Debate:

I prefer that you articulate your arguments with intent to persuade me. Therefore, don't spread because I do not find it persuasive.

I do not like off time road maps but I allow them.

I will not time the transfer of evidence but prep time starts once you have the evidence.

Please advance the debate rather than repeat contentions.

I enjoy appropriate clash. I expect civility even in heated cross examination.

I disapprove of tag teaming but I will not score it down unless it becomes too excessive.

In LD I expect the debater will make it very clear how the case upholds the value. I score down when the value debate becomes separate from the evidence based debate and neither support the other in any clear manner.

Speech:

I look for the speaker to make connection with the audience. Points are given when you can create an audience impact through emotion or logic.

In interpretive events and OO I expect very clean and precise blocking.

In extemporaneous and impromptu events I expect structured speeches with a sense of polish despite the short prep time. I will score down if an impromptu speech appears canned or the connection to the selected topic is a stretch.

In my ~9 years being involved in Debate, I've come to understand debate as competitive storytelling. In a round, you're essentially telling me a story about the resolution: who is effected by the res, what happens when we adopt the res, and why that matters. Whichever side best articulates a world post resolution - as well as telling me why that world is good or bad in comparison to the other side's world - wins the ballot.

I want to do the least amount of work possible when making my decision. Your voter speech should make it clear to me what arguments I am voting on, and how I am weighing them in the round. The more that you leave the judge in the dark, the higher the chance the round is just a coin toss. Don't let that happen, make it crystal clear why you win. I don't want to have to sift through the flow to find your winning argument.

Generally, I'm fine with whatever arguments you want to run (Kritiks, CPs, Theory) in any format, as long as you justify that argument well enough. Love me some critical arguments, but please don't just drop "hyperreal" or some equally obscure term and expect your judges and opponents to know what that is.

Any questions before or after round, just ask!

cmcurtiss@gmail.com

Overall I am a communications style judge.

For Public Forum/Lincoln Douglas:

I'm often a beginner on the topic so clarify any acronyms/abbreviations, uncommon terms, and/or advanced concepts when used.

Your off-time road map, as well as clear signposting during your speech, are important and appreciated for my notetaking. Slow down and really emphasize each of your contentions and evidence tag lines so that I can make myself notes.

As for speed: I'm OK with a fairly fast pace presentation as long as you are completely understandable using good diction and clarity and that the arguments are clear. If you lose me, you've lost the argument. I suggest that you consider presenting your best arguments well and skip just trying to squeeze more in.

I like line-by-line refutation of arguments presented by the opposing team.

Respectful clash in cross makes debate interesting and helps me be attentive.

I will compare and weigh the arguments presented, including likely and convincing impacts.

End with voters and impacts...go ahead and write my ballot for me in your final speech :)

In Lincoln Douglas debate, all the above information applies. I think definitions, resolution analysis, and framework are an important and interesting part of this style of debate but don't make them the only focus of your argumentation. I love to hear clear and specific arguments about the topic. I will base my vote on any and all arguments presented.

Policy Debate:

I don't prefer judging policy debate, so if I am sitting in front of you as your judge in policy it is because no one else was available. I'll do my best for you, but consider me a "Comms" judge, a mom one to boot! Please avoid debate abbreviations and jargon as much as possible, taking time to translate debate lingo in my brain distracts me from understanding your important information.

Speed will NOT be in your favor. Slow down, start from the beginning, define terms, present your best arguments, and explain it all to me. Do not just read your evidence cards and expect me to interpret how that supports your case, tell me what it means.

I will judge on stock issues like topicality, inherency, and solvency, but I would prefer to be weighing really good arguments with supporting evidence provided by both sides. I take notes about the information presented, but I don't "flow" the way you do. You should directly refute the arguments presented by the opposing team, but rarely do I vote purely on "flow through" unrefuted sub-points. Generally, I'm looking for the evidence and arguments that are most believable for me. In terms of impacts, I will prefer the likelihood of negative impacts occurring over the magnitude of devastation. Good luck!

Congress:

I love well organized and passionately presented arguments designed to convince your fellow Representatives to vote with you. Well researched and prepared speeches are appreciated, but how they are presented definitely impacts the score I give. Eye contact and presentation with purposeful variation in volume, tone, pace, and inflection for impact and persuasion will set you apart for me.

