Please do not speed read, as it is hard to follow arguments when someone is talking too fast. Please do not shout your argument at the judge. Although I appreciate a passionate argument, shouting raises blood pressure and is very distracting. If you are trying to persuade someone of something, shouting is generally not an effective measure.

I'm a parent judge and so I have very basic but specific guidelines:

1. Share an outline or roadmap at the beginning that is not only clear but that you follow in your presentation (If it does not flow, I cannot follow).

2. Speak at a moderate pace so that it is easy to follow and understand.

3. Following speaker etiquette is important. While I may not vote down a debater for rudeness or lack of etiquette, it will affect their speaker points.

4. Strongly prefer traditional debates so please do not use progressive tactics (e.g., no spreading, no kritiks).

5. During cross fires, please do not ask questions for questions sake... recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity to ask probing questions to either clarify a point or expose a flaw in your opponents statements.

6. (For LD) Aff has a burden to show the resolution is, generally speaking, a true statement. Neg has the burden to show it is a false statement.

Flowy debate judge. Values concise and orderly substantive clash (on warrants, links, and impacts), good time management, consistent strategy, effective use of cross ex, and signposting. Mostly tabula rasa but dings for gross fantasy and adds points for good argumentative use of accurate knowledge of real world. No speaks given for extensive use of debate jargon. Spreading fine as long as the diction is crystalline.

I am a lay judge who has been judging speech and debate for about a year. I will vote for the debater(s) who extend their argument and clash with their opponent's case the best. I (and perhaps your opponent too) will not be able to understand your arguments if you spread, so do not or I will vote you down. Besides that, keep it respectful. As for speech events, just try to make a genuine connection with me. If you're able to do so, it will reflect well on your ranking.