Registration

2026 4-H Public Speaking Contest - McHenry

4-H Communication: Public Speaking & Horse Speech Contest

FEBRUARY 21, 2026 from 9 am – 1 pm
* PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE
Extension office is located at 1102 McConnell Rd, Woodstock

One of the most important skills that 4-H members can learn is to speak in front of a group. In 4-H, members have many opportunities to practice this skill. Besides doing presentations at the club meetings, members have the opportunity to participate in the Public Presentation contest.

McHenry County Contest Guidelines

STATE eligible categories:

Formal Speech - Beginner & Advanced
Illustrated Speech - Beginner & Advanced
Original Works - Individual or team
Oral Interpretation - Individual or team

COUNTY ONLY:

Extempore - Beginner & Advanced levels
Horse speeches

Age levels:

Beginner level: 8-13 years of age
Advanced level: 14 & up

Resources:

McHenry County contest guidelines
Finding your Voice: Public Speaking Made Easy (Public Speaking)

For more information, see the following websites:

IL 4-H State project: https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/ways-participate/projects/public-speaking
IL 4-H State contest information and scoresheets: https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/events/state-events/illinois-4-h-public-speaking-contest
IL 4-H Horse Speaking Contest Information and scoresheets: https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/events/state-events/illinois-4-h-horse-speaking-contest

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Please contact Megan Eppel, 4-H Coordintor, if you have any questions: meppel@illinois.edu

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Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

Street Address

Street Address 2

City

State

ZIP

Daytime Phone

Evening Phone

E-mail Address

Communications: Public Presentations Contest

4-H Horse Speaking Contest

Please indicate your top 3 approximate time preferences. The exact times will be determined by the number of presenters entered in the contest. Please watch your email for confirmation.

Name of Primary Club

Horse Speeches - select the division you will be presenting: Please see the state website for details: https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/events/state-events/illinois-4-h-horse-speaking-contest

Formal speech - Junior 5-10 minutes, Senior 7-10 minutes

Demonstration or Illustrated - Individual 9-12 minutes

Team presentation: Demonstration or Illustrated - 10-15 minutes

Interpretive Reading - 3-5 minutes

Please list the title of your presentation, to be listed in the program.

Attendance: I understand that I will receive I will receive my scheduled time via email and will arrive no less than 20 mins before that time (Extempore speeches - 1 hour prior)

I agree