Communications Contest at State 4-H Roundup

Graphic Design

Graphic design is creating visual and written content, by hand or using computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. The designer develops the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, reports, digital billboards, webpages, social media and even an electronic/digital game. The product’s purpose may be commercial, educational, cultural or political.

By 12 p.m. on July 1, a county staff person must upload the actual exhibit and any supporting documents to the Graphic Design - Roundup Communication Event form.

All exhibits are viewed by judge(s) before Roundup.

• Preparation
  • See Through Graphic Design, Ohio Extension Publication.
    Learn more about visual communication with this hands-on approach to graphic design. Activities cover color, typography, design basics, symbolism, and branding. ©2019
  • Oklahoma Communication and Expressive Arts Resources
  • Review the Graphic Design Rubric and scoresheet, doing a self-evaluation of each piece. Self-evaluation will help you prepare for the interview process and modify your work to improve the finished product.
• Recognition
  • Danish-Award System is used to evaluate each presentation: Ribbons are presented as:
    • Blue Award (Exceptional)
    • Red Award (Meets Expectations -room for growth)
    • White Award (Growth Opportunity)
  • Peer Competition - First through third place will be designated for each category. No ribbons awarded.
  • The judge(s) reserve the right/have the discretion not to award first place.
  • First-place winners will receive a certificate and a monetary award of $50.
  • Monetary awards will be mailed following Roundup.
  • ALL first-place winners must write a thank you note.
  • Results will be awarded at the conclusion of the contest; participant must be present. The only exception is with prior approval of event superintendent, that a designated representative may accept award on their behalf because the contestant is competing/participating in another activity running simultaneously with the communication event.
  • All results will be emailed to county educators
• Exhibits

  An exhibit illustrates what the 4-H’er has learned – their understanding and application of graphic design principles and skills.

  An exhibit will consist of TWO parts: Part 1 — a Digital/PPT/Slide Deck Presentation, and Part 2 — a Published Print Graphic Design. Details are defined below.

  • The two pieces can be a set or for different uses/purposes.
  • Content/theme must be directly related to a 4-H project, 4-H activity, 4-H club, or 4-H SPIN/project group.
  • The purpose of the finished pieces can be education, information, promotion, recruitment, awareness or advertisement.
  • Materials must include an official 4-H Clover.

  Part 1 of 2 Parts - Required

  • ELECTRONIC GRAPHIC DESIGN - Digital/PPT/Slide Deck Presentation with 5-10 slides and the script for the presentation. The script for each slide must be contained in the “notes” section of the Digital Slides/PPT. The judge must be able to download and view the presentation in its original form. The judge must be able to view the note section/script.

  Part 2 of 2 Parts – Required

  • PUBLISHED PRINT GRAPHIC DESIGN – The 4-H member must choose one of the following:
  • Flat flyer (one-sided) computer-generated flat flyer (8 1/2" X 14" or 8 ½” X 11”) intended for print use only.
  • Other - Brochure, card, invitation, logo, social media graphic, etc.
• Judging

  Judging an exhibit is an extension of the educational process in 4-H project work. The “judging” process is used to evaluate the skills and knowledge learned by the member in creating the exhibit/project.

  This contest consists of “Interview Judging,” which allows the judge to view the project, but more importantly to have a conversation with the member. Each 4-H’er will participate in a 5-minute interview on the day of the contest. During the one-on-one interview, all graphic designs will be reviewed, and the judge will question the participant about the work and what was learned in the process. The judge will offer suggestions for project growth.

