Public Speaking Contest Information
The prepared and impromptu public speaking contests are open to two participants for each contest (either sex) per county who are between 14 and 19 years of ages as of January 1. Previous winners may enter, but will not be eligible for the Western 4-H Roundup trip. In the event a previous winner wins, second place would win the Western 4-H Roundup trip.
Prepared Speech Instructions
- Each speech will be timed and must be between four and six minutes in duration. A five-point penalty will be assessed on the judges score sheets for a speech of 6:30 and 30 seconds thereafter. There will be no penalty for speeches 6:29 or shorter.
- Speeches must be on a 4-H subject. They should relate to 4-H in some manner. Any ideas presented should relate to 4-H participation and/or organization in Colorado as appropriate.
- Elaborate props or visual aids may not be used. Excessive use of props will eliminate the talk from competition in the State Speech Contest, but may be used in the Illustrated Talks at Colorado State Fair.
- Judging will be done by adult judges.
Rating Criteria and Score Sheet:
Content - 50%
- Speech development (20%) - the way a speaker puts ideas together so the audience will understand them.
- Effectiveness (15%) - the achievement of purpose, audience reception and interest.
- Speech value (15%) - meaningful and original ideas and thought: logic.
Delivery - 30%
- Physical (10%) - appearance, body language, gestures, expressions and positioning.
- Voice (10%) - flexible, variety of rate and volume, clearly heard and easily understood.
- Manner (10%) - directness, enthusiasm and assurance, interest in audience and confidence.
Language - 20%
- Appropriateness (10%) - language and choice of words to the purpose of the speech.
- Correctness (10%) - proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation.
