Furnas County Public Speaking Contest

2024 Public Speaking Contest

Monday, March 11

Location: TBA

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.  

Registration is DUE March 4th

AGE DIVISIONS: 

Four age divisions are used based on the member's 4-H age as of January 1, 2023. Intermediate and Senior division participants may be selected to represent Washington County at the Nebraska State Public Speaking Contest. Clover Kids will participate in a non-competitive division. 

  • Clover Kid: 5-7 (as of January 1)

  • Junior: 8-9 (as of January 1) 

  • Intermediate: 10-13 (as of January 1) 

  • Senior: 14-18 (as of January 1)

GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT (PSA) 

  • NO IN-PERSON CONTEST - VIRTAUL SUBMISSION ONLY.  Submit to by March 25 at 6:00 pm here: PSC Drop-Box

  • All PSAs are 60 seconds in length.

  • The state theme for the 2023 Public Service Announcement (PSA) is "Discover Your Spark in Nebraska 4-H." 

  • All radio PSAs must promote 4-H and be general enough to be used anywhere in Nebraska at any time of year. 

  • All 4-H PSAs must include the following tagline within the last 10 seconds of the PSA: "Learn more about the Nebraska 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. 

  • No team PSAs are allowed. No Clover Kid Division.

SPEECH

  • Length of Speeches: 

    • Clover Kid Division: 30 seconds - 2 minutes

    • Junior Division: 1-3 minutes

    • Intermediate Division: 3-5 minutes

    • Senior Division: 5-8 minutes 

  • All speeches must be original and include 4-H as the major speech completion. 

  • 4-H public speakers may not use the old speech written by a sibling, another 4-H member, or anyone else. Clover Kids are allowed to give a simple speech that does not have to relate to 4-H. They may also recite a simple poem they have learned, the 4-H Pledge, etc. that is age-appropriate. 

  • Acknowledge is 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. 

  • The use of visual aids and props is not allowed. 

  • Dress appropriately. Do not wear costumes or special effects clothing. 

  • No team speeches are allowed. 

ILLUSTRATED PRESENTATION

  • Length of Speeches: 

    • Clover Kid Division: 1-3 minutes

    • Junior Division: 3-5 minutes

    • Intermediate & Senior Division: 6-8 minutes

    • Team: 8-10 minutes

  • An Illustrated Presentation may be given by one (1) individual or a team of two (2) individuals. If team members are not in the same age division, they must compete in the age division of the oldest team member. 

  • 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 of the topic), a body (the "show and tell" portion of the topic), and a conclusion/summary (the "what" portion of the topic). 

  • The check-in area will contain temporary storage space for presentation supplies. Only presenters and contest officials will be permitted in the designated preparation areas; no relatives or friends, please. Presenters are expected to clean up the areas in which they work. 

  • Equipment provided includes two (2) tables, one (1) easel, PC PC-compatible computer (including Microsoft PowerPoint) with a WiFi internet connection, and a projector or television screen.

  • Presenters using computer-based visuals may bring files on a USB drive that is PC formatted. Participants may also provide their computer or other equipment as needed; however, participants must be able to connect their computers to an HDMI cord. 

  • Live animals may be used in the presentation. Presenters are responsible for all stalling arrangements, care, and handling of animals. Animals can only remain in the presentation area while the owner is present.

IMPROMPTU SPEECH

  • Length of Speeches: 

    • Junior Division: 1-3 minutes

    • Intermediate Division: 3 minutes

    • Senior Division: 5 minutes 

    • No Clover Kid Division 

  • Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.

  • On the contest day, participants will have a topic randomly selected for them. Youth will have up to 15 minutes to develop a speech on the selected topic. Participants will then deliver the speech to judges and audience members. 

  • Example topic: My Day in 4-H 

VIDEO COMMUNICATION

  • NO IN-PERSON CONTEST - VIRTAUL SUBMISSION ONLY.  Submit by March 25 at 6:00 pm here: PSC Drop-Box

  • Length of Speeches: 

    • 60-90 seconds

    • No Clover Kid Division

  • Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed. 

  • Youth may use a phone, laptop, or tablet to create a multi-media piece around the theme: Discover Your Spark in Nebraska 4-H!

  • Sound effects, public-domain music, and graphics can be used. Copyrighted materials may not be used. 

  • Videos will be submitted electronically as MP4 files along with the registration form.

RESOURCES

Nebraska Premier Communication Event: Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Lincoln, NE. Please visit the State Public Speaking Contest webpage above for further details about this contest.