This post is a continuation of our conversation with Clare. If you haven’t already, read the previous part here:

Fix This One Thing to Win Your Next Outround

Clare, in the last article, we told you about the importance of taking care of your body. Today, we discuss the mind of an outround judge.

In the context of forensic speaking, Dominance means looking like you deserve to win. 

Here’s what you and I know.

No one deserves to win, and there is no objectively correct choice. The judge can vote for whomever they like. It is your responsibility to earn victory, no matter who your judge or opponent is or what other circumstances influence the round.

This is critical theory; something we constantly affirm to our students here at Ace Peak. Judges hear it in orientation. But deep down, almost no one believes it.

Here’s what community judges think.

“Everyone else knows this activity, but I don’t. I’m going to mess everything up by making the wrong choice. I need to vote for the team that deserves to win - the one that no one will blame me for voting for.”

Here’s what parent judges think.

“I just watched my kid thrash his opponent in the last round and then not advance. He was robbed! I know, I know: the judge is always right. But I’m sick of hearing that. My kid was the superior speaker, and should have advanced. Now I’m the judge, and I can do better.”

In early rounds, the stakes are low.

Judges are more comfortable voting on things that happen in the round, like someone winning a specific argument.

In outrounds, everyone can feel the pressure.

Judges are less interested in who won the debate, and more in who belongs in the next outround. In qualifying rounds, this is the primary determining factor. In the final round of the national tournament, this is almost exclusively what judges look for.

Here’s how you can turn this to your advantage.

Think of outrounds as auditions for higher-level competition. Exude calm confidence. Never whine, complain, appeal to fairness, or otherwise show weakness. Show that you have earned your place in this room, and you are simply better than your opponent. Show the community judge that if you win, no one will be surprised or upset. Show the parent that you are the “real deal,” someone who can represent this activity well and ought to be looked up to by younger kids. 

We have another tip coming in the next article.