For judges
Follow both sides, weigh the arguments, and explain your decision. You can learn the ballot here before applying to judge.
Before the first speech
A clear brief makes a fair decision easier. Ask the organizer these questions before the round begins.
During the round
Listen for what each side must establish and how the other side responds. The event’s format sets the clock; the ballot sets your criteria.
Track each side’s claims, supporting evidence, and answers. Keep the strongest unresolved disagreement in view.
Evaluate the case presented in the round. Apply the same standard to both speakers, even when you disagree with a position.
Each is scored 1 to 5 on the standard ballot, out of 20. Organizers can adapt the criteria for their events.
Explain the decisive difference between the cases, then give each speaker one specific improvement to try.
Practice the default ballot
Choose a score from 1 to 5 for each criterion. Use what happened in the round to justify each choice; the total appears when all four are selected.
This is a local practice example, not a submitted ballot. Organizers can customize the criteria, so read the instructions for your event.
Choose 4 more scores
After your decision
Point to a moment in the speech, explain its effect, and suggest a concrete change. Open these examples to compare the notes.
More useful: Your second point on cost was your strongest and you buried it last. Lead with it.
More useful: You got them to concede the timeline in cross-examination, then never mentioned it again. Land it in your rebuttal.
More useful: You listed four reasons in one breath. Pick two, give each an example, and the room will remember them.
Joining remotely
Give the speakers the same attention you would in the room. Confirm access and test your setup before the event starts.
Ask the organizer for the correct room link and scoring instructions. Moderator and timer controls depend on your assigned role.
Use headphones if possible. Tell the host promptly if audio drops or you miss part of a speech, so the issue can be handled fairly.
Learn the ballot, then tell us about your experience and availability. An admin reviews your application before granting platform-wide judge access. Event-specific judging follows the instructions on that event page.
