2020-2021 ROTARY DISTRICT 7390 VIRTUAL FOUR WAY TEST SPEECH CONTEST

 

STUDENT INFORMATION

 

Now it’s your turn! The world is eager to learn how these timeless questions apply in your life today.  Welcome to the 2020-2021 VIRTUAL Four Way Test Speech Contest hosted by Rotary District 7390.

 

Given the pandemic and its impact  at home, at school, in your community, and in the world, we ask you to address the Four Way Test in the framework of “Life in the Pandemic.” This can include, but is not limited to actual experiences in your life; your observations of reactions and responses during the pandemic; school during the pandemic; physical distancing and safety measures; and expectations about the “new normal.” 

 

 

1. Review the 4 Way Test Speech Contest Guidelines and present your speech to your local Rotary Club. This will be a YouTube video submitted to your teacher. Late submissions will not be accepted. All submissions are due to your teacher by February 12, 2021 at 5PM.  

 

2. The top five (5) students will present their live speech in a Zoom meeting with judges on February 23, beginning at 6:30 PM. The winners of this competition will move on to the Rotary District 7390 Mid-Level Competition.

 

3. Students participating in the Mid-Level Competition must complete the entry form at Rotary7390 (www.rotary7390.org), by February 19, 2021. 

 

4. Practice, practice, practice. Speech guidelines & judging overview are included at the end of this document. 

 

5. Successful entrants at the Club Level will be invited to join ONE of the Mid- Level Competitions on the dates below. 

a. Wednesday, February 24 @ 7:00 p.m. 

b. Saturday, March 6 @ 11:00 a.m. 

c. Saturday, March 6 @ 3:00 p.m. 

d. Wednesday, March 10 @ 7:00 p.m. 

Individuals who meet the top scoring guidelines at the Virtual Mid Level Competition will be invited to compete in the Four Way Test Speech Contest Finals in May 2021 (also virtual). 

 

-Cash prizes for First ($300), Second ($200), and Third ($100) Place winners are waiting for YOU! 

-Tell us why the Four Way Test still matters! 

-If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Rotary District 7390 Speech Contest Chair, Mrs. Una Martone, at umartone@leadershipharrisburg.org or call Rotary District 7390@ 717-854-7842.  -Please visit www.rotary7390.org for more information. (https://www.rotary7390.org/Page/four-way-test-speech-contest)

At the local level, you may email Leslie Ingalzo at lesliewianingalzo@gmail.com

 

 

THE FOUR WAY TEST SPEECH CONTEST 2020-2021 VIRTUAL GUIDELINES AND RULES

 

Of the things we think, say, or do:

Is it the truth? 

Is it fair to all concerned? 

Will it build goodwill and beer friendships?

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

 

PARTICIPATION: 

Contestants must currently be in attendance ( in either grade 10, 11 or 12 ) at a public or private high school, charter school or home schooled within Rotary District 7390 (Adams, Cumberland, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry or York County). No student may be a contestant in more than one club contest in any one year. More than one club may recruit contestants from a high school shared with another club. Nothing in our rules prohibits clubs developing their own procedures, requirements, and/ or guidelines for their contest. Contestant Entry forms must be turned in to District 7390 before participation.

 

SPEECH TIME: 

Each speech must be greater than, or equal to, five (5) minutes in length and less than, or equal to, eight (8) minutes in length. Penalty points will be deducted from the contestant’s score at the rate of two (2) points for each 15 seconds or fraction thereof that a contestant either runs over the eight minute maximum or under the five-minute minimum.

 

SUBJECT: 

Given the pandemic and affects at home, at school, in your community, and in the world,  we ask students to address the Four Way Test in the framework of “Life in the Pandemic.” This can include, but is not limited to actual experiences in their life; their observations of reactions and responses during the pandemic; school during the pandemic; physical distancing and safety measures , and expectations about the “new normal.” The speech may not be profane, obscene, unpatriotic or racist.  If a contestant or coach has any doubts at all, they should clear their speech with the Contest Chair for the next level where they will speak.

The decision of the Chair is final. The topic must be specifically subjected to The Four Way Test, and must be affected throughout the body of the speech and is not to be reserved for opening or concluding statements.

 

USING NOTES: 

Contestants may use notes at the club level contest. At the Mid-Level contest, only ONE 3 x 5 card will be allowed for notes. Props will not be allowed at the mid-level contest. Notes and props will not be allowed at the District finals. Audience participation shall be considered a prop. Contestants at the District finals must submit a copy of their speeches to the District Chair prior to the District finals. 

 

SCORING: 

Introduction, originality, organization, conclusion

Voice control, articulation, enunciation, diction, body language (gestures, facial expression)

Incorporation of the Four Way Test 0-30 points

Total integration of Rotary's Four Way Test throughout the entire speech

Overall appeal and impact, persuasiveness

 

 

Watch a recent thank you video from community organizations that have benefited from our annual auction.