Reflections from DIA’s 2025 Judges Fellowship
Ever found yourself nervously pacing in a breakout room, waiting for the adjudicator to deliver the Oral Adjudication (OA)? Or maybe you’ve sat on a judging panel, pen in hand, wondering how to do justice to both the logic and emotion of a fiery debate? Welcome to the delicate dance that is Oral Adjudication — where fairness meets feedback, and accountability meets artistry.
Let’s unpack what OA really is (and isn’t), and how you can do it like a pro — or at least avoid the classic rookie traps.
First Things First: What Is OA Not?
- It’s not a rerun of the debate.
- It’s not the time to flex your own analysis.
- And no, it’s definitely not a roast session.
OA isn’t about you — it’s about the teams. It’s about two things:
- Accountability – explaining how and why you reached your decision.
- Education – helping debaters grow with constructive, useful feedback.
So, don’t be that judge who delivers a TED Talk about “how you would have run the case.” Be the judge who makes the room nod in understanding — even if they disagree.
The Art of Delivery
Let’s be honest — judging isn’t always thrilling. But your OA should never feel like a chore. A few golden rules:
- Keep your camera on (especially online — multitasking shows).
- Be sharp, be precise – no one wants a 15-minute monologue.
- Respect the teams – they’ve worked hard. Your tone matters.
- Don’t play favorites – have fun, but not too much fun.
Pro-Tip: Take Notes Like a Boss
Before you even start speaking, make sure you’ve got your feedback game plan in order. During deliberation, scribble down:
- The key clashes in the debate.
- How each team engaged (or didn’t) with these themes.
- What set the winning team apart.
Structure matters. A quick go-to order:
- General Feedback – What stood out?
- Thematic Engagement – Who tackled what, and how well?
- Room to Improve – Always, always leave them with something to work on.
Explaining the Debate: Break It Down
OA isn’t a summary — it’s an explanation.
Touch on all the main themes. Acknowledge arguments from both sides. Use the language of the debaters — mirror their framing so they feel heard.
Sometimes, the debate’s weighing wasn’t clear. That’s on you now. Make the decision logical. Think of yourself as a tour guide through the mind of the panel.
Public Speaking Feedback
Adjudicators should train to provide delivery-focused feedback using constructive language. Break it down into three tiers:
Exceeds Expectations – Confident delivery, good pacing, strong audience engagement, effective storytelling.
Meets Expectations – Maintains eye contact, handles pressure, good time use, logical structure.
Needs Improvement – Nervous tone, weak engagement, unclear points, poor time control.
Building Reflection Culture
Encourage speaker self-evaluation through guided reflection questions like:
- What theme did you think won the round, and why?
- How did you structure your time?
- Where do you think your team lost ground?
- How do you respond to feedback emotionally and strategically?
Avoid These Pitfalls
- Over-crediting the 3rd neg or last speaker just because they sounded flashy.
- Dropping inappropriate language – professionalism is non-negotiable.
- Giving vague calls – say it clearly: “This was a 2-1 split, with Opening Government taking the win.”
Adding That Personal Touch
If time allows, give personal feedback to individual speakers. And don’t forget: public speaking matters too. Help debaters improve their delivery, not just their content.
Some phrases to keep in mind:
Exceeds Expectations:
- “You used storytelling effectively to drive home your points.”
- “Your pacing and tone helped make complex arguments easy to follow.”
Meets Expectations:
- “You handled pressure well and kept your composure.”
- “Good time management and clarity in summarizing key points.”
Needs Improvement:
- “You rushed through some ideas, making them hard to follow.”
- “Try to engage the audience more – it’ll give your speeches more impact.”
Want to go deeper? Ask speakers to self-reflect with questions like:
- “What’s your favorite speech you’ve ever given, and why?”
- “How do you handle nerves before speaking?”
- “What have you learned from watching other debaters?”
Remember That:
Oral Adjudication isn’t just about declaring a winner. It’s about helping everyone in the room leave better than they came in. Whether you’re a veteran adjudicator or just got your first judging assignment, always remember:
Judging is a responsibility.
OA is your moment to live up to it.
So go on — give the OA you wish you’d received.
References
- Giving oral adjudications by Noluthando Honono: https://youtu.be/EFkh7xxe5kw?si=bixUTUn6qSCIvELz
- “How To Give An Effective Oral Adjudication” – by Daniel Maier Gant, Nepal Australs CAP 2021: https://youtu.be/S8P3JRdALFQ?si=iyhEDma9efbzBQdv
