Judging a Speech and Debate round is both an honor and a responsibility. You’re not just ranking performances—you’re shaping communicators. The feedback you give can influence how a student grows, how they see themselves, and how they use their voice in the future.
So, what does it mean to be a great speech judge? It’s not about being the most experienced speaker or the toughest critic—it’s about being attentive, encouraging, and helpful.
The Purpose of Judging
Your role as a judge is to:
- Evaluate each performance fairly according to the rules.
- Encourage students in their development as communicators.
- Equip them with feedback that will make their next speech even stronger.
Each ballot you complete is more than a score sheet—it’s a coaching moment.
What Kind of Feedback Students Want
Most students don’t want generic comments like:
“Nice job!” or “Good eye contact.”
They want specific, actionable, and encouraging feedback.
Here’s what that looks like:
| Weak Feedback | Strong Feedback |
| “Good introduction.” | “Your introduction grabbed my attention right away! Consider pausing before your first line to make it even more powerful.” |
| “Work on gestures.” | “Your gestures matched your message, but be mindful of repeating the same hand motion—it can distract from your words.” |
| “Good job overall.” | “You communicated with confidence and passion! Next time, try adding more variation in tone to emphasize your key points.” |
✅ Students crave feedback that helps them grow, not just compliments or criticism.
Why Your Feedback Matters
Your written comments might be the only coaching a student receives between tournaments. A single thoughtful note can:
- Build confidence
- Clarify direction
- Encourage persistence
- Inspire excellence
In short—you have the power to change how a student feels about their voice.
Be Observant and Balanced
A good judge looks for both strengths and areas of growth (GROWS AND GLOWS). Think of it like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich… The bread (GLOWS) holds the peanut butter and jelly (GROWS) together. Try using this simple approach:
- Start with praise (bread/GLOW) – What went well? Be specific.
- Give one or two suggestions (peanut butter and jelly/GROW)– What could improve? Focus on what’s realistic for next time.
- End with encouragement (bread/GROW)– What inspires you about their message or performance?
Example:
“You have a natural connection with your audience. Work on pacing your transitions a bit more evenly, and your delivery will feel even smoother. I loved the authenticity of your message—keep sharing it boldly!”
Practical Tips for Being a Better Judge
- Be attentive – Stay engaged, even if you’ve heard the piece before. Don’t text during a speech!
- Avoid thinking about what YOU think they might be capable of. – Judge each speech/competitor on their own merit.
- Know the rules – Familiarize yourself with event criteria. Base your decisions on the ballot.
- Be kind – Remember, they’re learning.
- Encourage growth – Your words can motivate excellence.
The Heart of Judging
At its best, judging is mentorship in motion. It’s an opportunity to affirm truth, recognize effort, and guide the next generation of communicators.
Whether a student wins or not, your thoughtful feedback can remind them of something far more lasting:
* Their words matter.
* Their growth matters.
* Their voice matters.
Final Thought:
When you step into a judging round (or signing up for an online tournament), you’re not just evaluating speeches—you’re investing in people. And that makes your role one of the most meaningful parts of Speech and Debate.
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