Duties of Speech Contest Judges

• Know the difference between evaluating and judging.
  • An evaluator measures a speaker's presentation against the objectives, and gives suggestions for improvement.
  • A judge picks the winner — the person who gives the best speech at the contest.
  • Do not let knowledge or reputation of the speaker, past performance, or future potential influence your decisions.
     
• Arrive early.
  • Help set up. Attend the judge's briefing given by the Chief Judge. Read both sides of the ballot before the contest begins, and ensure you know and understand the requirements for all categories.
  • Know the names and speaking order of the contestants.
     
• Fill out your judging form fairly for all contestants.
  • For each judging item, award speakers of comparable ability the same range of suggested point values. Don't let performance in another judging item influence your decision.
     
• Do NOT time the speeches.
  • The timers are responsible for timing, not the judges. Don't mark a contestant out of the running because you think there may be a disqualification based on time.
     
• Complete your ballot.
  • Choose the top three contestants in your opinion. Be sure to choose three and only three. There can be no ties on your Judge's Official Ballot. If you award the same point score to two or more contestants, you must decide which one you choose to put ahead of the other.
  • Write your signature and print your name.
  • An improperly completed ballot will not be counted.
     
• Give your ballot to the counters.
  • Tear off the ballot from the judging form. Keep the remainder of the judging form away from prying eyes. Destroy it immediately after the contest.
     
• Special instructions for the tie-breaking judge.
  • Rank all contestants, not just the top three. There can be no ties. If you award the same point score to two or more contestants, you must decide which one you choose to put ahead of the other. Sign your ballot and print your name. Discreetly give your ballot to the Chief Judge personally, rather than to the counters.
     
• Support the contest rules.
  • Don't discuss the contest or the results with anyone. Don't reveal the scores.