4-Way Test Speech Contest
Video Submissions Due March 24, 2024
Every year the Rotary Clubs of District 6040 hold the 4-Way Test Speech Contest for area students to compete for cash prizes. From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world's most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is the 4-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor. The premise of the 4-Way Test is to ask the following four questions of the things we think, say, and 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?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The Rotary Club of Kirksville will sponsor one contestant. Any high school student enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in a public or private school, home school, or exchange program may participate in the speech contest. Former winners may compete again, if otherwise eligible. District-wide prizes are First Place $1000, Second Place $750, and Third Place $500. The contestant chosen by our Club to compete in the District contest will receive a $150 honorarium for presenting their speech to our Club regardless of their ranking at the District contest.
Any topic which a contestant feels is timely, interesting, and important may be used for the contest speech as long as it is not profane, obscene unpatriotic or racist. If a contestant or coach has any doubts at all, he/she should clear his/her topic with the Contest Chairperson for the next level where he/she will speak. The decision of the Chairperson is final. The speech must apply the Rotary 4-Way Test as a standard in connection with other topics or life experiences or as a main topic. It need not include all of the 4 elements of the 4-Way Test, but may center on one or more, demonstrating the impact of the Test upon life or society. The topic must be specifically subjected to the Rotary 4-Way Test. It must be used throughout the body of the speech and is not to be reserved for the beginning or concluding statements only.
Please see the Rotary District 6040 information page for more details by clicking here. To be considered for sponsorship by the Rotary Club of Kirksville, please submit your video before March 24, 2024 to Rotary Club of Kirksville President Melissa Stuart. Melissa can be contacted by clicking on her name in the Club Executives panel at left.