Any 4-H member in grades 8-13 who receives a blue ribbon at their County 4-H Public Presentation event is invited to enter the State 4-H Public Presentations event. Participants in the contest can choose to participate in one of two ways: 1) In-person or 2) Recorded video. All participants will receive a Danish ribbon and their score sheets at the conclusion of the contest. Best in Room Awards will be awarded. Registration must be completed by May 25, 2025.
Option 1: In-person Contest
Rutgers Academic Building at Rutgers University on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Participants in this option will be split into classrooms with about 6-8 other presenters and two judges.
Option 2: Recorded Video Contest
The submission deadline for a recorded presentation video is Friday, June 6, at 11:59 p.m.
Recorded video presentations will be evaluated by a team of judges after submission, with participants receiving their Danish ribbon and score sheets after the conclusion of the judging period. Please review the Virtual 4-H Public Presentations Program Recorded Video Division Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (PDF) for more information about the process. Simply prepare your presentation as usual, practice (practice, practice) and then record your presentation. You don't need special video equipment—you can video your presentation using a smartphone. Recorded presentations should be uploaded to YouTube (as an unlisted file; see the directions in the Virtual Public Presentations FAQs). Presenters will submit their video link here. If you run into technology issues or if you have any questions, please email er778@scarletmail.rutgers.edu. We are happy to help!
Registration
All participants must register for State Public Presentations in ZSuite. Registrations must be completed by Friday, May 25, 2025. Instructions on how to register are available here (PDF).
NEW THIS YEAR!
4-H Communications Contests
We are piloting three new 4-H Communications Contests! These contests are designed for youth who have qualified for State 4-H Public Presentations to explore and enhance their abilities in various forms of communication. At 12 p.m., after the State Presentations have concluded, there will be a complimentary lunch for the contest participants and an expert panel discussing the importance of public speaking skills. The contests will begin at 1 p.m., and end around 4 p.m.
Three exciting contests are being offered: 1. Extemporaneous Speech, 2. Interview, and 3. Instructional Video. These three contests will allow teens to showcase their talents and receive valuable feedback from experienced judges. Participants can participate in one, two or all three of the contests. Registration for the contests is included in the ZSuite State Presentation event registration. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Here is an overview of the 4-H Communications Contests:
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Extemporaneous Speech Contest:
Participants will draw a topic at random and will have a limited time to prepare and deliver a compelling speech about the topic drawn. -
Interview Contest:
Participants will engage in mock job interviews with experienced judges, answering questions on various topics. -
Instructional Video Contest
Participants will be required to submit their instructional video prior to the event, and be present at the contest for the evaluation and judging.
You can find the 2025 4-H Communications Contests Guidelines & Rules here.
For questions about the Communications Contests, please contact Harry Brochinsky at hb479@njaes.rutgers.edu.