APPSF
Third Annual Youth Debate, April 25, 2010
Judging Manual
In the APPSF debates in the past, there have been two sections, one each for middle and high school students. Each section has already been provided a debate topic now called the motion. There are students for (proposition) and against (opposition) in the middle and high school sections.
You will be given evaluation forms for each student as he/she proceeds to speak. Each speaker will have 3 minutes during which they can make points of information. Two more minutes of protected time are allowed and debaters may not make points of information during this time.
Instructions for Speech Judges
I.
GENERAL:
A.
You are performing an important service for the students; therefore,
never apologize for "lack of expertise." If you cannot understand
a speaker, the fault is the speaker's, not yours.
B.
A good judge is a quiet judge. SAY NOTHING TO ANY STUDENT other
than a greeting that you extend to all the speakers. Do not give
special praise, do not give helpful suggestions, do not criticize
verbally. Do not ask the school of a student.
C.
A good judge is an efficient judge. Make your decisions quickly,
fill out the ballot correctly, and get it to the Tab Room quickly.
II.
JUDGING:
A.
You should find the same number of students as are listed on the
schedule. If all are there, draw for speaker order. Tear a
sheet of paper into enough pieces so that every student can pick one.
Put a number on each (1, 2, 3 etc. up to the number of contestants
in the room). The number the student picks will determine who
speaks first, second, etc.
C.
During the speech, make comments on the critique sheet for each speaker.
Try to make POSITIVE suggestions on how the speaker can improve.
Do not simply say "good" or "weak." Instead, explain HOW or WHY a
student is doing well or poorly. If you give a student a poor
score (see below), make sure to indicate the problem with the
presentation. DO NOT WRITE THE CRITIQUES AFTER EACH SPEECH OR
AFTER THE ROUND.