  View an example of Interview Judging

  Exhibits are reviewed by judge (s) prior to Roundup

• Graphic Design Rubric

  	Advanced	Proficient	Basic	Below Basic	Far Below Basic
  Clarity of Message	Message is bold, compelling, and possibly multi layered. It goes beyond the obvious.	Message is clear and compelling. It may not be as suitable as it could be.	Message is clear but fails to go beyond something simple or obvious.	Message is slightly confusing.	Message is absent or contradictory.
  Design Principle: Contrast	Use of light and dark elements creates depth and subtlety. White space is used strategically.	Use of light/dark gives prominence Where appropriate. White space, if used, is used well.	Contrast and white space are both evident in the work.	Use of contrast and/or white space could be improved.	Lack of contrast dramatically weakens the work overall.
  Design Principle: Repetition	Repeated use of key elements helps to create unity. Repetition is often subtle.	Repeated use of elements helps to create unity.	Repetition is evident through not a strong component of the work.	Repeated elements may not be evident, or repetition may be overdone.	Work overall is disappointed because of a lack of common elements.
  Design Principle: Alignment	At least one bold line helps to organize the work, clearly guiding reader through the message.	Elements are effectively lined up so that the overall look represents order.	Elements are generally lined up appropriately - centered, left, or right.	An absence of clear alignment creates a cluttered overall look.	Work lacks clear entry point and sight lines and as a result has a chaotic look.
  Design Principle: Proximity	Placement of elements is precise so that reader can clearly perceive what is important and what is connected.	Text and graphics are strategically spaced so that related elements are close together. It is clear what is connected.	Text and graphics are spaced so that related elements are close together.	Problems with proximity create confusion as to what is and isn’t connected.	Elements are not put together or separated in any organized fashion, creating a chaotic look.
  Color	Color palette enhances the meaning of the work.	Colors are used appropriately and do not clash with one another or clutter the work.	Colors are mostly effective although there may be minor clashing.	Color choices clash at times and/or clutter the work.	Color choices weaken the work in dramatic ways.
  Typography	Fonts and effects help to create a strong verbal- visual connection within the work. All font sizes are appropriate	Typography choices are appropriate without an excessive number of fonts or effects.	Typography is generally effective, although font choice, size and effects may create minor distractions.	Font choices and/or effects create distractions.	Typography choices weaken the work in dramatic ways.
  Craftsmanship	Work has no evident imperfections. Work is clean and neat.	Work may have slight imperfections, but they are not immediately obvious.	Work has imperfections that create minor distractions.	Imperfections in the work are noticeable and distracting.	Imperfections are highly distracting and take away from the overall effectiveness.

Photography

Photography is a means of self-expression and creativity through the lens of a camera. The exhibitor will illustrate and communicate their mastery of photographic equipment, techniques, composition (elements and principles of art), lighting, storytelling and photo editing with four photos.

By 12 p.m. on July 1, a county staff person must upload the actual exhibit and any supporting documents to the Photography - Roundup Communication Event form.

All exhibits are viewed by judge(s) before Roundup.

• Preparation

  Oklahoma Communication and Expressive Arts Photography Resources:

  • Communication and Expressive Arts Resources
  • Photography Resources
  • Review the scoresheet, doing a self-evaluation of each photo.
  • Self-evaluation will be helpful in preparing for the interview process and modifying your work to improve the finished product.
• Recognition
  • Danish-Award System is used to evaluate each presentation: Ribbons are presented as:
    • Blue Award (Exceptional)
    • Red Award (Meets Expectations - room for growth)
    • White Award (Growth Opportunity)
  • Peer Competition - First through third place will be designated for each category. No ribbons awarded.
  • The judge(s) reserve the right/have the discretion not to award first place.
  • First-place winners will receive a certificate and a monetary award of $50. Monetary awards will be mailed following Roundup.
  • ALL first-place winners must write a thank you note.
  • Results will be awarded at the conclusion of the contest; participant must be present. The only exception is with prior approval of event superintendent, that a designated representative may accept award on their behalf because the contestant is competing/participating in another activity running simultaneously with the communication event.
  • All results will be emailed to county educators.
• Judging

  Judging an exhibit is an extension of the educational process in 4-H project work. The “judging” process is used to evaluate the skills and knowledge learned by the member in creating the exhibit/project.

  This contest consists of “Interview Judging,” which allows the judge to view the project, but more importantly to have a conversation with the member. Each 4-H’er will participate in a 5-minute interview on the day of the contest. During the one-on-one interview, all photos will be reviewed, and the judge will question the participant about the work and what was learned in the process. The judge will offer suggestions for project growth.

  
  Example of Interview Judging

• Exhibit

  An exhibit illustrates what the 4-H’er has learned — their understanding of photographic equipment, lighting, techniques, composition and more.

  • A Roundup delegate/participant may enter only one category.
  • An exhibit will be composed of FOUR photos which fit ONE category.

  Categories:

  1. Four photos, one from each of the following categories: people, animals, plant life and scenery.
  2. Four outstanding “people” pictures.
  3. Four photos telling a story or illustrating a single event.
  4. Four landscapes or nature photos.

  • Photos can be cropped.
  • Photos should not have any border or colored background.
  • Each photo must be labeled with the category, photo #, county and last name of exhibitor when it is uploaded. Photos not labeled correctly are easily misplaced or lost when downloaded for judging.

