Polk County County 4-H Communications Contest

The 4-H Communications Contests allow youth to improve their public speaking skills while building confidence. Whether you write a speech, deliver a public service announcement, present an illustrated demonstration, or share a video it is sure to be an enjoyable contest!

2024 4-H Communications Contest: Monday, April 29th

The 2024 4-H Public Speaking / PSA / Presentations Contest/Video Contest will be held on Monday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Midwest Covenant Home in Stromsburg.
Registration is DUE April 22 by 4:30 PM. 

AGE DIVISIONS 

Four age divisions are used and based on the member's 4-H age as of December 31, 2023. Junior, Intermediate, and Senior division participants may be selected to represent Polk County at the Nebraska State Public Speaking Contest. Clover Kids will participate in a non-competitive division. 

Clover Kid: 5-7 (as of December 31 )

Junior: 8-10 (as of December 31) 

Intermediate: 11-13 (as of December 31) 

Senior: 14-18 (as of December 31)  

GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT (PSA) 
  • NO IN-PERSON CONTEST - VIRTUAL SUBMISSION ONLY.  Submit by April 22 at 4:30 pm here: PSA Dropbox
  • We encourage participants to attend the contest to receive their score sheet and ribbon that night.
  • All PSAs are 60 seconds in length.
  • The state theme for the 2024 Public Service Announcement (PSA) is "4-H is a Feeling" 
  • 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. 
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. 
  • *Clover Kids may be on any topic.
  • 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 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 -  No time limit
    • Individual -Junior Division: 3-5 minutes
    • Individual -Intermediate & Senior Division: 6-8 minutes
    • Team - Junior Division 5-7 minutes
    • Team - Intermediate & Senior Division: 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 except Clover Kids.
  • 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, a computer (including Microsoft PowerPoint) with a WiFi internet connection, and a projector.
  • Presenters using computer-based visuals may bring files on a USB drive that is PC formatted. Participants may also provide their own 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.
Video Communication 
  • Length of Speeches: 
    • 60-90 seconds
  • 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: 4-H is a Feeling!
  • 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. Submit Video Here

RESOURCES

Nebraska Premier Communication Event: Friday, June 18-19, 2024, in Lincoln, NE. Please visit the State Public Speaking Contest webpage above for further details about this contest.