If you were asked to give a speech on any topic, what would you choose?
That’s the million-dollar question heading into the Rotary Club of Concord’s 4-Way Test Speech Contest next week.
The contest includes students in grades nine through 12 in all the high schools in the Rotary Club’s area, so we’re talking about Concord High, Bishop Brady, Merrimack Valley, Pembroke Academy and so on. Home-schooled students were also included.
Now you might be wondering what a 4-way test speech is? Good, because we had never heard of it either.
So, the speech must incorporate all four of the following questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
“They are scored on how well they’re able to translate the 4-way test into their speech,” said Warren Emley, contest coordinator.
Now we understand that you might still be a bit puzzled, especially without some context, so a few examples we were given include topics like charter schools or charging for school sports.
But the beauty of the contest is that the topic is wide open; it’s up to the student to decide what they want to discuss.
“It can be anything,” Emley said. “We really like to hear about personal experiences and how they affect a kid’s life.”
In addition to incorporating the four questions, students are also judged on their speaking skills, the way they introduce and summarize the topic, connection with the audience and, like any speech, how well they make their point. While notes are allowed, it’s more beneficial for the students to have a good understanding of the topic so it’s more like a speech than reading a piece of paper.
“The whole idea is that they connect with the people they’re talking to,” Emley said.
Each speech needs to be five to seven minutes, and will be judged by a panel of four Rotary members.
At next Wednesday’s contest (March 22), about 10 to 15 speeches will be given in the Pleasant Vew Retirement auditorium, starting at 6 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend and listen to the speeches. You don’t need to sign up or RSVP to listen, just show up and open your ears and mind.
The contest has been going on for almost two decades every March. The Rotary Club of Bow is hosting its own contest for students living within the Bow School District on March 28 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the White Rock Senior Living Community in Bow.
The winner of each contest moves on to the district semifinals in Henniker on April 2. The top four from that competition will compete in the state contest in Nashua on April 29.
“Any Rotary Club in the country or the world can put one on,” Emley said.
The winners at each level earn cash prizes.
While the deadline to register for the Concord contest was Monday, contact Emley at weemley@comcast.net to see if all the spots have been filled.
