INFORMATION FOR
SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Rotary Four Way Test Speech Contest

ELIGIBILITY

Students who are in Year 10 in 2024 are eligible to enter. A Rotary club will sponsor the school. Each school is linked with a Rotary club.

CONTEST SHEDULE

Secondary Schools should prepare their students during Term 2. The Rotary Four Way Test Speech Contest supports the English curriculum with speaking and listening opportunities. Students create texts that show understanding of the connection between writing and speech development.  Confirmation and registration will close 31 March 2024.

It is recommended that Club heats be conducted during the period 22 – 26 July 2024.

Semi-finals will take place between the 5 – 23 August 2024.

The State Final will take place on Thursday 5 September 2024.

TOPIC

Each participant may choose their own topic, but the four values of the Rotary Four Way Test must be addressed and woven into the speech.  They should fit seamlessly into the narrative, rather than be explicitly stated.

SPEECH LENGTH

The duration of the speech shall be six (6) minutes.

A warning bell will sound at five (5) minutes with a final bell at six (6) minutes.

Penalties may apply if time varies by more than 20 seconds either side of 6 minutes.

A Timekeeper will complete a timesheet this will be provided to the Adjudicators to assist in their final assessment.

ADJUDICATION

School level: At the discretion of the school.
Club heats: One Adjudicator accredited with Rostrum or Toastmasters and at least one Rotarian who is familiar with the Rotary judging process.
Semi-finals/Final: All Adjudicators will be accredited with Rostrum or Toastmasters with a clear understanding of, and experience in, Rotary-style adjudication.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is made on the following basis:

Content (30 Points):

  • Speech Development: Evaluation of the opening, body, and conclusion of the speech (20 points).
  • Effective Topic: Assessment of the achievement of the speech’s purpose (5 points).
  • Correctness: Evaluation of grammar, pronunciation, and word usage (5 points).

Presentation (40 Points):

  • Body Language: Assessment of natural movement and effective communication, including eye contact (10 points).
  • Voice Delivery: Evaluation of pitch variety, rate, volume, tone, and pause (10 points).
  • Impact on the Emotions: Assessment of the speech’s effect on the audience, appeal, and mood (10 points).
  • Manner: Evaluation of the participant’s confidence, assurance, and appropriateness (10 points).

Values (30 Points):

  • Four Values: Assessment of the integration of the Rotary Four Way Test principles throughout the speech (5 points).
  • Significance: Evaluation of the significance of the Rotary Four Way Test in the speech (10 points).
  • Explanation: Assessment of how Rotary values are relevant to the speech topic (15 points).

PRIZES

School heat – winner/s
Proceed to the Rotary club heat plus any recognition considered appropriate by the school.

Club heat – winner
A certificate and gift voucher to the value of $50 provided by the sponsoring Rotary club.
The club heat winner will proceed to the District semi-final.

Semi Finals – winner
A certificate and $150 gift voucher.
The winner will progress to the District Final.
Semi Finals – runner up
A certificate and $100 gift voucher.
The runner up will progress to the District Final.

State Final – winner
A certificate, $250 gift voucher and the Fred Marsh Perpetual Trophy that is kept in the school for the following 12 months.  The winner is also invited to attend the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) camp, valued at $340.
State Final – sponsoring Rotary Club
The Fred Marsh Perpetual Club Trophy is kept by the Rotary club for the following 12 months. 

State Final – runner up
A certificate, $150 gift voucher and the Bernie Masters Trophy that is kept in the school for the following 12 months. 

State Final – Third and Fourth Places
A certificate, and a prize worth $100 generously donated by Doug Minchin.

COSTS TO CLUBS
Sponsoring Rotary Clubs will meet the following costs:

  1. School registration and sponsorship – $300
  2. Prize for the winner of the club heat – $50
  3. Meal and any other courtesy to the accredited Adjudicators at the club heat
  4. Meals of the students and their teacher at the club heat
  5. The meals of the club’s representative, their student, and their teacher at the finals.

Further information:     4wtsc@rotarywa.au