Programs that encourage confidence, ethics, and public speaking.

Students give a 5-to-7-minute speech illustrating Rotary International's Four-Way Test and how it applies to their lives, activities, goals, or interests.

The speech should address an ethical issue using the principles of the Four-Way Test. Students should select a topic they care about, adopt a point of view, and seek to persuade their audience.

Each question in the Four-Way Test should be specifically addressed during the speech:

1. 1. Is it the truth?
2. 2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The contest gives students an opportunity to thoughtfully examine ethical principles during an important period in their lives. Participants develop critical-thinking and public-speaking skills and have the opportunity to win scholarship money.

Boulder County high school students may participate.

Rotary mentors who are not part of the judging committee will offer drop-in speech-development support at the Boulder Public Library Main Branch. Students can receive help developing ideas, writing their speeches, practicing in front of a group, and preparing for the contest. Mentoring dates will be announced once scheduled.

Speeches are evaluated on content and presentation skills, including eye contact, enthusiasm, and volume control. Students will receive a copy of the scoring rubric and will be evaluated by a team of judges.

Artificial intelligence may not be used to write contest speeches. Students are also encouraged not to use note cards during their presentations.

A panel of Boulder Flatirons Rotary Club members will judge the students at the club competition in April 2027. The official contest date will be announced.

Registration is limited to the first 15 students. The registration deadline is March 15, 2027.

Rotary is a service organization whose members work to improve their communities and the world. Rotary projects support disease prevention, polio eradication, peacebuilding, clean water and sanitation, health care, economic development, education, literacy, and the environment. Rotary members strive to put Service Above Self.

Contact the Speech Contest Committee at boulderflatironsrotaryclub@gmail.com.