The Four-Way Test. A Speech Competition for High School Students: Rotary District 5050 Conference, May 30 June 2, 2013

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1 The Four-Way Test A Speech Competition for High School Students: Rotary District 5050 Conference, May 30 June 2, 2013 October 24 th, 2012

2 October 25 th, 2012 What is the Four-Way Test? One of the world s most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics, the Four-Way Test has been the cornerstone of Rotary since Created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor when he took over a company facing bankruptcy, the test served as a tool to guide employees in ethical decision making for use in their personal and professional lives. The Four-Way Test poses the following four questions: Of the things we think, say or 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? Celebrating 80 years since the creation of the Four-Way Test, it has since been translated into over 100 languages for use around the world. FOUR-WAY TEST COMPETITION GUIDELINES PURPOSE The purpose of the Four-Way Test Speech Competition is to foster the use of ethical thought and practices among youth. By exploring the different facets of the Four-Way Test, the student will use critical thinking to discover how everyday scenarios can be approached systematically and ethically. In addition, there is great importance in being able to express one s self in a clear, concise and professional manner. This competition gives youth the opportunity to produce a piece of work that not only looks great on paper, but one that they feel comfortable in presenting to others. ELIGIBILITY The Competition is open to all high school students from the 8 th to 12 th grade (public, private or home-schooled) in a town/city within Rotary District TIMELINE All submissions must be received no later than April 5 th, 2013 at 11:59pm, PST. No late submissions will be accepted. Judging will commence on April 7 th, 2013 and winners will be notified by mail no later than May 13 th, PRIZE The top two (2) contestants will be awarded $1, each and will be invited to present their speech at the irotary Conference in Vancouver, BC between May 30 th, 2013 and June 2 nd, Top contestants must be available to present their speech at the irotary Conference to receive the $1, award. In the event that a contestant is unavailable to present, the opportunity to present will be offered to the first runner-up, then the second runner-up, and so on. Transportation to and from the irotary Conference, as well as any expenses, are solely the responsibility of the contestant. JUDGES All submissions will be judged by current or former Rotaractors residing in District The judges are either currently in post secondary studies or have graduated with degrees in varied fields of study. Herbert J. Taylor with the Four-Way Test: Chicago, IL. Photo courtesy of Rotary International. Four-Way Test Speech Competition irotary District 5050 Conference

3 TOPICS Please choose any one (1) topic from the list. If you wish to propose a different topic, please contact the judging committee at CloverdaleRotaract@gmail.com for approval. Nations should allow their governments to bail out large banking corporations. Should large-scale food processors be held liable for tainted product? Will a decrease in skilled labor affect a nation over a 20 year period? Driving drunk is worse than driving under the influence of drugs. Should there be more women in executive business positions? National rulers should stay in power no longer than years. How will an increase in online gambling affect society? Cheating is not bad as long as you do not get caught. Multiculturalism is good/not good for a community. Is the concept of global warming really an issue? What kind of message is Hollywood sending us? Can you rule a country without corruption? Social media and the teenaged population. Are professional athletes paid too much? Is cloning dinosaurs really a possibility? Should companies market to children? Have video games desensitized us? Should marijuana be fully legalized? Are kids growing up too fast? Is child labor a necessity? What is the benefit of war? Bullying Judging Criteria 1. Content = 50% Practical application of the Four-Way Test, examples of application, clarity, grammar, syntax, vocabulary, introduction, development, conclusion, smooth transition. 2. Delivery = 50% Eye contact, posture, pace, tone, projection, limited unnecessary expressions, ability to engage the audience, clear enunciation. Contest Rules 1. Speeches must be composed by the contestant and must be their original work. Each of the four questions in the Four-Way Test must be addressed within the speech. 2. Speeches must be at least 5 minutes in length but no longer than 10 minutes. Written submissions must be typed and will be between 1,200 and 3,000 words. 3. The contestant will deliver the speech either partially or entirely from memory. Presentation makes up a large percentage of the judging criteria. 4. No props or visual aids are to be used. The top contestants must be able to replicate their presentation in front of a crowd at the irotary Conference. 5. Top contestants must present their speeches at the irotary Conference in Vancouver, BC between May 30 th, 2013 and June 2 nd, 2013 to receive their $1, prize. 6. Contestants must complete and submit the application form (page 4), a copy of the written speech and a video of themselves giving the speech to CloverdaleRotaract@gmail.com 7. The contestant may post a video of their speech performance on YouTube and send only the link to the judging committee. 8. All submissions must be received no later than April 5 th, 2013 at 11:59pm, PST. No late submissions will be accepted. Four-Way Test Speech Competition: irotary District 5050 Conference

4 October 25 th, 2012 Four-Way Test Speech Contestant Form Contestant s Name: High School: Grade: Topic Selected: Contestant s Address: Contestant s Telephone: Contestant s I confirm that the submitted material is my original work. I have read and understand the contest rules. If chosen, I understand that I must present at the irotary Conference in Vancouver, BC, between May 30 th, 2013 and June 2 nd, 2013 to receive the financial award. The exact presentation date will be determined at a later point in time. I give permission for the competition organizers to use my submission, in part or whole, in marketing material or publications. Contestant s Signature / Date Parent / Legal Guardian s Signature / Date Student Biography A brief description of yourself including any hobbies and interests. PO Box 34230, #10 Highway, Surrey, BC V3S8C4, Canada ph cloverdalerotaract@gmail.com

5 The Four-Way Test Of the things we think, say or 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? PO Box 34230, #10 Highway, Surrey, BC V3S8C4, Canada ph