  Example of how to label the file name:

  • B_1_Pittsburg_Smith
  • B_2_Pittsburg_Smith
  • B_3_Pittsburg_Smith
  • B_4_Pittsburg_Smith

  • Participants should be prepared to talk about any of the following techniques applied in their photos:
    • Settings: lenses/aperture setting, photo lamps, existing light, filters, or speed
    • Composition: placement of subject, framing, contrast, or perspective
    • Special effects: lighting, subject matter, techniques, and processes
• Photography Criteria

  Composition- Elements and Principles of Art

  • Center of interest – Is there a main center of interest
  • Placement of subject – Is the subject placed in a position that adds to the interest and storytelling ability of the picture?
  • Distance from subject – Does the subject fill the viewfinder, or does the distance add an interesting perspective
  • Foreground/background – Is the foreground and background simple and uncluttered? Is it used to set the stage for the story without detracting from the subject?
  • Format – was the horizontal or vertical format used the best choice, and was it used effectively?
  • Framing – Is framing used to add dimension to the photo or call attention to the subject?
  • Perspective – Is the camera angle used effectively to help add interest and build the story?
  • Line, shape, pattern, texture – Is line, shape, pattern, or texture used to add interest or direct the eye to the subject? Do the shapes and lines relate to one another?

  Image Quality- Technique Applied to Composition

  • Focus – Is the image clear and sharp? Does the photo record fine detail with good definition?
  • Exposure – Did the exposure used provide adequate lighting for the image?
  • Contrast – Is contrast used effectively to make the subject stand out or to set a mood?
  • Lighting – Does the lighting call attention to the subject, set a mood, or add interest?
  • Grain – Is graininess apparent and detracting from the overall image?
  • Depth of field – Is the depth of field used effectively to emphasize the subject?
  • Color – Is the color (either black and white or color) natural and true to life?
  • Depth of tones – Does the photo have richness of color or a complete range of tones?

  Storytelling

  • Message – Does the photo clearly communicate a message? Does it tell a story at first glance?
  • Impact – Does the photo attract and maintain your attention?
  • Creativity & originality – Is the subject presented in a unique way?

  Interview

  • Can verbalize what was learned - skills mastered and knowledge gained.
  • Can explain the creative process/thought used to compose the photo(s) content/story.
  • Goals/plans for future project work

Public Speaking

An exhibit (presentation) illustrates what the 4-H’er has learned — their understanding of researching, organizing, and presenting a speech, talk, demonstration or digital presentation.

Individuals and teams compete against one another.

• Definitions of 4-H Presentations

  Speech

  A 4-H talk/speech is one way to share information and educate an audience about a specific subject. It is an oral presentation in which the member does not rely on posters/illustrations or objects. All illustrations are communicated through verbal descriptions. Basically, the 4-H member paints a picture or tells a story through oral communication.

  There are no props/posters/costumes in a speech.

  • 5- 7 Minutes
  • Individual ONLY
  • No TEAMS

  Illustrated Presentations

  Presentations in this category include both illustrated talks and demonstrations. They are judged together as an “illustrated presentation.”

  No PPT/digital/slides in this division.

  • 5-12 Minutes
  • Individual
  • Team

  All Illustrated Presentations, individual and team, are judged together.

  A 4-H illustrated talk is another way to share information and educate an audience about a specific subject. In the oral presentation, the member uses posters/illustrations or objects to emphasize/illustrate specific points in the speech.

  A 4-H demonstration is a way to share information with an audience by showing how to do something. In the presentation, the member shows how to make an item or complete a task. When a demonstration is finished, the 4-H member will have a finished product to show.

  Digital Presentations

  See the definition of an illustrated talk. The primary difference is that a Digital Presentation replaces the use of posters, props or other illustrations, and the presenter demonstrates the skills they have mastered when integrating technology into a speech/presentation. Members will be evaluated on their ability to design and create effective slides (Prezi, PPT, Google Slides, etc.) which complement the oral content of the talk/speech. The digital platform (slides) should not be the “presentation.”

  • 5- 7 Minutes
  • Individual Only
  • No Teams

  Penalties: Presentations under or over the time limit will be penalized five (5) points for each full minute over or under the time limit. Any presentation going 2 minutes over the allowed time will be stopped.

• Categories and Classes
  • General categories have been established and an explanation of each is provided. Choose the category that best fits the topic. The category must be noted on the registration form. Examples of how to enter a category and class on the Roundup registration form:
    • Class/Topic # 1 This means you have an illustrated presentation on Animal Science.
    • Class/Topic # 6 This means you have a speech on Animal Science
    • Class/Topic # 11 This means you have a digital presentation on Animal Science.
  • Event management reserves the right to divide and combine categories based on registration numbers. In the event a category is divided by age divisions, the top presentation in each division may be asked to present a second time to determine the winner.

