The 4-H Communications Contest allows youth to improve their public speaking skills while building confidence. Whether youth write a speech or deliver a public service announcement, it's sure to be an experience that creates a a spark!
AGE DIVISIONS
(as of January 1 of the current 4-H year)
Clover Kid: 5-7
Junior: 8-10
Intermediate: 11-13
Senior: 14-18
REGISTRATION
To register, please fill out the form at https://forms.office.com/r/6CN6BCDVcw.
GENERAL RULES & GUIDELINES
For more information, visit the Nebraska 4-H Premier Communications Contest site.
RADIO PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT (PSA)
The Radio PSA 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.
- Length: 60 seconds
- Age Divisions: Junior, Intermediate, Senior
- Theme for 2025: "Ready through 4-H...and beyond"
- Requirements:
- Entry must promote 4-H and be general enough to be used anywhere in Nebraska at any time of the year.
- Entry 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."
- Entry must be original work of the exhibitor.
- Guidelines:
- If using sound effects or public-domain music, these items cannot be Copyrighted.
- Entries will be submitted electronically in a .wav or .mp3 audio format by a set date.
- Entry Submission: Due by 12pm on Day of In-Person Contest
- Send file to: washingtoncounty4h@unl.edu
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.
- Length:
- Clover Kid: 60 seconds
- Junior: 2-3 minutes
- Intermediate: 3-5 minutes
- Senior: 5-8 minutes (3-points deducted for every 30 seconds under/over the time limit)
- Requirements:
- Entry must be the original work of the exhibitor.
- Guidelines:
- Acknowledge the source of information used in the speech.
- Use of visual aids and props is not allowed.
ILLUSTRATED PRESENTATION
An Illustrated Presentation is a live presentation with a formal talk where youth use visual aids to show and tell others how to do something. The judge views the presentation and engages in a Q&A session following the presentation.
- Length:
- Clover Kid: 1-3 minutes
- Junior: (Individual) 3-5 minutes, (Team) 5-7 minutes
- Intermediate: (Individual) 6-8 minutes, (Team) 8-10 minutes
- Senior: (Individual) 6-8 minutes, (Team) 8-10 minutes
- Requirements:
- Topic should be related to what the 4-H youth is learning through 4-H educational experiences.
- Guidelines:
- Include an introduction, body, and conclusion/summary.
- Equipment provided includes: table, easel, projector with HDMI connection, projector screen
IMPROMTU SPEECH
The Impromptu Speech 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 give 15 minutes to develop and prepare. The judge evaluates the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech.
- Length:
- Junior: 1 1/2 minutes
- Intermediate: 3 minutes
- Senior: 5 minutes
- Requirements:
- Participants will have 15 minutes to randomly select, write, and prepare their speech.
VIDEO COMMUNICATION
The Video Communication contest allows youth to create a multi-media video around a theme related to 4-H. The judge will be evaluating on both the organization of the information as well as the audio and video production.
- Length: 60-90 seconds (all divisions)
- Requirements:
- 2025 Theme: "Ready through 4-H...and beyond"
- Copyrighted materials may not be used.
- Youth must bring video on a USB drive to be played on a provided computer for the judge & audience.
- Guidelines:
- Youth may use laptop, phone or tablet to create a multi-media video.