BKR 4-H

Communications Contest

Through the Southeast Nebraska 4‑H Communications Contest, youth have an opportunity to write a speech, create a public service announcement (PSA) or promotional video, or deliver an illustrated presentation that incorporates the topic of 4‑H. The communications contest helps youth develop skills for communicating and presenting to a live audience.

Southeast Nebraska will select five contestants in each age division in prepared speech, illustrated presentation, and PSA categories to advance to the Nebraska 4‑H Premier Communications Event held in Lincoln on June 16-17, 2026. Anyone can enter the impromptu speech or video communication categories at the state contest. To advance to state, entries must include 4‑H as a major component.

General Rules for all Categories:

• Youth may enter all categories; however, only one entry per category is allowed.
• Youth do not have to be enrolled in 4‑H to compete at the county level. 4‑H enrollment is required to advance to the State Premier Communication Event.
• 4‑H Attire is NOT required. Dress appropriately. Do not wear costumes or special effect clothing.
• All entries should be original work and not something previously used by a sibling, another 4‑H member, or anyone else.

Prepared Speech

The Prepared Speech contest provides youth the opportunity to write and prepare a speech on a topic related to their 4‑H experience. The judge will view the speech and evaluate based on the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech.

Category Specific Rules:

• Clover Kids (ages 5-7) 
  • May read or recite any short story, nursery rhyme, poem, etc. Credit the author in the beginning. Topic does not have to be 4‑H related. No time limit.
• Length:
  • Juniors (ages 8-10): 2-3 minutes
  • Intermediates (ages 11-13): 3-5 minutes
  • Seniors (ages 14-18): 5-8 minutes (for senior division ONLY, judges will deduct three points from the score for every 30 seconds under or over the time limit)
• Other guidelines:
  • Only individuals may compete in this category; no team entries.
  • Acknowledge the source of information used in the speech. For example, a magazine may be used for reference but should not be quoted directly unless you tell the audience your source. 
  • The use of visual aids and props is not allowed. Notecards are okay.

Impromptu Speech

The Impromptu Speech competition gives youth the opportunity to write and present a speech around a 4‑H related topic that they select during the competition. They are then given 15 minutes to develop and prepare for their presentation. Judges evaluate the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech.

Category Specific Rules:

• Clover Kids (ages 5-7) 
  • This contest is not available for Clover Kids.
• Length:
  • Juniors (ages 8-10): 1-1/2 minutes
  • Intermediates (ages 11-13): 3 minutes
  • Seniors (ages 14-18): 5 minutes (for senior division ONLY, judges will deduct three points from the score for every 30 seconds under or over the time limit)
• Other guidelines:
  • Only individuals may compete in this category; no team entries.
  • On the evening of the contest, participants will have a topic randomly selected for them. Youth will then have 15 minutes to develop and prepare for their speech. Participants will deliver the speech to the judges and audience members. Judges evaluate the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech.
  • The use of visual aids and props is not allowed. Notecards are okay.

Public Service Announcement (PSA)

The Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest challenges youth to write and record a 60-second promotional audio recording focused on a yearly theme that could be played on the radio to promote the work of Nebraska 4‑H. Youth are judged on their overall organization and delivery of the PSA.

Category Specific Rules:

• Length:
  • All age divisions: 60 seconds
• Other guidelines:
  • Only individuals may compete in this category; no team entries.
  • PSA 2026 Theme: "Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow"
  • All radio PSA's must promote 4‑H and be general enough to be used anywhere in Nebraska at any time of year.
  • Must include the following tagline within the last 1-seconds of the PSA: "Learn more about the Nebraska Extension 4‑H Youth Development Program at 4h.unl.edu." The tagline IS included in the 60 second limit.
  • Sound effects and public-domain music may be used. Copyrighted material may not be used.
  • PSA entries should be submitted electronically in a .wav or .mp3 audio format along with the registration form.

Illustrated Presentation

An Illustrated Presentation is a live presentation with a formal talk where youth will use visual aids (such as props, posters, computer-based visuals, handouts, video, etc.) to show and tell others how to do something. The judge views the entire presentation and engages in a question-and-answer session following the presentation.

Category Specific Rules:

• Length:
  • Juniors (ages 8-10): 3-5 minutes (individual); 5-7 minutes (team)
  • Intermediates (ages 11-13): 6-8 minutes (individual); 8-10 minutes (team)
  • Seniors (ages 14-18): 6-8 minutes (individual); 8-10 minutes (team)
• Other guidelines:
  • Team entries are allowed. If team members are in different age divisions, they will compete in the oldest division.
  • All presentation topics should be related to what the 4‑H youth is learning through 4‑H educational experiences.
  • Presentations should include an introduction (the "why" portion), a body (the "show and tell" portion), and a conclusion (the "why" portion).
  • Participants must provide all supplies.
  • Live animals are not allowed for presentations.

Video Communication

The Video Communication contest allows youth to create a multi-media video around a theme related to 4‑H. Judges will be evaluating on both the organization of information as well as the audio and video production.

Category Specific Rules:

• Clover Kids (ages 5-7) 
  • This contest is not available for Clover Kids.
• Length:
  • All age divisions: 60-90 seconds
• Other guidelines:
  • Video communication 2026 theme: "Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow"
  • Youth may use a phone, laptop, or table to create a multi-media piece around the theme.
  • Sound effects, public-domain music, and graphics can be used.
  • Videos will be submitted electronically as MP4 files along with the registration form.

More information and writing resources can be found on the Nebraska 4‑H Premier Communications Event website.