Speech Contest Judges Training 1190

Three Purposes of Speech Contests Provide an opportunity to practice competitive speaking Provide interesting educational programs for members and the public Provide an opportunity to learn by observing proficient speakers 1

Judges have an obligation to: Contestants Toastmasters International Audience Themselves 2

Judges’ decisions are confidential! Judging vs. Evaluating Judging = selecting a winner Evaluating = appraisal and advice Judges’ decisions are confidential! 3

Good Judges Are … Accurate Fair Trustworthy Knowledgeable Good listeners 4

Barriers to Objectivity Speaker position Champion for the underdog Halo effect Reverse halo effect Second time around Not the norm Prejudices and personal preferences 5

Prevent Misconceptions Know the Rules! Prevent Misconceptions 6

Judge’s Guide and Ballot 7

The Judge’s Guide Take notes Use suggested points Use other point values Pluses and minuses 8

Judging Categories Content Delivery Language 9

Content Development Effectiveness Value 10

Delivery Physical Voice Manner 11

Language Appropriateness Correctness 12

The strongest principle Conclusion The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice. – George Eliot 13