Packet for Rotary Clubs Areas 7 - 12
The Rotary Club of _____________________ presents
ROTARY FOUR-WAY TEST SPEECH CONTEST
The Rotary Four-Way Test implores us to ask of the things we think, say, or do: 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? |
RULES & GUIDELINES FOR SPEECH CONTESTANTS
Subject:
The speech challenge is to use the Rotary Four-Way Test to evaluate the ethics of a chosen topic.
Topics may include individual life experiences, current or historical events, societal or global issues, life situations, or problems. Topics may be serious or humorous, unique or commonplace.
Speeches do not need to emphasize all four-way test elements equally, but must address each element.
Content
Speech content must be original, prepared by the contestant, and not a variation of another product.
Speeches may include quotations, statistics, and/or references to research or ideas from identified sources.
No slides, videos, or projected images are allowed. Demonstration props or visual aids may be used, but should not be a central part of the speech (and are not required).
Requirements & Judging
The speech may not be read, but notes are permitted on 3x5 index cards. Speeches may be practiced and delivered from memory. There will be no podium use at the Final.
The speech must be at least 5 minutes and not longer than 7 minutes in length, or points will be deducted from the score.
Speech contestants (for all contests) will be identified by number and not by name or school.
A panel of judges will evaluate speeches based on their application of the 4-way test, the interest of the topic, the ethical arguments presented, and the effectiveness of delivery. See the judging rubric for guidance.
General Eligibility & Structure:
Participants can be any grade level, from freshman to senior, and do not need to be in the Interact or Debate Club.
The winner of our contest will advance to one of two semi-final contests and possibly the final contest, which will determine the winner of Rotary District 7980 (the four counties of Southern CT).
Winners give the same speech at the semi- and final contests, but can work to improve their original speech.
Contest Schedule:
Our contest is for students from school:_________________________________ and will be held at: Date: ________________________ Time: _____________ Location: _____________________________
The winner from our contest will then compete at the semi-final contest on:
Date: March 21, 2026 Time: 10:15 am Location: Norwich Free Academy, Slater Memorial Auditorium, 108 Crescent St.
The District final contest will be at the Rotary District Assembly on:
Date: April 25, 2026 Time: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Location: Stratford High School, 245 King St.
Participation Certificates and Awards:
The winner of our contest will be awarded __________. The runner(s)-up will receive _____________________.
The top two candidates from each of the two semi-final contests will continue to the final contest.
The winner of the final contest will receive $500. The other three contestants will each receive $250.
All participants will receive a certificate of participation (to verify this as a resume booster for college applications).
QUESTIONS: Contact Teacher________________________________________ (Room ________)
or Rotarian Contest Organizer ________________________at email__________________________________
YOUR REGISTRATION FORM (attached) IS DUE to Teacher ________________ by date:__________
Students: Please examine the Judge’s scoresheet below to better understand how your speech will be evaluated.