The bills and resolutions being argued are interesting, but I like the discussion to move forward. So, if you have a prepared speech that just restates points already presented, I would prefer you didn't give it. I like it when speeches given later in the discussion refer to points previously made by other representatives and either support or refute them. I also think that extemporaneously style speeches with fresh points given later in the discussion can be impactful, so feel free to listen to the discussion, use your brain, common sense, and add something meaningful to the discussion even if you did not originally have something prepared for this bill.

Arguments should be clear, compelling, and logical. I am open to many styles and do not feel dogmatic about any specific paradigm. I expect debaters to manifest respect and decorum, while debating to win. Debate is training for "real-world" activities and debaters must quickly adapt to a given argument or style. I will do the same as a judge.

About me: I am a college Communication instructor and occasionally judge on the college circuit. I also have experience as a High School S & D coach.

Paradigm: My judging paradigm is best categorized as a Policymaker. I will vote for the better case (or, status quo). I would also categorize my judging as 'comms.'

Presentation: I do not mind spreading if your tag is clear and well-spoken. If I can’t understand you or keep up, I will not flow your argument. Please roadmap and signpost. This does a couple of things- (1) helps me flow and (2) shows me that you understand the structure of your case and your opponent's arguments as well. I like formality and respect at all times.

Argumentation: I want to hear a well thought-out case that demonstrates understanding of the topic at hand. I want to hear clash and clear rebuttals. I have no set criteria for number of arguments presented, but if you introduce something, be prepared to defend your position to the end of the debate. I do not mind tag-team for Policy as long as it is agreed upon before commencement of the round by both teams.

Do not introduce theoretical or kritical arguments unless you understand them and can demonstrate linkage to the round. Generic arguments do little to advance the intent of the round.

As a Judge This is what I expect:

Above all else respect for other participants.

Clarity- Debaters should clearly and precisely articulating their arguments. Over technically language should be avoided as it my hinder clarity of the argument.

Evidence-All evidence must be credible and relevant the the presented argument.

You will be judged on clarity, persuasive language arguments, content, delivery and strategy.

I am a scientific individual, I am listening for credible facts, quotes, sources and empirical evidence.

Be knowledgeable on the topic, if a question is asked I expect some type of answer, not "I don't know".

Presentation of your argument(s) is a factor as well, your job is to persuade me to vote with you. Congress specifically, don't just read your speech, make eye contact and let us hear your passion and research that you've completed.

Elaborate on the impacts using the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where and why).

Tabula rasa

Speaking skills/Communications

I expect professionalism at all times from all involved - competitors, judges, and observers are expected to be respectful of themselves and one another, and of the judge.  Please speak slowly and clearly, I need to be able to hear and understand everything you say. I am happy to keep time for you, or you can keep your own, just tell me what you prefer.  I will keep time for my own awareness either way.  If someone goes over time, it is my job to call it, not the opponent.  Make sure your contentions are clear.  Thank you!

Experience: Sixth year judging high school debate ... still just a mom judge.

Paradigm: I'm going to vote on the flow, and clash. Crystallize! Quality is better than Quantity for Voters.

I'm fine with spreading, just make sure I catch your tag lines if you want it on my flow. You can run Theory and/or Kritic to your heart's content. Don't get mad at me if I don't get the point ... it is your job to sell it, I'm not required to buy it.

I was a debater in high school and have continued to experience and attempt a wide array of techniques in persuasive speaking. My orientation is generally old school, I will flow and focus on the framework and stock issues. I like structure and speakers who can develop and use it to their end. I do heavily value communication and speaking skills. I will be considering different facets of the round, from constructive speeches, to cross, to rebuttals, to the speaker/teams' overall presence. I am open to creative and even revolutionary arguments, but in attempting them you don't get a pass on linking it up and showing your work.

I have read and try to be knowledgeable about the rules. I am pretty laissez faire and will give you reasonable latitude. I'd prefer the round not be perceived as turning on some technicality and don't intend to advance that view. Many lines - like between new evidence versus new argument - can be blurry. If you feel like you might be crossing the line, I may not scream and wave my arms but I will be paying attention, and everything might fit into the eventual picture.

A well-executed spread is a thing of beauty. A poorly-executed spread is not beautiful and will likely cause a headache. I like debaters who vary techniques (even within the round), roll with the punches, develop arguments versus blazing through their killer blocks, and can understand/explain why this card matters. You should be looking up more than down.

You will not categorically lose my ballot if you are aggressive, condescending, or repeatedly use the word "abusive," but none of these qualities will aid your cause. We should all be pursuing the goal of effective but dignified and respectful communication.