Public Speaking, PSA, & Presentation Contest

Public Speaking Contest (Speech/PSA)

State Premier Communication Event

The Public Speaking Contest takes place every year in the spring and consists of a Speech, PSA, & Presentation divisions.  Youth that recieve top (5) purple by the judge in these contests have the opportunity to advance on to the state contest.

Public Speaking
Youth can participate in the speech contest by preparing a speech at an appropriate length for their age level:
Age Divsions & Length:
      • Clover Kid (5-7) May recite a poem, read or tell a story.
      • Novice (10 and under) 4-Her has never competed in a speech contest before.  May recite a poem, read or tell a story.  Speech must be under 2-3 minutes in length.  
      • Junior (8-10) Under 2-3 minutes in length.
      • Intermediate (11-13)  3-5 minutes in length.
      • Senior (14-18)   5-8 minutes in length.
        • For Senior divison only, judges will deduct three points from the score for every 30 seconds under or over the time limit.
Rules
      • Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.
      • All speeches must be original and include 4-H as the major component of the speech.
      • Acknowledge the source of information used in the speech.
      • The use of visual aids and props is not allowed.
      • Dress appropriately. Do not wear costumes or special effects clothing.
PSA
The Radio Public Service Annoucement (PSA) contest challenges youth to write and record a 60-second promotional audio recording focused on a yearly theme that could be played ont he radio to promote the work of Nebraska 4-H.
Age Divisions:
      • Clover Kid (5-7)
      • Junior (8-10)
      • Intermediate (11 - 13)
      • Senior (14 & 18)
Rules
      • Length: 60 seconds
      • Only individuals may compete in this class.
      • Youth will prepare a PSA around the theme: 4-H is a Feeling
      • All radio PSA's must promote 4-H and be general enough to be used anywhere in Nebraska at any time of the year.
      • 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." The tagline is included in the 60 secornd 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. 
      • PSA entries will be submitted electronically in a .wav or .mp3 audio format
Presentation

An Illustrated Presentation is 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.

Age Divison & Length
      • Clover Kid (5-7) 
      • Individual-Junior (age 8-10) 3-5 minutes
      • Individual-Intermediate (age 11-13) & Senior (age 14-18) 6-8 minutes in length.
      • Team-Junior (age 8-10) 5-7 minutes
      • Team-Intermediate (age 11-13) & Senior (age 14-18) 8-10 minutes in length.
Rules
      • An Illustrated Presentation may be given by one individual or team to two individuals. If team members are not in the same age division, they must compete in the age divsion of the olderst team member.
      • All presentation topics should be related to what the 4-H youth is learning through 4-H education experiences.
      • Presentations should include and introduction, a body, and a conclusion. 
Other Materials: