The 4-H Public Speaking Contest challenges members to express their ideas with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Through this event, youth learn how to organize their thoughts, speak with conviction, and inspire others. Participants advance through county, regional, state, and national levels as they develop their communication and leadership skills.
The Senior Level state contest is held each year during Tennessee 4-H Congress, where finalists from across the state share their voices on topics that matter to them. This event celebrates not only the power of words but also the confidence and character that 4-H helps build in young people.
The 4-H Public Speaking Contest begins at the county level, where members first compete within their local clubs. Winners from each grade advance to their respective regional contests, which serve as the highest level of competition for this age group.
- There will be a separate division for each grade.
- Members will give a prepared speech not to exceed seven minutes in length.
- The speech will count 100% percent of the score.
- 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.
- Junior high members (6-8 grade) may also participate in the leadership or citizenship project awards program.
- 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 the candidates are still tied, the combined speaker scores will be used to break the tie.
The 4-H Public Speaking Contest begins at the county level, where members first compete within their local clubs. Winners from each grade advance to their respective regional contests. Senior high members who place among the top two in each grade at the regional level qualify for the state public speaking contest, held during Tennessee 4-H Congress. In addition to their prepared speeches, all senior contestants present an extemporaneous speech, with topics assigned at the time of the contest.
- There will be a separate division for each grade (9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th).
- 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.
- 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.
- Members may enter the citizenship or leadership awards program in addition to the public speaking contest.
- 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.
At the state level the extemporaneous portion of the contest, senior high participants demonstrate their ability to think and speak effectively with limited preparation. Contestants draw a topic at random and have one minute to organize their thoughts before presenting a two-minute speech. This challenge helps members develop confidence, quick thinking, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure—skills that serve them well in leadership, school, and life.
- The state 4-H staff will select the topics to be used for the event.
- 4-H members participating in the state event will draw numbers to determine the order in which they will speak.
- Extemporaneous speeches will be given with only the judges and persons coordinating the public speaking activity present.
- 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.
- 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 provided by the contestant after the two-minute signal has been given.
Members in the Junior and Junior High Divisions will earn 4-H ribbons and other recognitions that vary by region.
Senior high participants have the opportunity to earn scholarships and state-level honors as they advance through competition.
- Regional Awards: The top two finalists in each of the four senior grade divisions (9th–12th) receive scholarships to attend Tennessee 4-H Congress.
- State Awards: Each first-place senior winner at the state contest receives the Lute Truett Memorial Silver Bowl and a $100 cash award. All other senior participants in the state contest receive a $25 cash award. In addition, the 11th-grade winner earns a $500 scholarship, and the 12th-grade winner earns a $1,000 scholarship.
