A lot can be said in 60 seconds. Just ask dairy icon Maurice Core. Neal Smith, the executive secretary of the American Jersey Cattle Association, shared a story about Core’s desire for Jersey’s area representatives to give a 60-second introduction. It’s all about making a good first impression, right?
Last fall, Dr. Katharine Knowlton of Virginia Tech approached Smith and his AJCA staff with an idea to develop Jersey youth through an activity at the All American in Louisville, Ky. Together with Kim Billman, director of communications at AJCA, and Kristin Paul, director of field services and area representative for Illinois and Wisconsin, they brainstormed and came up with the concept of “Give Us Your Best 60 Seconds.”
The goal of this initiative was clear – to help youth:
– Think on their feet under pressure
– Overcome nerves when speaking in front of a crowd
– Generate excitement about the Jersey breed and share their own stories
One of the participants in this initiative was Camille Herrera from Ahlem Farms in Hilmar, Calif. She decided spontaneously to sign up for the Jersey youth contest.
“I ultimately decided that it was only 60 seconds, and I couldn’t think of a valid reason not to participate,” Herrera recalls.
Winning the contest brought pride, but what truly touched Herrera was the encouragement she received from younger participants.
“There were a couple of little girls who also had participated that congratulated and complimented my speech while we were up on stage together,” Herrera shares. “Their words were most important to me as I remember the feeling of being in a competition and looking up to older girls.”
At the All American event, 34 youth took the stage to share their stories, and the crowd loved it. Billman reflects on the creativity and engagement of the kids in the contest.
“The kids were so creative, fun, and engaging. The crowd absolutely loved it,” Billman exclaims.
Another opportunity for youth to showcase their skills in “Give Us Your Best 60 Seconds” was presented at the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in La Crosse, Wis. This time, 20 youth took part, creating a buzz and excitement throughout the event.
“From the comments around the room and the rest of the week, it made the event that night! Everyone loved it,” Billman shares.
While it may seem like just 60 seconds, for the courageous youth who stand up in front of a room to share their message, it is a stepping stone towards future success.
The next chance for youth to participate in “Give Us Your Best 60 Seconds” will be at the 2023 All American Jersey Show and Sales in Louisville, Ky., on Sat., Nov. 4 before the All American Sale that evening.
For more information on Jersey youth contests, including “Give Us Your Best 60 Seconds,” visit usjersey.com.
Engaging with the audience, whether in a business meeting, public speaking event, or everyday conversation, is a crucial skill. It’s like a dance between speakers and listeners, where words and ideas flow seamlessly, creating a connection that leaves a lasting impact.
Mastering the art of communication, especially in a brief period like 60 seconds, requires confidence, clarity, and concise delivery. It’s about capturing attention, conveying your message effectively, and leaving a memorable impression. And that’s exactly what initiatives like “Give Us Your Best 60 Seconds” aim to nurture in young individuals.
Just as in the world of cattle farming where each animal has its unique story and qualities, every individual has their own story to share. Encouraging youth to speak up, share their experiences, and showcase their talents not only builds confidence but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.
So, next time you have a minute to spare, think about the power of those 60 seconds. It could be the beginning of something extraordinary. Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and let your voice be heard. After all, every second counts in making a difference.
