Public Speaking - 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.
Rules
A. Pre-Entry – 4-Her’s participating in the 4-H Public Speaking Contest must pre-registration by contacting the Extension Office with the information required by the due date published in the 4-H Newsletter. This contest usually takes place the Monday after Easter.
B If eligible, youth may participate in all contest classes.
C. Visual aids and props are not allowed.
D. All speeches must be original and include 4-H as the major component of the speech. (Clover Kids and Novice Division is an exception to this rule. They may recite a poem, story or chant on any subject.)
E. 4-H public speakers may not use an old speech written by a sibling, other 4-H member, or anyone else. 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.
F. Dress appropriately. Do not wear costumes or special effect clothing.
G. Only individuals may compete in this class; no team speeches are allowed.
H. Clover Kid Division is non-competitive. See Clover Kid section for complete details.
Prepared Speech
C) B165900 Clover Kid – ages 5-7, under 3 minutes – may recite a poem, chant, read, or tell a story
C) B165901 Novice – ages 8-11, first time (other than as a Clover Kid) and may speak for up to 3 minutes, read a story or poem
SF) B165902 Junior – ages 8-10, may speak 2 to 3 minutes on 4-H related topic
SF) B165903 Intermediate – ages 11-13, may speak 3 to 5 minutes on 4-H related topic.
SF) B165904 Senior – ages 14 and older, may speak 5 to 8 minutes on 4-H related topic. Judges will deduct 3 points from the contestant’s speech for each 30 seconds under or over the time limit. (Senior division only)
Public Service Announcements (PSA’s)
SF) B165905 All age groups - 60 seconds in length. 2026 theme is “Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow” and should be incorporated into the PSA. All 4-H PSA’s must include the following tag line within the last ten seconds of the PSA: “Learn more about the Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development Program at 4h.unl.edu.” The tag line is included in the 60 seconds time limit. Sound effects and public domain music may be used. Copyrighted material may not be used. All PSA’s must be the original work of the presenter. Radio PSA’s will be submitted electronically as a .wav or mp3 audio format along with the registration form. Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries allowed. All radio PSA’s must promote 4-H and be general enough to be used anywhere in Nebraska at any time of the year. Contestants may not use PSA’s written and provided by the state or national staff. Must be present to introduce your PSA.
Impromptu Speech
SF) B165906 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 their speech, 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) Only an individual may compete in this class; no team entries allowed.
Junior Division (ages 8-10) may speak 1½ minutes
Intermediate Division (ages 11-13) make speak 3 minutes
Senior Division (ages 14-18) may speak 5 minutes
Video Communication Division
SF) B165907 The video communication contest allows youth to create a multi-media video around a theme related to 4-H. Judges will be evaluating 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: “Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow”. Sound effects, public domain music, and graphics can be used. Videos will be submitted electronically as MP4 files.