I haven't participated as a judge, not been part of formal events for speech and debate. I look for the following:

• No spreading, period (.) This will never work in real life and that's what you should be preparing for in these events.
• Avoid excessive body language, speak naturally
• You can refer a script, but know your data points, key aspects of your speech
• Please share your speech with me if you are public forum or Lincoln Douglas

Good Luck!

Uday

uday_kotla@yahoo.com