Public Speaking Individual Entry
Individuals will present a 5-to-7 minute talk suitable as a platform speech or radio broadcast. The presentation should serve to persuade others regarding a particular issue or concern. Props and visual aids are not permitted and recordings of any type may not be used. Contestants should be prepared to answer questions concerning the subject matter of their presentation. Presentations will be scored with equal consideration of composition and delivery utilizing a score sheet (revised Aug 2005) specific to the Public Speaking Contest.
Suggested Presentation Topics:
Current events, youth issues, or other topics related to youth
Topic Resources:
- Print media (e.g. newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals)
- Broadcast media (e.g. television, cable, radio)
- E-media (email, internet, websites)
Texas 4-H Resources
- Public Speaking – 4-H Style (COM 1-2.050)
- 4-H Public Presentation Guide: Method Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks (4-H 3-5.012)
- What is an Educational Presentation? (Fact Sheet)
- Public Speaking Scoresheet
Other 4-H Resources
- Power Language: Activity Guide Ages 13 to 19, North Carolina State Cooperative Extension
National 4-H Curriculum (http://www.4-hmall.org/Category/4-hcurriculum.aspx)
- Communications 1 – Picking Up the Pieces
- Communications 2 – Putting It Together
- Communications 3 – The Perfect Fit
- Communications Group Activity Helper’s Guide
Suggested Resources
- The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E Lucas (ISBN-13:9780077306298)
- A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking by Dan O’Hair, Rob Stewart, and Hannah Rubenstein (ISBN- 13: 9780312452070)
