State Public Speaking Contest

Category Descriptions
Juniors (ages 8-13) and Seniors (ages 14-19)

Prepared Speech
This is the noble, “traditional” category from past Missouri State 4-H Public Speaking Contests.  Speeches may be on any topic of the participant’s choice that are in good taste for a group of peers and adults.

Prepared Speech Rules:

• Speeches are to be 3-5 minutes in length for Juniors and 5-7 minutes in length for Seniors. Points will be deducted for speeches exceeding or not meeting these parameters.  Judges decisions are final.

• No props or visual aids may be used.

• Topics must be appropriate to the standards of a 4-H event.

• It is suggested (but not required) that speakers avoid topics which are controversial in nature.

• Have fun: First and foremost, you are here to gain experience, celebrate your skills, and meet others with an interest in public speaking!

A helpful support material for this category is
"Making Your Point" Building Public Speaking Skills (PDF)

Extemporaneous Speech
When you give an extemporaneous speech at a public speaking contest, it will differ from a traditional (“prepared”) public speech in that you will not plan the speech until shortly before you deliver it.

Extemporaneous Speech Rules:

• Speakers will select from three topics. Prep time is 30 minutes for juniors, 15 minutes for seniors.

• Speeches are to be 3-5 minutes in length. A warning signal will alert the speaker that time is short.

• No props or visual aids may be used, and topics must be appropriate to the standards of a 4-H event.

• Have fun: First and foremost, you are here to gain experience, celebrate your skills, and meet others with an interest in public speaking!

A helpful support material for this category is
"Making Your Point" Extemporaneous Speaking (PDF)

Public Service Announcement (PSA)
Youth will introduce themselves and their PSA to the group, play the PSA, and answer questions from the audience.  This format can be a less threatening entry into the world of public speaking for youth who are anxious about speaking in front of groups.

Guidelines for Contest PSA’s:

• PSA’s may be audio (radio) or audio visual (television) in format.

• PSA’s must be 60 seconds in length or shorter. Musical/sound effects are considered part of the radio spot and must not cause this time limit to be exceeded.

• PSA’s may not contain copyrighted music without written permission.

• The PSA must be created entirely by the contestant.

• Introductions, narration and all other voice work must be the voice of the contestant.

• The PSA must relate to the Missouri 4-H program and be general enough that it could be used anywhere in the state.

• Anyone appearing in the video who is not currently enrolled in 4-H must sign a media release form.
  Child Photo Release Form (PDF)
  Adult Photo Release Form (PDF)

• PSA’s and signed media release forms (if applicable) must be submitted on CD no later than August 15 to:

State 4-H Public Speaking Contest
4-H Center for Youth Development
804 Clark Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

A helpful support material for this category is
"Making Your Point" General Videography Tips for PSA's (PDF)

Interpretation
Interpretations are to be memorized and take place without music or other external sound effects.  Interpretation consists of three sub-categories:

• Dramatic: An oral interpretation of a serious selection of narrative or dramatic work.  The source material may come from literature, a monologue, a theatrical production or poetry.  This can be a great fit for youth in 4-H Theatre Arts clubs!

• Pantomime: A physical and emotional interpretation.  Source material may be original or inspired from other performers work.  This is a natural fit for any youth in 4-H Clowning clubs!
  
  A helpful support material for this category is
  "Making the Point" Communicating through Pantomime (PDF)

• Humorous: A memorized oral interpretation of a humorous selection (or a humorous interpretation of an oral selection.  Source material may come from plays, prose, literature, poetry, or other performance pieces.

Guidelines for the Interpretations:

• Contestants are to bring two copies of the script, referencing the source(s). Non-English language must be translated.

• Time limits are 2-3 minutes for juniors and 3-5 minutes for seniors. Judges may deduct points for presentations that fall outside these time constraints.

• Visual aids, such as posters, are not permitted, but special makeup and clothing may be worn as the contestant deems appropriate to the content of the interpretation.

• Interpretations are to be memorized and take place without music or other external audio or visual effects.

• If speaking in a language other than English, the participant must inform the state 4-H office in advance so that an appropriate judge may be secured.

• First place finishers from a previous State 4-H Public Speaking Contest may not enter the same category and age group a second time.

Technology Assisted

Technology assisted speeches are subject to the same rules and guidelines as prepared speeches but allow for the use of presentation software (such as PowerPoint).  This is another 4-H experience with excellent workforce preparation benefits. 

Technology Assisted Speech Rules:

• Speeches are to be 3-5 minutes in length.

• Topics must be appropriate to the standards of a 4-H event.

• It is suggested (but not required) that speakers avoid topics which are controversial in nature.

• Have fun! First and foremost, you are here to gain experience, celebrate your skills, and meet others
  with an interest in public speaking!

A helpful support material for this category is

"Making the Point" Communicating with PowerPoint (PDF)