I will judge according to WSFA and NSDA rules. I am looking for debaters to persuade me using good communication skills and authoritative evidence. Communicating effectively means confidently stating your case; speaking in comprehensible and well-formed sentences (no debate lingo); talking at a rate you choose so long as you make it understandable; making eye contact with me and, as appropriate, with your competitors; and showing a deep understanding of your position by being able to acknowledge its flaws and explain why they aren’t important in the framework you are urging me to adopt.

I value compliance with the WSFA Rules of Evidence In Debate 4.1, 4.2 (first time a source or evidence is used, debater is to state qualifications of author (name, publication, date of publication, and pages)); see also NSDA Unified High School Manual, Evidence Rules (in all debate events, contestants are expected to deliver, at a minimum, primary author(s)’ last name and year of publication).

Your job is to persuade me with a well-constructed argument, not to beat up your opponent. Presentation is important but I have given wins to lower-point speakers. Comport yourself honorably and courteously to everyone at all times.

I am a former NSDA speech and debate coach. My background includes 23 years of practicing law as a litigator; moot court competition semi-finalist; English teacher; and speech and writing tutor at secondary and university levels.

4 years LD in high school, won second at state my senior year (2016).

Strong preference for traditional style value/criterion debate. It will be very difficult to win my ballot using progressive style tactics; go to policy.

I am generally unsympathetic to esoteric metadebates and won't vote for non-topical arguments unless your theory is well applied and your opponent did something truly deserving of a theory response.

I lean truth over tech but its difficult to win with conceded arguments on the flow.

I want direct clash. Substantively engage with your opponent's points.

Speed is ok, but debate should be coherent. I will say slow and clear as necessary; be cognizant of the online environment.

I will vote for the better debater.

TLDR:

Read whatever you’d like.