Important

4-H Dress Code Requirements

All 4-H members participating in the 4-H Communication Arts event will be neatly dressed and must wear a solid colored white, yellow, gray or green shirt/blouse with the 4-H emblem prominently displayed and securely fastened on the front. It is recommended that participants wear dark jeans/slacks/skirts.

Exceptions to this are those youth participating in the Dramatic Presentation and Commercial categories where costumes are allowed.

Participants not following the dress code shall not be eligible for the Champion Awards.

Attention - No live animals of any type will be allowed in any of the categories.

Awards:

Everyone will receive a ribbon award.

Top winners in each category will go on to compete in the District Communication Arts Contest.

Winners in the Teen Division at DISTRICT will have their choice of a trip to 4-H Youth Conference or a savings bond.

Speech Categories

Public Speaking (individual)

Public speaking is the presentation of speeches that are composed by the presenter.  No more than 10 percent of a speech may be quotations.  Notes may be used for reference, but reading from notes is discouraged.  Singing, tapes, visuals or costumes are not permitted.

Time Limits:    Preteen  --  3-8 minutes

                           Teens  --  5-8 minutes

Interpretive Reading - Humorous (individual)

Interpretive readings are oral presentations of words taken from any published source, including poetry, fiction, children’s literature, news articles, speeches, letters and journals. Interpretive Readings are readings, not memorized speeches. The presenter should be familiar with the piece but present it as being read.

The purpose of the interpretive reading is to communicate the author’s thoughts expressively. The presentation begins with a brief introduction that gives the source and the author. The introduction may also explain the reason for the selection. The reading is presented with a script in hand. This requires keeping some eye contact with the audience and evoking a mood and vocal expression. A summary or conclusion is not necessary. Visual aids, tapes or costumes are not permitted.

Time Limits:  Preteen  --  3-8 minutes

                         Teens  --  5-8 minutes

Interpretive Reading - Serious (individual)

Interpretive readings are oral presentations of words taken from any published source, including poetry, fiction, children’s literature, news articles, speeches, letters and journals. Interpretive Readings are readings, not memorized speeches. The presenter should be familiar with the piece but present it as being read.

The purpose of the interpretive reading is to communicate the author’s thoughts expressively. The presentation begins with a brief introduction that gives the source and the author. The introduction may also explain the reason for the selection. The reading is presented with a script in hand. This requires keeping some eye contact with the audience and evoking a mood and vocal expression. A summary or conclusion is not necessary. Visual aids, tapes or costumes are not permitted.

Time Limits:  Preteen  --  3-8 minutes

                         Teens  --  5-8 minutes

Dramatic Presentation (individual or team)

Oral dramatic presentations are based on an original or a published piece performed in a creative, inspiring or thought-provoking manner. The presenter combines words and actions in order to put across the material to either entertain or educate the audience – or both. The presentation begins with a brief introduction which includes the source and author of the material, and perhaps an explanation of why it was selected. Presenters may write their own material or use published material that is designed for dramatic presentation by one or two people as appropriate. A costume, make-up or props are required. A summary or conclusion is not necessary. This category is not a reading, but notes are allowed. An individual or team of two may do a dramatic presentation. 

Time Limits:  Preteen  --  3-8 minutes

                         Teens  --  5-8 minutes

Commercial  --  Individual or Team

Commercials are presentations to convince an audience to buy an idea or product. Participants can use posters, flip charts, diagrams or objects as long as brand names are concealed. Commercials need to include an introduction, a body and a closing statement. An individual or team of two individuals may do a commercial, each participant must have a speaking role and both must be in the same age division. Costumes, makeup and/or props are allowed. Commercials last between 1-3 minutes.

Broadcasting  --  Individual or Team

Presenters prepare a radio or television broadcast that may be read from a script. The broadcast may be a newscast with four to five items of about 30-45 seconds each or a more in-depth story addressing a topic. Each participant introduces themselves in the following manner: “This is ________________reporting.” An individual or team of two individuals may do a broadcast. Team participants must each have a speaking role and both must be in the same age division. In-depth stories last a maximum of eight minutes. 

Short Take

Short takes are presentations given from a topic drawn by the participants when they enter the room without advanced preparation. After participants receive their topic, they are given note cards and have 10 minutes to prepare their presentation.  Topics are on 4-H themes. Teens and preteens have different topics. Presentations need to be organized to include an introduction, body and a summary. A maximum of five minutes of speaking time is allowed. A monitor will hold up a warning card at 4 ½ minutes.

Time Limit:  Preteen  --  1-5 minutes (one minute minimum)

                       Teen  --  2-5 minutes (two minute minimum)

Cloverbud Recitation

This category is non-competitive and provides equal recognition for all participants. This optional category provides young participants an opportunity to make presentations without the task of finding or writing material and with the stress of competition. Recitation of the 4-H Pledge, Pledge of Allegiance or other simple verse is appropriate. This recitation category is available only at the county level.

 

Home || 4-H || Agriculture || Food & Nutrition || Horticulture || Human Development || Parent Resource Center Contact Information Maxine J. Nordick, Extension Agent/4-H Youth NDSU Extension Service/Cass County, 1010 2nd Ave S, Box 2806, Fargo, ND  58108 Telephone:  701-241-5700      Fax:  701-241-5935      E-Mail:  maxine.nordick@ndsu.edu Office Hours:  8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday (excluding legal holidays)