• All speeches must be original and include 4-H as the major component of the speech.
• 4-H public speakers may not use an old speech written by a sibling, other 4-H member, or anyone else.
• Acknowledge the source of information used in the speech. For example, an article from a magazine may be used for reference, but should not be quoted directly unless you tell the audience your source.
• Use of visual aids and props are not allowed.
• Dress appropriately. Do not wear costumes or special effect clothing.
• No team speeches are allowed.

• Clover Kid Speech: 5-7 - 1-2 minutes
• Junior Speech: 8-10 - 1-3 minutes
• Intermediate Speech: 11-13 - 3-5 minutes
• Senior Speech: 14-18 - 5-8 minutes

• All participants must be a Dakota or Thurston County 4-Her.
• Youth may participate in a maximum of three classes.
• Length of performance not to exceed 6 minutes.
• Accompaniment may be live or professionally recorded.  No Karaoke style accompaniments allowed (i.e. no background vocals).  Accompaniment can be provided by an adult or non 4-H member.
• Please provide your own music stand and tape/CD player if needed.
• Ribbon will be dropped one placing if above guidelines are not followed.
• A member MAY compete in a maximum of 3 classes.

Dust off your cookbook and prepare you favorite recipe shine up you glassware and flatware.

Prepare a centerpiece and serve up a sample of  one item from the menu you chose.

1. All 4-Hers are eligible to participate. DO NOT need to be enrolled in a Foods Project, but must be enrolled in 4-H online.
2. Select and prepare a favorite recipe (doesn't have to be from 4-H project manual but should relate to what was learned in a project and/or age appropriate, also skill level appropriate).
3. Plan a menu which includes the favorite food. (Tell for what kind of meal: Example, family supper, Sunday dinner, children's party, Thanksgiving dinner, etc.). Write the menu on a 4 x 6 card.
4. Write recipe on a 4 x 6 card. (4 x 6 cards may be handwritten or typewritten or computer generated, but should reflect the work of the 4-Her)
5. Prepare a centerpiece and place setting for one on a card table. You must supply your own card table. You may use placemats or a tablecloth. You do not have to use your best china. Settings may be plastic, glass, etc. The emphasis is placed on how well it goes together and how appropriate for the occasion of the meal. Eight foot (8') plastic tables at the Fire Hall may also be used, One youth at each end of a table.  
6. Have your display in place 15 minutes prior to the start of the contest, so that judging may begin promptly.
7. Parents and leaders may assist carrying articles for display, but 4-Hers are to set up display themselves.
8. The favorite food may be displayed as the whole product or as one serving. A microwave may be available to heat your food depending on location of contest, so plan accordingly.
9. Contest is divided into Senior, Intermediate, Junior, and Novice Divisions, however this is subject to change based on number of youth entering contest, may be divided into Junior and Senior division.
10. Each contestant will be interviewed by the judge for about five minutes. Questions will be asked about the favorite food, menu, and centerpiece and place setting.

Examples can be found here - https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/4-h/4-h-contests/ 

Ribbon will be dropped on placing if above guidelines are not followed.

(County Competition Only.)