I did LD for 2 years and coached for another two at Pittsburgh Central Catholic. I am now coaching debate at Oakland Catholic High School, and this is my first year back in a few years.

I'll vote on anything. However, if you're going to go for something, it must be extended in each speech. You should try and write my ballot for me at the end of the round by giving me 2-3 of your best arguments and going for them. If I look confused it is because I am confused, so try to not do that. I pay attention to cross x, but I don't flow it.

Be confident but don't be rude, there's a big big difference. I prefer that you have more offensive (your flow) than defensive arguments (your opponents flow), but you need to have both in order to win the round.

I will let you know if you are going too fast.

If you have any specific questions let me know and I'll be sure to answer them before the round.

For all Debate Events:

I am what you would consider a "lay" parent judge. Please do not spread or talk super fast, talk clearly and slowly or else I won't be able to write down your arguments. Also, I enjoy good clash between teams, but please always be respectful and polite to your opponents as this is an educational activity. Finally, for PF, I do encourage, but don't require, for the 2nd speaking team's rebuttal to refute the points made in the first team's rebuttal. For speaker points, I start each debater at 25, and then based off of the quality and delivery of speeches, I will either raise or lower this score. I usually give both members of a PF team the same speaking score. I will rarely give a 30 and I will only give this score if outstanding and superior speech delivery and persuasion tactics are shown.

For all Speech Events:

Have good understanding of the material. Speak clearly and coherently. Very thorough and understandable presentation of the material.

Regardless of speech or debate, all competitors should emulate good sportsmanship and be respectful during the competition. Examples of what this means:

> Paying attention while your opponent/competitor is presenting. (NOT goofing off on your phone or talking with a friend in the room).

> Being respectful and courteous, whether after a presentation or during debate cross-fires.

Debate Event Specific: Clear articulated and respectful debates. The pace of speaking should not be so rapid that the judge cannot clearly discern arguments being made. Additionally, while debate clashing is key, debate is still an exercise of public speaking, so be mindful of presentation skills.