Content
Public speaking helps teach youth a life skill that is beneficial for a lifetime in their personal and professional lives by developing their communication skills. Youth learn how to organize and prepare a speech. They develop self-confidence by learning how to present themselves to others and acquire speech delivery skills.
Parents and speech coaches are encouraged to help the 4-H member with the speech, but parents or others should NOT write the speech for you. Youth should also not copy what others have written.
Get your speeches, PSAs, and videos ready! Individuals may participate in all contest divisions of the public speaking contest. PSAs and Videos must be electronically submitted (via email) to the Extension office for the county contest.
Clover Kid Speech
Clover Kids are youth aged 5 – 7 before January 1st of the current year. They may recite a poem, chant, read or tell a story. Time limit is under 3 minutes. All participants will receive a Clover Kid ribbon and certificate.
Novice Speech (First Timers)
Novice youth are 8 – 11-year-olds that have never competed in a speech contest before (except as a Clover Kid). They may recite a poem, chant, read or tell a story. Time limit is under 3 minutes. All participants will receive a ribbon and certificate. Top individual will receive a medal.
Prepared 4-H Speech Division
All speeches must be original and include 4-H as the major component of the speech. The judge will evaluate the speech based on the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech. Speakers may not use an old speech written by a sibling, another 4-H member, or anyone else. They must acknowledge the source of information used in the speech. For example, an article from a magazine may be used for reference but should not be quoted directly unless you tell the audience your source. No visual aids or props are allowed. Dress appropriately, no costumes or special effects clothing. All participants will receive a ribbon and certificate. Top individual in each division will receive a medal.
Division Age as of Jan 1st Time Limit
Junior 8 – 10-year-olds 2 – 3 minutes
Intermediate 11 – 13-year-olds 3 – 5 minutes
Senior 14 – 18-year-olds 5 – 8 minutes
Impromptu Speech Division
The Impromptu Speech competition gives youth the opportunity to write and present a speech around a 4-H-related topic that is randomly selected for them the day of the contest. They are given 15 minutes to develop and prepare for their presentation, then deliver it to the judge and audience. Judges evaluate the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech. (Example topic: My Day in 4-H)
Division Age as of Jan 1st Time Limit
Junior 8 – 10-year-olds 1.5 minutes
Intermediate 11 – 13-year-olds 3 minutes
Senior 14 – 18-year-olds 5 minutes
Public Service Announcement (PSA)
The Radio PSA contest challenges youth to write and record a 60-second promotional audio recording. Youth are judged on their overall organization and delivery of the PSA. All PSA’s are 60 seconds in length, must be the original work of the presenter, must promote 4-H, and be general enough to be used anywhere in Nebraska at any time of the year. Youth will prepare the PSA around the theme “TBA” and include the following tagline within the last 10 seconds of the PSA: “Learn more about the Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development Program at 4h.unl.edu.” Sound effects and public domain music may be used. Copyrighted material may not be used. PSA entries will need to be submitted electronically using .wav or .mp3 audio formats. Youth must be present to introduce your PSA. Top individual overall will receive a medal.
Division Age as of Jan 1st
Junior 8 – 10-year-olds
Intermediate 11 – 13-year-olds
Senior 14 – 18-year-olds
Video Communication Division
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. All video productions are to be 60-90 seconds in length. Youth may use a phone, laptop, or tablet to create a multi-media piece around the theme: “TBA”. Sound effects, public domain music, and graphics can be used. Copyrighted materials may not be used. Videos will be submitted electronically as MP4 files.
Division Age as of Jan 1st
Junior 8 – 10-year-olds
Intermediate 11 – 13-year-olds
Senior 14 – 18-year-olds
The top five Junior, Intermediate & Senior participants receiving a purple ribbon in Prepared Speech and PSA Divisions are eligible to represent Cedar County at the State Premier Communication Event on June 23-24, 2027 in Lincoln. All youth participating in Impromptu Speech and Video Communications are eligible for the State event.