Last changed on
Sat May 4, 2024 at 12:45 PM EDT
In judging Speech events or Debate, I look for similar things. On both sides I look for commitment; it's good to be passionate about your work, although you want to keep that passion in control. I also look at your choice of materials.
In Debate that means depth of research and variety of solid sources; I really do count and evaluate your sources, checking to see how far you went with your own original research. In Speech pretty much the same criteria apply on the PA side, and I'm interested in your choice and validity of sources, as well as freshness: is this a topic/product/thesis I haven't heard repeatedly? In Interp, of course, the shift is that now I'm looking especially at-- as the ballots say-- "quality of literature." Have you chosen material that's emotionally engaging, but not sensationalist? Is it something that appeals to a wide variety of audiences, but isn't just a fad? And, of course, is it something you can invest all your creativity, as well as your heart and soul, into?
Beyond these specifics my judging is much like other experienced judges': I've been at this for 26 years-- and relishing good performances all the way. I'll be rooting for you!