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4-H Public Speaking & Presentation Contests
Monday, April 6, 2026
6:00 p.m. – Presentations will follow Public Speaking Contest
Courthouse Annex Meeting Room, Center, Nebraska
To register, call the Extension Office at 402-288-5611 by April 1, 2026
Prepared Speech- 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. All speeches must be original and include 4-H as the major component. The use of visual aids and props is not allowed. The first-place winner in each division is eligible for a $50.00 scholarship for a 4-H Camp of their choice, sponsored by the Knox County 4-H Council.
Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA)– This 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. Entries must be submitted electronically in a .wav or .mp3 audio format.
- 2026 Theme is “Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow”. All 4-H PSA’s must 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.”
4-H 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 where they are given 15 minutes to develop and prepare for their presentation. The judge will evaluate the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech.
Video Communication – A video communication contest allows youth to create a multi-media video around a theme related to 4-H. The judge will be evaluating both the organization of information as well as the audio and video production. The 2026 theme: Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow.
4-H Illustrated Presentation - 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. The first-place winner in each division is eligible for a $50.00 scholarship for a 4-H Camp of their choice, sponsored by the Knox County 4-H Council.
Age Divisions and Time Guidelines for Each Contest
Division | 4-H Age as of Dec. 31 of the previous year | Time Guidelines 4-H members may participate in each eligible category. |
Clover Kids | 5-7 | Speech - Under 1 minute Presentation – 1-3 minutes |
Junior | 8-10 | Speech - 2 to 3 minutes PSA – 60 seconds Impromptu Speech – 1 ½ minutes Video Communication – 60 to 90 seconds Presentation – Individual 3-5 minutes or Team 5-7 minutes |
Intermediate | 11-13 | Speech - 3 to 5 minutes PSA – 60 seconds Impromptu Speech – 3 minutes Video Communication – 60 to 90 seconds Presentation – Individual 6-8 minutes or Team 8-10 minutes |
Senior | 14-18 | Speech - 5 to 8 minutes PSA – 60 seconds Impromptu Speech – 5 minutes Video Communication – 60 to 90 seconds Presentation – Individual 6-8 minutes or Team 8-10 minutes |
For additional information and resource visit https://go.unl.edu/knoxcountyprefaircontests or the Knox County Fairbook.