The Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Contest
Rotary 4‑Way Test Speech Contest
What is the 4-Way Speech
Contest?
The Rotary 4‑Way Test Speech Contest is a public speaking competition for high school students (grades 9–12) that challenges them to apply Rotary’s famous 4‑Way Test to a real issue they care about. It’s one of Rotary’s most respected youth programs because it blends leadership, ethics, communication, and critical thinking into one powerful experience.
Here’s what it is at its core:
⭐ A Leadership Challenge
Students choose a topic they feel strongly about — something happening in their school, community, or the world — and build a persuasive speech around how the 4‑Way Test can guide better decisions.
⭐ A Public Speaking Competition
Participants deliver a 5–7 minute speech at their club contest, then advance to Area Semi‑Finals and District Finals. They speak in front of Rotarians, educators, community leaders, and peers.
⭐ A Deep Dive Into Ethics & Values
Students explore the 4‑Way Test:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
They apply these questions to real‑world issues — bullying, social media, justice, mental health, leadership, equality, technology, and more.
⭐ A Confidence‑Building Experience
Students grow in:
- Public speaking
- Critical thinking
- Persuasive writing
- Ethical reasoning
- Leadership presence
Many describe it as transformative — a moment when they found their voice and realized their ideas matter.
⭐ A Standout Opportunity for College & Scholarships
The contest is widely respected, and finalists often highlight it on applications, resumes, and interviews.
How to Apply: The first step is to let your Interact Advisor or Guidance Counselor know you want to participate. They will help you submit your application to your local Rotary Club.
Every interested student will have the opportunity to participate in their local Rotary club’s contest. Each Rotary club may advance one winning student to the Area Semi‑Finals. Students who move on to the Semi‑Finals must commit to participating in the District Finals if they win their area competition.
SEMI-FINAL DATES
Area 1–6 Rotary Clubs: Ansonia, Seymour and Oxford, Bridgeport, Danbury, Darien, Derby-Shelton, Devon, Fairfield, Greenwich, Milford, Monroe, New Canaan, Newtown, Norwalk, Orange, Ridgefield, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Waterbury, West Haven, Westport, Westport Sunrise, Wilton, Woodbury-Southbury-Middlebury
March 13, 9:30 AM River Valley Senior Living 101 Oakview Dr, Trumbull (Registration due date:March 8)
Area 7–12 Rotary Clubs: Branford, Cheshire, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, East Hampton, East Haven, Essex, Groton, Guilford, Hamden, Ledyard, Madison, Meriden, Middletown, Montville, Mystic, Naugatuck, New Haven, New London, Niantic, North Branford, North Haven, Norwich, Norwich Sunrise, Old Saybrook, Stoningtons, Wallingford, Waterford, Woodbridge
March 20, 10 AM Norwich Free Academy, Slater Memorial Auditorium, 108 Crescent St, Norwich, CT (Registration due date: March 15)
Each club is to hold its own local contest at least 10 days before the semifinals so that the winning student is ready to advance to the appropriate Area Semi-Final.
DISTRICT FINAL DATE:May 22 at the Rotary Multi-District Spring Conference held at Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa, Groton
WHY STUDENTS SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THE ROTARY 4-WAY SPEECH CONTEST
The 4-Way Test Speech Contest is one of Rotary’s most meaningful youth programs because it challenges students to think deeply about ethics, leadership, and the impact of their choices. Most importantly, the contest gives young people a platform to explore how the 4-Way Test can guide real-world decision-making.