  Illustrated Presentation- The number used to register for a category at Roundup	Speech- The number used to register for a category at Roundup	Digital Presentation- The number used to register for a category at Roundup	Categories
  #1	#6	#11	Animal Science – Livestock/Large Animal/Companion Animals (includes Dog, Cats, Rabbits /companion or meat, Pocket pets, Beef, Dairy, Goats, Horse, Swine, Sheep, Poultry, Meats and Respective Vet Science, Animal Welfare, STEM, etc.).
  #2	#7	#12	Plant, Natural and Mechanical Sciences (includes Agronomy, Horticulture, Entomology, Wildlife, Forestry, Environment, Natural resources, Camping, Shooting Sports, STEM, Rocketry, Bicycle, Electric, Woodworking, Energy Conservation & Usage, Weather, Geology, Energy: Petroleum/Solar/Wind/Hydro/etc. Power, etc.).
  #3	#8	#13	Water Protection, Conservation and Usage
  #4	#9	#14	Family, Consumer and Social Sciences (includes Foods & Nutrition, Foods Preservation and Safety, Breads, Childcare, Design & Construction, Safety, Consumer Education, Health & Fitness, Personal Development, STEM, Civic Engagement, Leadership, Government and Community Service).
  #5	#10	#15	Communication & Expressive/Visual Arts and ALL other topics (includes Photography, Film Making, verbal/non-verbal communications, Recreation, Arts/Crafts, Performing Arts, Recycling, 4-H Promotion, any STEM topic that does not fit in another category, etc.).

• Preparation
  • Materials (speeches/illustrated Presentations/digital presentations) previously presented at Roundup as a team/individual are not permitted.
  • Prior to competing at Roundup, the presentations should have been presented before a group (i.e., county/district/regional contest, local 4-H club meeting, community organization, class, etc.).
  • Special equipment will not be provided. Each member will be responsible for providing their own equipment (e.g., easel, extension cords, props, audiovisual devices, spoons, trays, tablecloth, etc.). In preparation, remember you will be sharing space with others -- flexibility, cooperation and a helping attitude are expected of all delegates. Kitchen/water will not be available for advance preparation or clean-up. Electrical outlets may be limited and not closely associated with the presentation area.
  • No Firearms are permitted.
  • No Live Animals are permitted.
  • Note cards may be used, but should be used sparingly.
  • Participants may be asked questions about the information presented.
  • Digital Presentations ONLY

  1. Bring 2 copies of the presentation, as a handout, with six slides per page. These handouts will be for the judge’s benefit, in the event of equipment malfunction or a compatibility problem.
  2. Presentation must be on a memory stick or accessible via Intranet. No Zip™ disk or zipped files should be used, as they may not be compatible with the equipment.
  3. An OSU computer and projector will be provided. The computer will house the most current version of MS PowerPoint used on campus. We cannot ensure that digital software, other than Microsoft products, will not experience issues.
  4. Participants are expected to upload and run their own presentation.
• Judging

  Judging an exhibit is an extension of the educational process in 4-H project work. The “judging” process is used to evaluate the skills and knowledge learned by the member through the experience of writing and presenting a speech, talk, demonstration or presentation in front of an audience. In most cases, there will be two judges. In the event a category is divided by age divisions, the top presentation in each division may be asked to present a second time to determine the winner in the category. Judges will be asked to provide constructive comments to each participant. Score sheets will be returned to the County Educator at Roundup.

• Recognition
  • Danish-Award System is used to evaluate each presentation: Ribbons are presented as:
    • Blue Award (Exceptional)
    • Red Award (Meets Expectations - room for growth)
    • White Award (Growth Opportunity)
  • Peer Competition - First through third place will be designated for each category. No ribbons awarded.
  • The judge(s) reserve the right/have the discretion not to award first place.
  • First-place winners will receive a certificate and a monetary award of $50. Monetary awards will be mailed following Roundup.
  • ALL first-place winners must write a thank you note.
  • Results will be awarded at the conclusion of the contest; participant must be present. The only exception is with prior approval of event superintendent, that a designated representative may accept award on their behalf because the contestant is competing/participating in another activity running simultaneously with the communication event.
  • All results will be emailed to county educators.

