Speech & Public Service Announcements (PSA's)

Effective communication is a valuable life skill you'll use your entire life.

The Speech and Public Service Announcement (PSA) contests provide 4-H’ers the opportunity to learn to express themselves clearly, organize their ideas and have confidence. Contests are open to all 4-H’ers ages 8-18 (by January 1 of the current year) -- need not be enrolled in a specific project. Youth may choose to participate in either or both the Speech and PSA contests. If questions, contact Cole Meador at cmeador2@unl.edu or 402-441-7180

• 2013 Speech and PSA Flyer & Information.

SPEECH CONTEST: The 2013 4-H Speech Contest will be Sunday, April 21. Contest divisions and requirements have changed this year:

• 5-7 years old, recite or read a favorite nursery rhyme, short story, the 4-H pledge, etc.
• 8-10 years old, 2-3 minutes in length, any topic about a 4-H experience
• 11-12 years old, 3-5 minutes in length, encouraged to speak on a project you would like others to enroll in.
• 13-18 years old, 5-8 minutes, a timely topic related to 4-H.

New county-only class this year: Speech For YouTube. Youth ages 13-18 may enter a speech division above AND/OR "Speech For YouTube":

• 1–3 minutes in length, topic: ask adults to volunteer for 4-H by helping start a club, helping teach a project, volunteering at various 4-H activities, etc. Please include "To find out more, go to lancaster.unl.edu or call 402-441-7180." Parent of 4-H participant will need to fill out an image permission form. Do not use your name in the speech. All speeches will be videotaped and purple ribbon winners’ videos posted to YouTube and submitted to Cable 5 City-TV.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT CONTEST GUIDELINES: In the Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest, 4-H’ers submit a 60 second “radio commercial” promoting 4-H. Submit a PSA via CD playable on any standard stereo equipment to extension by Friday, April 12.

State 4-H asks for PSA’s to be non-county specific so winning PSA’s can be aired on radios statewide (for example, say “call your local extension office”).

All PSA’s must use the state theme as the basis for their PSA. The 2013 PSA theme is “Taking the Lead” All 4-H PSA’s must include the following tag line within the last ten seconds of the PSA: “Learn more about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension 4-H Youth Development Program at 4h.unl.edu and ‘Know How. Know Now.’” The tag line is included in the 60 second time limit.

As always, background noises and sound effects are encouraged.

Helpful Resources:

• Guide to Making Great Speeches
• Nebraska State 4-H Public Speaking
• How to Prepare a 4-H Radio Public Service Announcement

Listen to Examples:

Watch Lancaster County 4-H Speech Examples on YouTube:

• 4-H Speech: Intermediate Division (12-13 years old) - Example 1
• 4-H Speech: Intermediate Division (12-13 years old) - Example 2
• 4-H Speech: Senior Division (14-19 years old) - Example 1
• 4-H Speech: Senior Division (14-19 years old) - Example 1

Listen to 2012 Lancaster County 4-H PSA Examples:

• 4-H PSA: Novice Division (8-9 years old) - Example 1, Emmi Dearmont
• 4-H PSA: Novice Division (8-9 years old) - Example 2, Cassie Brown
• 4-H PSA: Junior Division (10-11 years old) - Example 1, Addison Wanser
• 4-H PSA: Junior Division (10-11 years old) - Example 2, Nathan Becker
• 4-H PSA: Intermediate Division (12-13 years old) - Example 1, Emma Lanik
• 4-H PSA: Intermediate Division (12-13 years old) - Example 2, Taylor Nielsen
• 4-H PSA: Senior Division (14-19 years old) - Example 1, Paige Roach
• 4-H PSA: Senior Division (14-19 years old) - Example 2, Elli Dearmont