Top 10: Mistakes Judges Make
From Stepping Up
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Science Fairs are competitions. They are fun. But they are still competitions. There are numerous variables at play in the whole science fair business. The variable that interest participants the most is the judging aspect. It is worth noting that judges are individuals, and that individuals come with differences. This is not something negative, but it is something worth remembering. Each judge and each presentation is a standup routine. They are like a performance. Thus, you need to be flexible and adaptive.
Since we are all human, it's fair to say that judges can make mistakes too. This section will give you a chance to think around this issue.
#10. I Know More Than My Judge!
It is very possible -- and it happens often -- that a project and its presenters are more specialized than the actual judge. This happens. Please note that this is not a point of arrogance. (By the way, arrogance will not get you very far!) This is simply a reminder that participants may have spent months, or sometimes years, working in their specialized field, whereas the judge only a glance at the resulting abstract. Be diplomatic in these circumstances -- but make sure to identify the scenario when it presents itself!
#9. "Je ne parle pas français" & "I don't speak English"
Yes, this is real. In this wonderfully multilingual country that we have, the official languages are English and français. This is great because languages are cool. However, this can lead to a communication barrier at the national and international science fairs. As a participant, you want to make sure you understand your judge, and that your judge understands you. Be sure to make sure you are linguistically matched from the beginning. If you are to encounter language problems, please seek out your regional delegates immediately. Why? You do not want your Astronomy project to be understood in terms of Astrology. That's not cool.
#8. My Judge and My Category are Mutually Exclusive
If it suddenly becomes apparent that your mechatronics project is being judged by someone with a life science background, it may be necessary to fix this "problem". Be diplomatic. This type of error rarely occurs, but it is a good idea to keep an eye out for it.
#7. What if My Judge Corners Me?
#6. My Judge is Mocking Me
Take it lightly. Just move on.
#5. I am Being Asked to Prove my Credibility
Highly-specialized projects, especially those in an obscure field, are often scrutinized for signs of plagiarism. Clearly, you did not plagiarize. But it is possible that judges cause you a headache. Stay calm. Defend yourself. Hold your ground. But do NOT sound belittled. Judges have to make sure your project is your work. If it is not your work, then you're on your own (joking, but yeah).
#4. My Judge Thinks I had too Much Help
Similar to #5. Justify the type of assistance you had. Draw their attention into the depth of your work.
#3. My Judge's Not Letting Me Speak
Some judges like to talk -- a lot. Since you are running against the clock, try to nod their attention away by interrupting them and looking away from them for a few seconds while facing your board.
#2. My Judge Doesn't Get Me
Scope out a feel for your judge. Each of them. Cater your presentation to each judge differently. Think on your feet. Do not treat your project like a rehearsed presentation.
#1. Administrative Error
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