Impromptu Speech Guidelines

^{Adapted from the Utah Virtual 4-H Contest Invitational Guidelines}

^{Updated 1.7.26}

Eligibility

The Impromptu Speech exercise can be used by all 4-H members at their county Public Speaking Events. Any enrolled 4-H member who qualifies for and attends the Maine State Public Speaking Showcase may participate in the exercise as an additional opportunity during the event. Participation (or not) will in no way impact a member’s score in the actual event.

Impromptu Procedure and Rules

All State Showcase registrants can sign up for Impromptu Speech. Depending on the time available, names may be pulled from a hat to select participants.
Each participant will be given an envelope containing three topics that were randomly selected from the pool of topics. Each participant has a maximum of one minute to determine which topic they would like to present.
- Topics will be relative to today’s youth and may include current events, 4-H, and/or social issues. Examples of the topics may include:
  - If I were an author, I would write about…
  - One issue facing teenagers today is…
  - If I were to describe my personality as a tree, I would say…
  - Being involved in 4-H has taught me…
Topics will be at the discretion of the event facilitators. Only the facilitators will know the topics prior to the event. No two participants will speak on the same topic at the same event.
Participants will be allowed 3 minutes to organize their thoughts before beginning their presentation. Time will begin when they select their topic.
Participants will be allowed to organize their thoughts on paper/note cards, which will be provided. However, excessive reading of notes is not recommended.
Each speech will be timed and must be between 3 and 5 minutes in duration. Cues will be given 30 seconds before the minimum and maximum times are reached. Event facilitators have the right to stop a presentation that has exceeded the time limit.
Participants will be presenting their speech to the judges and audience in the room.
Participants may not use costumes, posters, visual aids, or props for their presentations.
Participants are not allowed to present any items to the judges.
After the speech has concluded, judges will provide the participant with constructive feedback. Presentations do not receive a score.