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4 Way Test Speech Contest..

The Bennington Free Library – Rotary Room – will be the site of the contest.
The date will be March 14, 2012,with the “snow date” being March 15th at 7:00pm.
Students should arrive by 6:45 pm.
Applications due by: March 8, 2012.

About the 4 Way Speech Contest

4 way speech contest 2010 participants Every year the Bennington Rotary Club holds this contest for area students to compete for cash prizes. The speeches need to be about what the Rotary 4 Way Test means to them. From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world's most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The 4-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy.

This 24-word test for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The 4-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways.

Please read the contest rules and eligibility requirements below.


The Bennington Free Library – Rotary Room – will be the site of the contest.
The date will be March 14, 2012,with the “snow date” being March 15th at 7:00pm.

About the 4 Way Speech Contest

$300 First Prize - $200 Second Prize - $100 Third Prize




The Speech Contest

THE FOUR-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?

 THE FOUR-WAY TEST

Eligibility

Any high school student enrolled in grades 9 through 12. Former winners may compete again, if otherwise eligible.

Note: To be eligible for the Bennington/Catamount Club qualifier, you must reside in Arlington, Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury, or Arlington. You may attend any high school or be a home schooler. Exchange Students are also invited to participate in the contest.

Rules for the Speech Contestants

  1. Subject - The speech must apply the Rotary 4-Way Test as a standard in connection with other topics or life experiences or as a main topic. It need not include all of the 4 elements of the 4-Way Test, but may center on one or more, demonstrating the impact of the Test upon life or society.
  2. Content - Content must be original, prepared by the contestant, but may include references to research, quotations, statistics and material from other sources, as long as it contains an original or unique approach, not a substantial copy of another's product. Demonstration objects and visual aids may be used, but should not be a major portion of the speech. No slides, videos, or overhead projected images may be used.
  3. Delivery - The speech should not be read, but adequate outline notes may be used. The speech may be delivered partly or entirely from memory.
  4. Length - The speech should be no less than 5 minutes or more than 7 minutes in length. A speech that is delivered in less than 5 minutes or more than 7 is disqualified.
  5. Contest Procedure - Contestants will only be identified by number until all have spoken and judges have made an evaluation. Contestants should remain outside the speaking area, or in another room, until called to speak. After speaking, contestants may join the audience. Students should not give their name or other identification during the speech. In District semifinals, contestants should not identify their city or sponsoring Rotary Club. If selected as a winner in a local contest, speakers are expected to compete in District semi-finals and finals, if asked. Winning speakers will also be asked to attend a Rotary Club meeting to be presented with their awards.
  6. Rules Violations - Judges may in their discretion deduct 3 points from the total averaged judge's scoring for violation of these rules (other than time disqualify). Judges may disqualify a speaker for gross misconduct or ineligibility.