1. Complete online written application focusing on:
   • "Why are you a good candidate for this Speech Contest?"
   • The title/topic of your speech reflecting your volunteer service and the goals of the Rotary Four-Way Test:

     Of the things we think, say or do:
     	First...is it the truth?
     	Second...is it fair to all concerned?
     	Third...will it build goodwill and better friendships?
     	Fourth...will it be beneficial to all concerned?

2. Two endorsements from mentors - Deadline January 31, 2012. These letters must be sent directly by a School Representative and a Community Representative to your school's Guidance Office endorsing your participation in the contest.
   
   Successful participants will be notified February 15, 2012.

Questions may be submitted online regarding any part of the process. Responses will occur within 24 hours of submission.

Each selected candidate will present a 6-8 minute speech indicating how the applicant's volunteer work relates to and exemplifies the Rotary Four-Way test as outlined in Step 1.

Contest Rules:

1. Topic. The topic of the speech should be specifically addressed to the Four-Way Test. This must be done in the body of the speech, and is not to be reserved for concluding statements.
2. Length. Speeches should be no less than six minutes and no more than eight minutes.
3. Props. Neither props nor electronic devices may be used. Audience participation will be considered a prop.
4. Authorship. A Candidate and Finalist must be the author of his or her own speech. Plagiarism not accepted.
5. Profanities/Obscenities/Colloquialisms, etc. Any topic will be acceptable. Use of profanities, obscenities, sexist and racist remarks is not allowed, not even for emotional impact. Use of slang and colloquialisms is generally discouraged. If a Candidate is in doubt about the appropriateness of a topic, he or she should submit an online question.

Initial presentation will be March, 2012. Finalists will compete again in June, 2012.

Lecterns and microphones will be available for speakers to use if they choose. Contestants may bring paper notes to the lectern for reference purposes. However, the use of notes may affect the quality of the speech and therefore the judges' evaluations of the speech.

The order of presentation will be determined by lottery. Candidates arriving late will be disqualified.

For both speech events, your guests (parents and other family members) are invited to attend.

Dates, times and locations provided no later than February 28, 2012.

Speech Evaluation Criteria:

1. Material Organization (0-5 points). This includes subject adherence, use of 4-way test tenets, flow, logic, dynamics.
2. Command of the English Language (0-5 Points). This includes grammar and vocabulary.
3. Delivery and Presentation (0-5 points). This includes voice control, articulation, enunciation, diction, animation, sincerity, etc.
4. Power and Persuasion (0-5 points). This includes overall appeal, impression, persuasiveness, emotional engagement, etc. Does the key message move the audience to take action?
5. Promotion of 4-Way test. (0-5 points). Does the speech inspire use of the test? In the audience? In the community? On an ongoing basis?