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<p>The Rebekahs and Odd Fellows sponsor a wonderful summer program called the UN Pilgrimage. Part of the deal is that the participants get a chance to compete for a scholarship by giving a speech.</p>
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<p>Our local Rebeckahs and Odd Fellows sponsor a speech competition annually and award the winner the trip and the chance to get that scholarship. Two years ago one of the boybarians won here and then placed second against kids from all over the world. Since then, and because I judged speech and debate for a few years we've been asked to judge here in Alberta.</p>
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<p>I have no problem with that. What I do have a problem with is that today there are only two contestants. Two. Now you might be thinking that this isn't going to be hard. But put yourself in my shoes. The best possible outcome here is if both are absolutely fabulous speakers. Tough choice, but in the end you know that you have judged quality. The worst possible outcome is that one is absolutely mediocre. "Slam dunk!" you say, but try looking into the cow eyes of the loser and the "Shit, I had no competition" expression of the winner. Somewhere in the middle lies the option of having both be mediocre. You get the chance of choosing the best of the worst.</p>
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<p>Gah.</p>
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<p>There are two prizes, the first, and a really wonderful second prize - a week at a camp here in the Rockies at a model UN. I just wish there were 3 or 4 more contestants.</p>
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<p>Our local Rebeckahs and Odd Fellows sponsor a speech competition annually and award the winner the trip and the chance to get that scholarship. Two years ago one of the boybarians won here and then placed second against kids from all over the world. Since then, and because I judged speech and debate for a few years we've been asked to judge here in Alberta.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have no problem with that. What I do have a problem with is that today there are only two contestants. Two. Now you might be thinking that this isn't going to be hard. But put yourself in my shoes. The best possible outcome here is if both are absolutely fabulous speakers. Tough choice, but in the end you know that you have judged quality. The worst possible outcome is that one is absolutely mediocre. "Slam dunk!" you say, but try looking into the cow eyes of the loser and the "Shit, I had no competition" expression of the winner. Somewhere in the middle lies the option of having both be mediocre. You get the chance of choosing the best of the worst.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Gah.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are two prizes, the first, and a really wonderful second prize - a week at a camp here in the Rockies at a model UN. I just wish there were 3 or 4 more contestants.</p>
