Rotary Speech Contest
District 6710 Speech Contest
In 1994, District 6710 initiated a district speech contest for high school students throughout the District. The contestants focus their speech on the current annual theme selected by the President of Rotary International. Contestants compete at the club level, with winners moving forward to the next level. The final three contestants are featured at District Conference, with the District 1st place winner receiving a prize of $1000. Second and thrid prizes are also rewarded at the District competition.
What is the Speech Contest?
Rotary International District 6710 sponsors a speech contest each year for high school students, providing them an opportunity to speak on a meaningful topic, to sharpen their speaking skills, and to gain recognition in addition to monetary awards at multiple levels. By participating, students will learn about Rotary and be presented with the opportunity to establish a relationship with their local Rotary Club. In exchange, the Rotarians will benefit from allowing students to showcase their talents and learning more about the student’s educational journey. It’s a good partnership between the club and the students!
Who is Eligible and How do I Participate?
Any high school student, freshman through senior, residing within District 6710 (the western counties of Kentucky) is eligible. Students can be enrolled in a public, private, or home school setting. Students should enter the contest of the nearest Rotary Club in their area. Entry forms should be available in the school office or guidance office, from speech teachers, from local Rotary Club members, and on the District 6710 website: https://www.rotarydistrict6710.org/district-speech-contest.php.
What About the Speech?
Students are expected to read and become familiar with the contest rules and the scoring system included in the speech packets. The year’s topic is part of these packets. Students should research Rotary International and the announced topic. Students may consult teachers, parents, Rotarians or others for information and coaching assistance. However, each student must write their own speech. Any part of the speech from other sources must be acknowledged in the speech delivery. The time limit for the speech is 5 to 8 minutes.
At the first club level, students may use notes or cue cards while delivering their speech. Students who win the local level contest must deliver their advanced contest speeches without reading or using notes or cue cards. There are no exceptions to this rule. Students who use such aids at advanced levels will be penalized points which significantly affect their scores and jeopardize their chances of winning. Only one contestant per club contest will advance to the next level.
So How Does This All Work?
A local Rotary Club usually chooses a member to serve as the Club Speech Contest Chairperson. The chair is responsible for contacting local schools, distributing and collecting entry forms, scheduling and managing the contest, reporting the winners, and enforcing the contest rules.
The chair is also responsible for obtaining 3 judges, 2 timekeepers, and 2 tellers. Contestants will be introduced as Contestant A, B, C, etc., not by their name or school, to be fair. After the contest is complete, students will be presented with an opportunity to introduce themselves to the audience.
Are there Awards or Prizes?
Each local Rotary Club will award cash prizes of $300 to first place, $200 to second place, and $100 to third place finishers. At the club’s discretion, additional prizes may be offered if there are more than three contestants. All prizes beyond the club level are determined yearly by the District and will be published in the speech packets. These prizes will be supplied by the District.
What About These Advanced Levels?
Advanced levels beyond the first local club level are the Sectionals, the Regionals, and the Final.
Sectionals are comprised of local area clubs in close geographic proximity to each other. These are known as the Jackson Purchase, the Coal Fields, the Pennyrile, the Cave Country, the Louisville Metro, and the Bluegrass Sectionals.
Regionals are held in three areas – West, Center, and East.
The Final is held in conjunction with the annual District 6710 Conference at a date and place selected by the District Governor, usually in May.