Public Speaking Contest

DONORS

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation (Regional Awards); Henry County Extension Staff (State Awards); Lute Truett Memorial Fund (Silver Bowl); friends and family in memory of Lorna Norwood (college scholarship for 11th grade winner); and family of Leon Foster (college scholarship for 12th grade winner)

JUDGING PROCEDURES

1. Junior and Junior High Divisions:
   1. There will be a separate division for each grade.
   2. Members will give a prepared speech not to exceed seven minutes in length.
   3. The speech will count 100% percent of the score.
   4. For each 30 seconds the speaker exceeds the seven minute time limit, one point will be deducted from the score. Five points will be deducted if the speech is under two minutes in length.
   5. Junior high members may also participate in the leadership or citizenship project awards program.
   6. ​Procedure for breaking ties:  If a tie exists between individuals, the combined scores (well organized, information, good introduction and conclusion) will break the tie(s). If still tied, the combined speaker scores will be used to break the tie.
2. Senior Division:
   1. There will be a separate division for each grade (9th, 10th, 11th and 12th).
   2. Members will present a prepared speech not to exceed seven minutes in length and will give an extemporaneous speech not to exceed two minutes in length. For each 30 seconds the speaker exceeds the seven minute time limit, one point will be deducted from the final score; five points will be deducted from the final score if this speech is less than three minutes in length.
   3. The prepared speech will count 75%, and the extemporaneous speech will count 25%. Form 656A should be used as the scorecard for the prepared speech, and Form 657 should be used for the extemporaneous speech.
   4. Members may enter the citizenship or leadership awards program in addition to the public speaking contest.
   5. ​Procedure for breaking ties: If a tie exists between individuals, the highest prepared speech score will break the tie(s). If still tied, the combined extemporaneous speech subject matter and composition scores (well organized, information, good introduction and conclusion) will be used to break the tie. If still tied, the combined prepared speech delivery scores (bodily action, voice) will be used to break the tie.

PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCTING STATE EXTEMPORANEOUS PUBLIC SPEAKING

1. The state 4-H staff will select the topics to be used for the event.
2. 4-H members participating in the state event will draw numbers to determine the order in which they will speak.
3. Extemporaneous speeches will be given with only the judges and persons coordinating the public speaking activity present.
4. Members will draw a topic from the selected topics. One minute will be allowed for the 4-H member to prepare for the speech. Note cards will be provided to each participant to use in preparation for the speech.
5. Speeches should not exceed a time limit of two minutes. Each participant will be given a signal when one minute and 30 seconds and when two minutes of the time for their speech have elapsed. Judges should disregard any information given by the contestant after the two minute signal has been given.

AWARDS

1. Region: Scholarships to State 4-H Congress to two finalists in each of the four senior grade divisions.
2. State: Each first-place senior winner will receive the Lute Truett Memorial Silver Bowl and a $100 cash award.  All other senior participants in the state contest will receive a $25 cash award. In addition, the 11th grade winenr receives a $500 scholarship and the 12th grade winner receives a $1,000 scholarship.