Develop an appropriate speaking presence and appearance.
Develop good judgment, speech and actions before an audience.
Eligibility: Individuals may compete. There is no team category.
9-10 - 4-H'er must be 9 years old prior to January 1 of the current year and not have reached their eleventh burthday before January 1 of the current year.
11-13 - 4-H'er must be eleven years old prior to January 1 of the current year and not have reached their fourteenth birthday before January 1 of the current year.
14-18 - 4-H'er must be fourteen years of age prior to January 1 of the current year, and not have reached their nineteenth birthday before January 1 of the current year.
Rules/Regulations:
Speeches must be a minimum of 5 minutes and a maximum of 7 minutes.
Speeches may pertain to any topic.
Notes may be used as a guide but are not encouraged.
Participants are not to use props, visuals, or costumes.
Judges will review each speech and complete a 4-H Public Speaking Judging Sheet.
Judges will not ask questions at the end of the speech.
No point system will be used to determine winners.
Speeches will be judged as poor, fair, good, and excellent based on the following:
I. SELECTION
A. Purpose - To explain, impress, convince, or persuade
B. Central Idea - The matter in general
C. Method of Development - Clear, simple, orderly, logical: listing details, examples, and extended example comparison and contrast; argument and persuasion analysis
II. DEVELOPMENT
A. Focus on Main Points - The matter in particular
B. Proportionate Elaboration - Illustrations and emphasis
C. Transitions - Sensible progress
III. PRESENTATION
A. Diction and Tone - Choice of words and evidence of an appropriate attitude
B. Voice Control - Pitch, rate, volume
C. Pronunciation and Articulation - Clearness and emphasis
D. Projection - Rapport, consciousness of audience reaction
Return to 4-H Presentation Guidelines 
