Select a topic* that interests you as long as it’s appropriate for school. Then, gather information on your topic. You may find teachers, parents/ guardians, friends, librarians, magazines, & newspapers helpful sources of information
Do your research then organize everything you are going to tell your audience. First make an outline, write a rough draft on paper, and finally, write your speech on index cards for easy to use notes when delivering your speech.
Practice over and over! Practice giving your speech to parents/guardians, friends or even standing in front of a mirror! That’s the best way to become more comfortable with your speech.
Deliver your speech! All purple award winners will advance to the county contest!
Pointers
Stand up straight and tall.
Speak loud- ly and project your voice for all to hear.
Make eye contact with your audience.
The Parts that make up a good Speech:
Introduction—introduce your topic, capture the audiences attention, begin with a catchy phrase, question, quotation, funny joke or story that relates to your topic. Share some statistics or facts. Avoid saying your name.
Body—make 2-3 major points in your speech, include facts, have an order for what you say. This is the part of your speech that takes the most time.
Conclusion—summarize your main points, re-emphasize the main idea of your speech
Time length for speeches:
4th Grade– 1-3 minutes
5th-8th Grade– 2-7 minutes
9th-12th Grade– 3-7 minutes
*Your speech should be new and unique to this contest
*At the area, region, and state level speech needs to relate to 4-H. Not required at local or county level.
Extemporaneous speeches are only conducted at the region and state level.
