Speech Contest

Richard D. King Annual Youth Speech Contest


The Rotary Clubs of District 5170 sponsor theRichard D. King Annual Youth Speech Contest each yearwith three goals in mind for the Club Members and each Speech Contest Participant:
1. To increase personal knowledge and awareness of the importance of being able to speak effectively before a group.
2. To increase public knowledge of what Rotary is and does throughout the world, especially among young people. Through this knowledge, we hope that they will learn, as we have in the past, “He profits most who serves best.”
3. To increase participation in the contest and to provide all high school contestants an opportunity to win prizes as top public speaker, or runner-up, in District 5170.

The prizes are awarded with “no strings attached.” However, it is hoped that the award might be used to further the student’s education. Our goal as Rotarians is to recognize and to support these young people who are tomorrow’s leaders.The 4-WAY Test
Of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOODWILL

and better FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Each year the RI theme is used.  In 2020/2021 theme  is "Rotary Opens Opportunities" The 2021/2022 theme is "Rotary Serve to Change Lives" 

Students are eligible to enter the District 5170 Contest for only one Rotary Club. Students MUST NOT enter another club’s contest if they have already competed in a different club.

Each student may choose any topic of interest, as long as the content of the speech relates to the theme. All speeches must address the current Rotary theme, and include a reference to at least one principle of The 4-Way Test.

Use of this theme in the speech should be clear and unmistakable. The speech must be the original work of the contestant.

The speech cannot be under 4 minutes or more than 5 minutes in length. Timing will begin when the contestant first speaks, not after the student’s salutation to the chairperson or audience. There shall be NO implicit or explicit identification of the speaker, of the speaker’s school in the content or title of the speech, by the dress of the contestant, or by any other means whatsoever. The speaker shall NOT use props, displays or prompters of any kind. Notes may be used only if they are on one 3” x 5” card.

The Speech Contest is open to all Rotary International District 5170 high school students.

Club Contest Area Contest

Regional Contest District Contest - Further District level information

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Below are the estimated dates for all levels:
  • Club Level to be Completed by February 15th
  • Area Level to be completed between February 18th  - March 8th
  • Regional Level to be completed between March 11th - March 22nd
  • Final District Level on Saturday April 6th at the District Training Assembly.

For more information contact Rotary 5170 district chair:

Janel Breen   
janel.breen@gmail.com 
808-389-9288