Creative Writing

Creative writing is an expressive form of literature that allows you to use your imagination and creativity through the written language. The form your writing takes is completely dependent on your preferences and interests, but could consist of poetry, fiction (flash, short, or long), non-fiction (memoirs or personal, non-academic essays, newspaper/magazine), graphic novels, screenwriting, and playwriting.

By 12 p.m. on July 1, a county staff person must upload the actual exhibit and any supporting documents to the Creative Writing - Communication Event form.

All exhibits are viewed by judge(s) before Roundup.

• Guidelines

  • Exhibitor name, category, and county should appear in the upper-right corner of the first page.

  • Youth are limited to entering ONE category.

  • Each entry must be original and must have been written for a 4-H project. Writing done for school projects is ineligible. If this is in question, the participant may be disqualified.

  If an AI tool is used in any part of the exhibit, it must be referenced. Ethical use of AI: Clearly describe the AI tools used, how they were used, and include a citation in the text and a reference list entry.

  In-Text Citations:

  • Identify the AI Tool: Use the name of the AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini) and its creator (e.g., OpenAI, Google).

  • Date of Use: Include the date the AI tool was used.

  • Example: "(OpenAI, 2023)" or "(Google, 2024)".

  • All entries will be evaluated based on title of written entry, organization and technique of written entry, original thought, and an interview. Interviews will be evaluated on project knowledge expressed during the interview

  • Each entry is to be typewritten, and 12-point font. Short stories, essays, and feature stories should be double-spaced. Single space poetry/poems.

  • Points will be deducted if the number of words used in short story, essay, and/or feature story exceeds maximum number of allowed words.

• Preparation

  Proofread exhibit for spelling, punctuation, grammar, and neatness.

  Review the scoresheet, doing a self-evaluation of the exhibit. Self-evaluation will help you prepare for the interview process and modify your work to improve the finished product.

• 4-H Resources

  • The Writer in You, SKU: 4H588 @ shop4h.org.

  • Creative Writing Project Resource Guide. University of Minnesota Extension.

  • 4-H Creative Writing. Clay County, Purdue Extension.

• Categories

  • Poetry – Rhymed or Free Style. An interpretation of a subject in rhymed or unrhymed verse. (haiku, limerick, rhyme, sonnet, pastoral, free verse, acrostic, blank verse, couplet, etc.). Submit a collection of three different poems. Do not submit more than three poems.

  • Short Story - fiction piece comprised of three basic elements: a theme, a plot, and characters. Submit one story, maximum length – 500-2000 words.

  • Essay - A short non-fiction composition in which a theme is developed, or an idea is expressed. Cite 2-3 acceptable references. Examples of acceptable references are books, journal/magazine articles, encyclopedia articles, and published reports written by experts. Wikipedia and blogs are not considered acceptable references. Submit one essay, maximum length – 500-1000 words.

  • Feature Story - Non-fiction human interest story written in newspaper or magazine style. Judging will be of interest to readers, writing style, readability and thoroughness of coverage. Submit one story, maximum length – 500-1000 words.

• Judging

  Judging an exhibit is an extension of the educational process in 4-H project work. The “judging” process is used to evaluate the skills and knowledge learned by the member in creating their exhibit/project.

  This contest consists of “Interview Judging,” which allows the judge to view the project, but more importantly, to have a conversation with the member. Each 4-H’er will participate in a 5-minute interview on the day of the contest. During the one-on-one interview, the video will be reviewed, and the judge will question the participant about the work and what was learned in the process. The judge will offer suggestions for project growth.

• Sources
  • Guidelines for 4-H Writing Project. Mahoning County, Ohio State University.
  • Creative Writing Project Resource Guide. University of Minnesota Extension.
• Recognition
  • Danish-Award System is used to evaluate each presentation: Ribbons are presented as:
  • Blue Award (Exceptional)
  • Red Award (Meets Expectations - room for growth)
  • White Award (Growth Opportunity)
  • Peer Competition - First through third place will be designated for each category. No ribbons awarded.
  • The judge(s) reserve the right/have the discretion not to award first place.
  • First-place winners will receive a certificate and a monetary award of $50. Monetary awards will be mailed following Roundup.
  • ALL first-place winners must write a thank-you note.
  • Results will be awarded at the conclusion of the contest; participants must be present. The only exception is with prior approval of the event superintendent, that a designated representative may accept the award on their behalf because the contestant is competing/participating in another activity running simultaneously with the communication event.
  • All results will be emailed to county educators.