4-Way Test Speech Contest: Information for Students
Purpose:
The 4-Way Test Speech Contest encourages students, Rotarians, and the community to explore and promote ethical behavior and the core values of Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.”
Eligibility:
The contest is open to all high school students, grades 9–12.
Contest Sponsorship:
Your local Rotary club sponsors the 4-Way Test Speech Contest.
How to Enter:
To participate, please complete and submit the entry form (see attachment) to the 4-Way Test Speech Contest Chairperson at your sponsoring Rotary Club.
Speech Guidelines
Topic:
Students are invited to choose a topic of personal significance and apply Rotary’s 4-Way Test to an important issue in today’s world:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Delivery:
Speeches should be delivered in an extemporaneous style. While notes are allowed, reading is discouraged. A memorized speech is more impressive, and audience prompting will result in disqualification.
Length:
Speeches must be between 5 and 7 minutes. Penalty points will be given for speeches that are too short or too long.
Content:
Speeches must be original and clearly demonstrate the practical application of the 4-Way Test. Contestants should support their ideas with facts, stories, statistics, humor, and personal experiences. Past winning speeches can be viewed on YouTube for inspiration.
Advancement to District Competition:
Winners will advance to the Rotary District level competition. Contestants must commit to attend the District competition if they win at the Club and Area levels. Transportation and a Rotarian chaperone will be provided.
Judging Criteria
A maximum of 100 points can be awarded, distributed as follows:
- Content (0–40 points): Quality of examples, adherence to theme, clarity, persuasiveness, and human interest.
- Organization (0–10 points): Structure of the speech, logical progression, support of ideas, and transitions.
- Delivery (0–30 points): Voice control, articulation, body language, and sincerity.
- Application of 4-Way Test (0–20 points): How well the 4-Way Test is applied to the chosen topic.
Time Penalty:
1 point will be deducted for every 15 seconds (or part thereof) the speech is under 5 minutes or over 7 minutes.
Contest Rules Summary
- Eligibility: Open to high school students (grades 9–12) in public, private, or home schools.
- Speech Length: 5 to 7 minutes.
- Delivery: Memorization is encouraged, though notes may be used. Reading is discouraged. No audience prompting.
- Topic: Apply Rotary’s 4-Way Test to a significant issue in our world today.
For more details on the 4-Way Test, visit www.rotary.org. Past contest winners’ speeches can also be found on YouTube.
If you have any questions, please use the form below to contact the Rotary Club of Medford.
