Four-Way Test Speech Contest

Youth Service

ROTARY Four-WAY TEST SPEECH CONTEST

For High School Students

$1,000 Grand Prize

Rotary Club Contests in early 2025
Subregional Quarter-finals Contests in March 2025
Regional Semi-finals Contests in early April 2025
District Final on April 30, 2025
 
The purpose of the competition is to foster and build public speaking skills in high school students, while promoting interest in Rotary and awareness of the Rotary Four-Way Test among students, teachers, and administrators.  The contest is administered on a District Level through individual Rotary Clubs.  Club representatives contact high school Speech, English, and/or History teachers who select, work with and train 3 to 5 qualified students to speak at a club-sponsored contest held either at a club meeting or at the school with Rotarians in attendance as judges. Speeches must be between 5 to 7 minutes in length and may cover a wide variety of topics.  All speeches should be original and describe how the Rotary Four-Way Test applies to the student’s chosen topic.
 
At the club contest, 3-5 persons serve as judges.  The judges evaluate the speeches and speakers and place the speakers in order of finish.  The first-place finisher from the club contests (and some second-place finishers, if deemed outstanding) will then go on to speak in competitions at the Sub-Regional (“Quarter-Final”) level, where a high placement will allow advancement to Regionals (“Semi-Finals”), and - ultimately - District Finals. 
 
Prize money will be awarded at each level of competition: Club Contests, Subregional Quarter-Final Contests, Regional Semi-Final Contests, and at the District Finals, where a grand Prize of $1000 will be awarded, runner-up receives $750, and other finalists $500.  The Rotary Club Contests (First Level) will be held in January or February 2025.
 
District 5340 Finalists 

Rules:

  1. Eligibility: Open to high school age students (14 to 18 years of age) residing in the District 5340 region. This regional eligibility encompasses all accredited high school curriculums geographically located within District 5340.  Contestant must not have previously won 1st place in this contest.
  2. Club Sponsor: Contestant must be sponsored by a Rotary Club within District 5340.
  3. District 5340 Photo Release: All contestants must sign, or if under the age of 18 have a parent's or guardian's signature.
  4. Subject: Apply the Four-Way Test to any topic:
                       Is it the Truth?
                       Is it Fair to all concerned?
                       Will it build Goodwill and better friendships?
                       Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
 
  1. Delivery: Notes will be permitted at the club and sub-regional level, provided the speech is not read verbatim.  Competitors will be limited to only one 3x5 card at the regional contest.  No notes will be permitted at the District Finals. 
  2. Length of Speech: The speech should not be less than 5 minutes nor more than 7 minutes in length. Penalty points will be assessed if the speech length is outside these limits.  Props may not be used.
  3. Speech Content: The speech given by each contestant must be original in content and 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 contestants where applicable.
  4. Club Participation in Elimination Contest Requirements: In order for a student to progress to the District Finals, the successful club winner must successfully participate in Sub-Regional and Regional Contests.  The decision to send Club Level Winners to further rounds is left to the sponsoring Rotary Club.                                                                           
Questions or would you like to learn more? Contact your local Rotary Club for information or Four-Way Test Chair, Rob Taylor at robtmtaylor@yahoo.com.