Virtual Speech Judging and Ballot Instructions

Dear Judges,

Thank you for joining us to support our students and the tournament this weekend. Please take a few moments to review the instructions and schedule below before your rounds begin. Your attention to detail and professionalism help ensure a smooth, fair experience for all competitors.

Judge Ballot Instructions – Speech Events

• Rank all competitors (1 = top performance; higher numbers = areas for improvement).

• Do not assign ties in ranks.

• Provide written feedback for each student using the comment box or dropdown area on Tabroom. Your comments should highlight both strengths and specific areas for improvement. Aim for at least a few sentences of thoughtful, encouraging feedback to help students and coaches understand your evaluation and guide future growth.
  (Example: “Strong energy and poise — next time, focus on clearer transitions between main points.”)

• Include concise, constructive comments in the Reason for Decision (RFD) section.

• Submit your ballot promptly once the round concludes — you may return later to expand comments if time allows.

• Oral feedback is optional and generally not preferred; please prioritize written comments so students and coaches can review notes efficiently after the round.

Judging on Tabroom (Virtual Rounds)

1. Access Your Ballot:
   Log in to your Tabroom account at tabroom.com. Once logged in, click “Judging” → “Current Ballots & Panels.” Select your assigned round.

2. Enter the Round Room:
   Click the video link provided at the top of the ballot to join the virtual room. Please enter at least 10 minutes before the round start time to confirm technology and attendance.

3. Verify Attendance:
   All judges assigned to a panel must be present before the round begins. Panels will likely only occur in final rounds. Cameras should remain on for the entire duration of judging to maintain fairness and professionalism throughout the event.

   • If a student or judge is missing, notify tournament staff immediately using the help link or contact number listed on your Tabroom homepage.

4. During the Round:
   Keep your camera on and microphone muted unless offering oral feedback at the end. Maintain a professional background and environment.

   • Refrain from multitasking or leaving the room while competitors are performing.

   • Stay attentive throughout the round to ensure fairness and respect for all participants.

5. Submitting Your Ballot:
   After the final performance, input all ranks and comments directly into Tabroom. Click “Save” frequently to avoid data loss.

   • Submit your ballot ranks promptly once the round concludes — you may return later to expand your written comments for students.

   • The Reason for Decision (RFD) section must include at least a brief explanation of your rankings, even if concise.

   • You may reopen the ballot to add or edit comments until tabulation closes.

6. Technical Issues:
   If you lose connection or experience any technical issues, rejoin using the same link as quickly as possible and alert tournament staff through the help room or Tabroom chat.

Tournament Schedule

Please check the tournament landing page for the most update to date schedule.

Tech Tips & Best Practices

• Use a laptop or desktop computer — avoid judging from a phone or tablet if possible.

• Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection before the round.

• Sit in a quiet, well-lit space with minimal background distractions.

• Close unrelated tabs, browsers, and apps to prevent lag.

• Keep your phone nearby in case tournament staff need to contact you.

• If you encounter an issue with Tabroom, do not refresh repeatedly — instead, message the help room or event staff for assistance.

Thank you again for your time and professionalism. Your thoughtful judging and written feedback play a vital role in helping students develop their confidence and communication skills.