THE PURPOSE of the speech contest is to help youth, Rotarians and the
community-at-large to more completely understand, encourage, and foster the principles of ethical behavior, Rotary and the objects of “Service Above Self.”
ELIGIBILITY is open to all high school age students , grades 9 – 12.
THE CONTEST is sponsored by your local Rotary club.
ENTRY FORM: (see attachment) To qualify for the contest, entry forms must be received by the Sponsoring Rotary Club 4-Way Test Speech Contest
chairperson.
RULES OF THE SPEECH
TOPIC OF SPEECH: The topic is at the discretion of the student, one that
generally applies Rotary’s 4-Way Test to an important issue in our everyday
world:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
DELIVERY: The speech should be delivered in an extemporaneous manner. Notes will be permitted, but reading is discouraged. A memorized presentation is more impressive. Prompting from the audience will disqualify speakers.
LENGTH OF SPEECH: The speech should be not less than five minutes or more than seven minutes in length. Penalty points will be assessed if the speech length is outside these limits.
CONTENT OF SPEECH: The speech given by each contestant must be original in content and must show clearly the practical application of the Rotary Four-Way Test to the subject of the speech and the lives of the age-group of the contestant when applicable.
Contestants should write a speech with facts, statistics, stories, examples and quotations. Humor and personal touches are appropriate. Examples of winning 4-Way Test speeches can be found on YouTube.
Winner advances to Rotary District Competition: Participants must be available for District competition In order to advance in the contest. The winner must commit to attend the District level competition on May 04, 2024 in Coos Bay Oregon, should he/she win the Club and Area level competition. Transportation and a supervising Rotarian will be identified to accompany the winner at contest site.
JUDGING CRITERIA — Same at all levels of competition
A total of 100 points is possible for a contestant to be awarded (or deducted) as follows:
CONTENT 0 – 40 points
Use of example. Theme/subject adherence. Human interest, appeal, and
color. Clarity and expressiveness. Persuasiveness.
ORGANIZATION 0 – 10 points
Introduction. Logical development. Support of ideas. Smooth transitions.
Conclusion.
DELIVERY 0-30 points
Voice control, articulation, enunciation. Body language (gestures, facial
expression). Sincerity.
APPLICATION OF 4-WAY TEST 0-20 points POINT TOTAL max = 100
* Is it the truth?!
* Is it fair to all concerned?!
* Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
* Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
TIME PENALTY 1 point for each 15 seconds (or fraction thereof) that the
speech is under 5 minutes or over 7 minutes. (Subtract points)
To sign up for the competition visit here.
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