Four-Way Test Competition

A Rotary Initiative in Partnership with Toastmasters International

This program is a schools speaking contest and was introduced to District 9810 in 2005-06.   After a successful project in 2007, it is planned to continue the contest in 2008. 

 

General details of the purpose of the program, and how it works, are set out below and there are links to allow you to download the application form and other relevant documents at the foot of this page:

 

THE ROTARY 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?

AIMS OF THE PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST

1. To promote to young people the ideals and ethical values of Rotary by drawing attention to the wide applications and implications of Rotary's Four Way Test.
2. To encourage and foster proficiency in the art of public speaking.
3. To develop confidence and self esteem of the young participants.
4. To provide opportunities for students to test their skills before an audience.
5. To develop a relationship between Rotary and schools.

 

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible are students who are in Year 10 in 2008

A commitment is required of finalists that they will be available for and will attend the heats and finals.  The winner will be required to be present at the Hobart District Conference.

 

Schools must be sponsored by a local Rotary Club. A club may sponsor two applicants from the same school. If a school has three or more applicants, the club should encourage the school to have an internal run-off to determine the two representatives.  Alternately the club may arrange the run-off.  A Rotary Club may sponsor up to four schools.

 

The District program will consist of heats (number to depend on number of applicants), semi-final and grand final.  Clubs may be involved in the selection and coaching of applicants.

 

TOPIC

Participants may choose their own topic which they feel is current, interesting and important.

 

The speech must be based on the application of the Rotary Four Way Test, with the principles of at least two of the ideals of the Four Way Test running clearly through the entire speech and not just reserved for the concluding statements.

 

SPEECH LENGTH

The duration of the speech should be four minutes. Penalties will apply if time varies by more than 30 seconds either side of 4 minutes. Participants will be given a bell at 3 minutes.

 

ADJUDICATION

School Level: At the discretion of the school

Club Heats: Three Rotarians with public speaking experience

District Heats, Semi Final and Final: All adjudicators will be members of Toastmasters International.

 

ASSESSMENT

Points will be awarded on the following basis:

*Content: 50 points (including structure, organization and use of at least two of the ideals of the Four Way Test).

*Delivery: 30 points

*Language:  20 points.

 

The speech should impact upon both the intellect and the emotions.

 

Impact on the Intellect

*Material: Scope, accuracy, relevance, adequacy of substance.

*Arrangement: Introduction, body, conclusion, construction, clarity.

*Progression: Cohesion, timing, logic, effective development of ideas.

*Language: Rhythm, strength, animation, creativity.

*Appeal: Imagination, originality, appropriate use of humour.

 

Impact on the Emotions

*Visual Impact: Stance, natural movement, eye contact, openness.

*Vocal Impact: Quality, clarity, tone, pause, pace, punctuation, personality.

*Empathy: Attitude, understanding, audience involvement.

*Mood: Feeling, enthusiasm, sincerity.

*Appeal: Credible, entertaining, motivating, convincing. Entertainment value will be a focus, conveying the importance of using interesting and amusing substance and manner when communicating with an audience.

 

Palm cards are permitted but their use should not detract from the overall presentation. No other props are permitted. A stand-alone microphone may be provided for Club and District Heats, Semi-final and Final.

 

PRIZES

 

For the Winner of each District Heat - District will also award a certificate and token prize to the student.  Runners-up will receive a certificate of participation.

 

For the Winners of the Semi Finals - District will award a $50 prize to the three students proceeding to the District Final

 

For the Winner of the District Final - Cheque or prize will be awarded to the winning school by District (or sponsor). District (or sponsor) will award a prize to the winning student and recognition prizes to the two runners-up.

 

TIMETABLE

July - August 2008

1. Approach local Secondary School(s) to promote the contest for students in Year 10 in 2008.  Provide schools with Application Forms and Instructions for Schools and Participants.  Please adapt the covering letter template provided for this purpose.
2. Advise school that a maximum of two candidates applies.  The school must run its own internal selection process if necessary
3. Advise school that a requirement is that the candidate is available to attend the heats, semi-final and grand final. The winner of the grand Final will be required to attend the District Conference at Hobart on Saturday 28 March 2009.
4. All participants must complete an application form, signed by all required parties.

Clubs approached by more than one school are requested to refer inquiries to other clubs.

 

August 2008

1. Identify candidates and assist them with the preparation of their speech.  A presentation of the speech to the club is recommended.
2. Forward an application form, duly completed, to K. O’Donnell for the club candidate to go into District Heat with $50 payment.  Note that this is a mandatory requirement.

Wednesdays, 10 and 17 September and 15 October 2008 – District Heats (Mulgrave Country Club)

1. Arrange for candidate to attend District Heat as advised by District Committee.  Clubs are requested to have at least one representative present when their candidate present their speech.
2. One or more semi-finalists will be selected from each District Heat.  The number will depend upon the overall number of participants.
3. District will provide a gift to the school of the District Heat winners to the value of $50.
4. District will provide a token to the District Heat Winners.
5. Unplaced participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Wednesday, 22 October 2008 – Semi-final (Mulgrave Country Club)

1. Six or more participants selected from District Heats will compete for three places in the Grand Final.
2. District will provide a gift the schools of the three winners to the value of $100.
3. District will award each of the three winners a prize to the value of $50.

Tuesday 11 November 2008 -  Grand Final

1. Venue to be advised.
2. The winner will receive a prize to the value of $100.
3. Runners-up will receive a prize to the value of $50.
4. The winner’s school will a cheque to the value of $200

Saturday 28 March 2009
Winner will present his/her speech to the District 9810 Conference in Hobart.   District will make the necessary arrangements for travel and supervision.

 

Further information on the Four-Way Test program is available from PP Kevin O’Donnell (RC of Doncaster Sunrise). Kevin can be contacted by completing the Email Form at the foot of this page

 

You can download and save the application form and other documents by clicking on the following links:

 

Instruction to clubs

Instruction to students

Draft club letter to schools

Application form