First Reads
by Shirlee Whitcomb
The most exciting judging experience, and without a doubt, the truest
test of the judge’s recognition skills is the “first read.” Senses
are sharper, there are no preconceived ideas about what the show will be,
and the performance is at its freshest because repeated viewings have not
yet diminished the elements of surprise or effect. We are usually excited
to see a guard for the first time. For most WGI judges, almost every viewing
at a Regional will be a first read.
A few things put a damper on this exciting part of our job. There are
often concerns about scoring. Frequently there is performance anxiety about
use of the right terminology. There is the knowledge that our own work
(the tape) will be critiqued by a caption facilitator, and even that the
instructor might perceive that we’ve missed half the show. Performance
anxiety on the part of the judge is no small consideration in the first
read scenario.
In our diligent efforts to bring the standards of adjudication to its
highest level of accountability, we have provided a whole array of tools
for the judge to consider in this process – criteria reference --
placemats – accountability tote sheets – scoring mandates – block
scores, etc. You are busy taking notes and trying to be accountable at
every possible level, and on top of that you are supposed to enjoy the
shows and the kids.
Except for the criteria reference, all of the tools are “training
wheels” intended to help you learn your caption so fully that it
becomes engrained in your mind to a point where it automatically becomes
the channel through which each show is judged. If you have truly learned
all the material about your caption and the tenets of judging and the scoring
process, then the need for these tools and the apprehensions should diminish
significantly, serving only as occasional checks and balances to assure
yourself you are on target.
The judge who knows the philosophy inside out, the judge who is secure
in their communication style, the judge who is fully secure in the tenets
of judging, and who knows what a number means, will be able to judge “instinctively” allowing
their intuitive understanding of the caption to guide them through a truly
enjoyable experience.
The best advice to offer those who have any trepidation at all about
first reads is this: Don’t hold back in the natural flow of your
observations. Let the security of your knowledge support the observations
you make. Be open, honest, and clear in your recognitions. Don’t
contrive your dialog or your responses. Let the guards know when you are
impressed and let them know if some aspect of the show leaves you feeling
concerned or unclear. Let your tone of voice convey that unspoken but vital
aspect of your recognitions.
Fear of saying what you are thinking, or lack of confidence in your own
responses can impair the credibility of the tape dialog and it can impact
on the validity of the scoring process. Fear of assigning a score because
it may not “line up” or because it isn’t in the block
range, or because the instructor will be angry, will absolutely impair
the quality of the tape as well as the accuracy of the score.
The best judges are secure in their knowledge of the system and the caption,
and confident in their ability to evaluate the programs through that focus.
They are natural in their delivery because they know that the necessary
information is inherently engrained in them. They judge intuitively. There
is no fear of first reads. First reads are welcomed and exciting challenges.
