiety are common repercussions of public speaking in youth. Previous research examined communication apprehension (CA) scores in older adolescents and young adults, yet few explored the extent of public speaking events among youth and none explored the 4-H community. The purpose of the study is to explore to what extent 4-H Cloverleaf Project Achievement (PA) influences communication apprehension among Cloverleaf 4-H members throughout Georgia. Quantitative research methods were used to conduct a questionnaire during the Cloverleaf PA. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data collected at four Cloverleaf PA events across Georgia. Communication apprehension levels, including sub-score, total scores, and overall changes, along with their relationship to the demographic data was determined. Findings show that GA Cloverleaf PA does not help reduce CA levels within the respondents. The 4-H Experiential Learning Model provided a basis for interpreting the findings and recommendations for research and practice.