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- Event Rules: Are you familiar with the ballot and the rules for your event? Some judges follow them very closely! The ballots are available on the categories/events page.
- Practice: Practice! Practice! Practice! (But don't practice to the point where your delivery is unnatural or you hate your piece.
- Self Critique: Videotape yourself at least once. If you do, you will be able to see your problems and fix them before the judges do. You may even want to use a ballot to judge yourself.
- Articulation, Enunciation, Diction: Learn them... Know them... Love them... If you don't, go to Merriam-Webster Online and look them up now!
- Dress: Although dressing up is not required, it makes an impression. Try to wear traditional formal clothing. Don't wear anything that may be distracting or that covers your hands. Go easy on make-up and jewelry. That goes for the guys too!
Wear clothing that contrasts with your skin color. If you have darker skin, wear lighter clothes. If you have lighter skin wear darker clothes. This will help to accentuate your hands and face.
- Overtime: Don't go overtime! Don't even risk it. "I went over once and it cost me my only chance for first place in Dramatic Interpretation." - Robert Maurer (Webster Class of '96)
If you think you risk going overtime, request time signals from the judge. If you do ask for time signals, do not rely on them. Sometimes judges forget.
- During Speech Etiquette: Never enter a room during a speech. Also don't enter unless you are late or have been double entered. Don't leave the room until the round is over unless you absolutely must or if you are double entered.
- During Tournament Etiquette: Understand that your behavior during the tournament reflects on you, your team AND the GVFL.
It reflects on you AND can actually hurt you in competition. If you act immaturely or irresponsibly judges are more likely to find every little thing wrong with your piece/speech/debate they can.
It reflects on your team. Some teams in the past have had the reputation of being rowdy, loud and even messy. You don't want to be that team, do you?
It reflects on the GVFL. The GVFL, including all the teams of competitors, coaches and judges, are guests in whatever school the tournament is in. Irresponsible behavior on your part may result in never being able to have a tournament at that school again.
So next time you think about doing something that you know is wrong or just plain dumb at a tournament, do us a favor and don't do it or at least save it for when you return home. Thank you.
- Know What Judges Look For: Often judges go beyond the constraints of the ballot. Take a look at the Judging Tips to get an idea of the types of things judges look for.
- Problems, Questions: When in doubt, seek answers from your coach. Believe it or not, they are there FOR YOU and WANT to help you. And don't forget to thank them from time to time too!
If you have any questions or you have a tip you would like added to the list, please contact us.
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