The 4-H Prepared Speech and Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contests provide 4-H’ers the opportunity to learn to express themselves clearly, organize their ideas and have confidence. The Lancaster County 4-H contests are open to all 4-H’ers ages 5–18 — need not be enrolled in a specific project. Youth may choose to participate in either one or both contests. For rules, helpful resources and examples, go to https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/speech. If you have questions, contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
The Prepared Speech Contest will be held on Sunday, March 5, 1:30 p.m. at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County conference rooms, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln. Register by Wednesday, March 1 by calling 402-441-7180 or emailing kpulec3@unl.edu with your name, speech title, age division and email address. Tentative scheduled times will be emailed to participants. During the contest, check-in at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time. All speeches are open to the public for viewing.
In the Radio Public Service Announcement Contest, 4-H’ers submit a 60-second promotional audio recording that could be played on the radio to promote the work of Nebraska 4-H. Submit a PSA as a .wav, .mp3 or .m4a file electronically to kpulec3@unl.edu or on a CD to the Extension office by Wednesday, March 1. This year’s PSA theme is “Discover Your Spark in Nebraska 4-H!” and should be incorporated in the PSA. All PSA’s must include the following tagline within the last 10 seconds of the PSA: “Learn more about the Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development Program at 4h.unl.edu.” The tagline is included in the 60-second time limit.
The top youth in the intermediate and senior divisions will qualify for the state contests, which will be part of the new Premier Communication Event on Friday, June 23 at University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus (read more at https://4h.unl.edu/premier-communication-event). Note: The state Premier Communication Event will include an Impromptu Speech Contest open to all 4-H’ers ages 10–18, which does not require qualifying at a county contest.