Back of the room

When I posted about my son's speech contests, I mentioned that I had never heard him. It turns out, I probably never will.

I shadowed my husband while he judged over the weekend so that I could get the feel of it. His second round was judging seven of my son's over two hundred competitors in  "Extemporaneous Speaking". It was in "Make up Room C" behind the auditorium stage, a small, windowless room. There were chairs for three judges and room for the speaker. The rules state that there will be no observers, recording, etc. I guess it makes sense. Later speakers may be addressing the same question.  I left my husband to his task. Not only was I unable to see my son, I couldn't watch any of the competition.

Now I can picture my son presenting his arguments, not to the world, but to three judges in a small, windowless room.

It doesn't seem right.