Upcoming Webinars about 2024 Speech Contest
Join a live informational Zoom session to learn more with our District Coordinators: Feb 12 & March 12 – all sessions at 7 pm. Register here!
Four-Way Test Speech Contest
From the earliest days, Rotary has been concerned with promoting high ethical standards. One of the world’s most widely quoted statements is Rotary’s 4-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor. Every year Rotary districts around the world sponsor high school 4-Way Test contests.
The purpose of the speech is to persuade others while applying the principles of the Rotary 4-Way Test. The goal is for students to make the world a better place, to practice the virtues of critical thinking and ethical decision making, to develop public speaking and leadership skills to positively influence and inspire others regarding an issue that they find passionate.
THE ROTARY 4-WAY TEST
Of the things we think, say, or do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
BE A STUDENT PARTICIPANT
High school students, grades 9 through 12, are eligible to participate. Each contestant chooses the topic of his/her speech.
- 1st place will be awarded $1,500.
- 2nd place will be awarded $1,000.
- 3rd place will be awarded $750.
- 4th place will be awarded $500.
Helpful Resources for Students
BE A CLUB SPONSOR
Host your own Four Way Test Speech contest in your club and select your finalist to send to the District competition.
- Watch an Overview (view Slidedeck 2023-2024)
- Discussion with Rick Rubel regarding Ethics and the Four Way Test
- Flyer to post at high schools to advertise the contest
- How to Judge a Contest
- View a Sample Scoring Sheet
Not able to produce your own contest? You can sponsor an at-large student participant!
BE A SPEECH MENTOR
Rotarian and Rotaractor mentors will support students preparing for our 4-Way Test Speech Contest. Mentor applications due by March 18, 2024.
- Mentors will be assigned a student in January.
- Mentors will support students through the stages to competition to include picking a topic, developing a speech, and honing the performance.
- Mentors will support students through the District Semifinals on April 6 and through the final competition, as indicated.
Helpful Resources for Mentors
TIMELINE
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January: Club members and Interact mentors recruit students
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January: Students without school mentor support will be assigned to a Rotarian or Rotaractor
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Before March 23: Clubs hold their own selection competitions if desired
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March 23: Club Participation forms are due including the $200 fee per student
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March 23: Student Application forms are due
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April 6: Semi-Final Contest will be held live at Glen Burnie High School: 830 a.m. If the situation is not conducive to meeting in person, we will have a virtual competition.
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April 20: Final Contest (To be judged by conference attendees).