By Eesha Kothini, @eeshakothinti | Sussex Hamilton High School, WI
Go beyond the official rubric to reveal the unwritten expectations of role-play judges to truly understand what it takes to score well. Learn from several experienced judges about the details that separate the solid role-plays from the unforgettable ones.
First Impressions Set the Stage for Success
Judges repeatedly emphasized that the first few seconds can make or break a role-play; many state they can tell how the role-play will go from the greeting alone.
- A confident handshake, strong eye contact and natural posture go a long way in making a good impression.
- Practice your introduction until it feels natural, not memorized.
- Match the tone of the scenario, more relaxed with a “store manager,” more formal with a “CEO.”
One judge shared, “When I’m reviewing contestants at the end of the day, the initial presence really matters.” Those who start strong often keep that energy throughout the role-play.
Confidence Over Perfection
Every judge agreed: mistakes happen, what matters is staying composed and moving forward confidently. Taking steps to recover from a mistake seamlessly demonstrates real-life skills.
- Don’t backtrack or get out of character; the judge likely won’t notice the slip-up, or is willing to move on as long as the transition is natural.
- Maintain steady pacing and tone throughout the role-play; confidence can mask uncertainty on a topic when applied well.
Another judge added that some presentations “unravel over a single mistake or error.” At the same time, experienced competitors tend to “fake it till they make it” and carry on without hesitation, no matter the mistake.
Think Like a Decision Maker
Judges notice when competitors move beyond creative ideas to realistic business thinking.
- Use logistics to explain exactly how a plan you created could be implemented; who, what, when and how.
- Mention costs, resources and timelines in a plan that is both innovative and simple, yet easily understood.
- Connect your ideas to measurable benefits for the company or organization, and use data or statistics to strengthen your role-play.
- Keep your solutions feasible; judges can tell when something's too idealistic or unattainable.
One judge shared that the strongest competitors “tell a cohesive story”; they restate the main issue, identify the gap and explain how their solution effectively and efficiently fills it.
Judges agree that confidence, clarity and authenticity have the biggest impact on the outcome of a roleplay. A strong impression, realistic ideas and genuine enthusiasm are what turn a good role-play into a memorable one.
