FAQ

• Am I giving the same speech/talk that I did at the State level?

In most cases, yes, but if you were given suggestions/feedback about what to add/change, that is fine. States can also make adjustments needed to fit talks into the competition categories. Reach out to your States 4-H Communication Coordinator.

• How many youth can qualify from each state?

States can send up to 6 youth to compete at the Northeast States Speak Up Fest

• Do I need to be present for the entire time of the competition (10:00am - 3:00pm)?

The expectation is YES. Youth participants are expected to deliver their presentation "live" and watch the presentations in their cohort AND provide feedback. If you need an accommodation, please let event staff know at least a week in advance. If you leave without prior permission, you will not be eligible for top score awards.

• What is the overview of the day?

The schedule is available when you click the "2025 Event" tab at the top right. Please note, the schedule is subject to change.

10:00am - Welcome and Introductions - This will occur in the main Zoom room. The MC of the day will introduce the program and lead the kids in an icebreaker activity and introduce the keynote speaker.

10:20am - Go Into Breakout Rooms - Evaluators and kids will enter their assigned cohort breakout rooms. Evaluators and youth introduce themselves and the rooms will decide how they want to structure the day.

10:45am - First Presentation Starts - After each presentation, the youth who just finished presenting will stay in the cohort Zoom breakout room to receive feedback from the Evaluators. The rest of the youth will exit the cohort breakout room into the main Zoom room to then fill out their peer evaluations (this will be a google form), when the judges are ready for the group to return they will then go back into their cohort breakout rooms.

• Who will be in my cohort and watch my presentations?

Each room will have 4 - 6 youth presenters and 2 evaluators and may also have a room host. We ask that others are not part of the breakout sessions for presentations.

• What if I need help with the internet or technology barriers?

We encourage youth to reach out to their 4-H state contacts to help secure locations with a strong internet connection.

• Can presentations be pre-recorded?

No, this is a "live" event and the expectation is you are there to present, get feedback, and also contribute to scoring your peers as well.

• Will my presentation be recorded?

If your parent/guardian has signed off on the registration form, indicating that they permitted a recording to be done, then yes your presentation will be recorded. It will be used for future training purposes.