Maine 4-H State Public Speaking Showcase

Qualifying | “Impromptu” Category | Past Events | Questions

icon of a 4-H Public Speaking blue ribbonSave the Date!

The 2026 state Speak Up, Maine 4-H Showcase will be held on April 11th at DP Corbett Hall on the University of Maine campus. Youth must qualify for this event by achieving a score of 68 or higher at their county or regional event. Check with your county 4-H staff to find out when your county tournament will be held.

Snow Date: April 12th.

If necessary, the call to move to the snow date will be made 24 hours before the event and emailed to all registered participants, volunteers, and staff.

Qualifying for the State Showcase

All youth in the junior and senior divisions (ages 9 to 18 in 4-H years) participating in a County Public Speaking Event – or as viewed and judged by their individual County Extension Office if no County Tournament is available and receiving an average score of 68 or higher, are invited to compete at the State Public Speaking Showcase. Contact your local County Extension Office for more information.

Resources

“Impromptu” Category

Impromptu is a fun and exciting category that gives participants the opportunity to practice off-the-cuff presentations. Youth are given three topics to choose from and have a few minutes to prepare a short presentation for an audience.

Impromptu is a non-scored category. However, participants can expect to receive feedback from judges and peers. Youth who participate at the Maine 4-H Public Speaking Showcase may also be able to participate in the Impromptu category as a bonus opportunity.

Watch a video to see an example of an Impromptu talk.

  • “Impromptu” Category Evaluation Sheet: PDF | Word
  • “Impromptu” Category Guidelines: PDF | Word

Past Tournaments

Questions About the 4-H Public Speaking Program?

Please contact Laura Personette at (207) 581-8213, laura.personette@maine.edu

If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Laura Personette at (207) 581-8213, or laura.personette@maine.edu to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 14 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however, all requests will be considered.