I am a coach and a traditional type of judge.

Generally, while I don't mind a debater talking fast, I loathe spreading or spewing. I do not think there is any skill in just talking fast. If i cannot keep with your arguments in my flow, you risk losing the round.

In LD, because it is a value debate, I tend to focus on Value and value criterion in judging rounds. Your contentions should be connected to your value and criterion. I don't see a problem with counter-plans but they should be presented in the context to prove your value and value criterion.

In PF the winning team will have a well researched, well organized case. A strong framework is important, and the team that can show, through their evidence and their arguments, impacts will likely win.

I debated policy all through high school. I'm currently one of the coaches for Cedar Valley HS. I don't have a problem with speed.

I was a debater in high school, and I have loved debating ever since I started in the 9th grade. As I judge I am looking for convincing evidence and confidence. As long as your evidence is convincing, and you are confident about your case, you will get my vote.

When I was a High School student at Mountain View H.S. in Orem Utah. I participated in Policy Debate. After graduating, I then went on and was accepted on the University of Utah's debate team and competed in the NDT Circuit for a year. After graduation, I volunteered several times to judge high school debate tournaments as an alumnus for MVHS. Much later I became involved with debate again with Skyridge High School as the assistant coach.

I love a good policy debate! I have come to appreciate and respect Public Forum. I also have a fondness for Lincoln Douglas as I was initially a Philosophy and Political Science major at the UofU before moving into Computer Science. I will judge Individual Events, but I feel inadequate at times in this area.

Speed of speaking is not an issue for me. I will flow the entire round save perhaps the rebuttal speeches. I do request that the speaker is able to face the judges and also have their mouth be visible. I am somewhat hard of hearing and having a visual indicator of speech helps me understand better. Clarity should not be sacrificed for speed. If you cannot speak clearly at high speed you should slow down. I will not penalize teams who speak more slowly and thus are required to group arguments. The most persuasive argument should win regardless of speed of delivery.

I try to be a Tabula Rasa style judge and leave my personal political leanings outside of the room. I will vote for arguments that I find distasteful if I believe that they have been presented clearly and persuasively and the alternate team has not defended well against them. I count myself as a politically moderate independent.

I will vote for Topicality arguments if they are presented well. I will vote for a Kritik. I will vote for a Counterplan. I would prefer to have clash though and see a good policy debate. I do not mind tag team cross examination. Please be respectful of one another.

I prefer to disclose and give oral critiques if I am allowed to by the tournament organizer.

Best of luck to the competitors and participants! My goal is to help spread debate and critical thinking. Even if I vote against your team, I hope that you have a positive experience.

For email chain exchanges please use vbillings@entangling.net

While I don't have a long history of being involved in debate, I can follow a good argument. My primary concerns are 1, your argument is topical and argue the resolve; 2, your contentions are based on evidence with sources; 3, you have claims, warrants, and impacts; 4, you attack the opposition case with logic and reasoning to expose vulnerabilities; and 5, you successfully defend against attacks on your own case using logic and evidence. I try to vote based on the best cases, speakers, and arguments of the round. I appreciate a traditional debate.

Also: Any sentences that begins with "Judge, you cannot vote for them," or "Judge, you must vote for our case," will make me not want to vote for you. Don't tell me what to do; I will do what I deem the best and most fair. However, saying things like "Judge, Their contention fails on this point," or "Judge, our case should win because of..." are acceptable, as are detailing the voters.

I appreciate a polite and civil debate. If you show disdain for your competitor, I will have a hard time wanting to vote for your position, however a solid case and sound logic will win over likeability. I just won't be happy about it.

I do not disclose, unless the tournament asks us to, nor do I give critiques. Giving critiques is basically the same as disclosing, since I have no poker face.

email: mike.del.brown@gmail.com

Make your most compelling and coherent case. Less is more. Don't make a flurry of weak arguments just to suck time from your opponents and then drop them. Mostly this just sucks my motivation to vote for you.

Provide clear signposts, be articulate, and enunciate so I can easily flow your case. Pauses, emphasis, and eye contact on key points are powerful tools. I flow from your speech, not the email chain. Don't bet that I won't miss something; use your delivery to stack the odds in your favor.

I'm so old that I was around when spreading was spewing, and spewing was cool. I'm increasingly convinced that a monotone, hyperventilated list of bullet points and mumbled reading of evidence is the death of compelling, argumentation. Rather than throw out as many arguments as possible, find the weakest part of your opponent's argument, and put a big, persuasive hole in it.

Neg conditionality isn't a get out of jail free card. If you are making a bunch of arguments, I'll look at them together. For example, if you run a counterplan that violates your K, you are telling me not to vote for either.

Explain your arguments. Don't assume I understand the jargon or theory. Even if I do understand it, don't use jargon as a shorthand substitute for effectively explaining the substance your argument.

The starting point is a debate on the resolution. If you'd prefer to read poetry, discuss the pointlessness of existence, or posit that debating the topic is a bad idea, then you will have to be extra persuasive to win.

Frame the debate and justify your arguments. If you don't make it clear why an argument is worth voting for, then I probably won’t.

Respect your opponents and have fun - enjoy the experience, learn something new, and make friends!

Or, ignore all of this, and spend the next week complaining about your judge!

Do not speak too quickly as it does not allow me to fully grasp what you are saying. I understand that sometimes a lot of information needs to be shared, but not at the expense of understanding for those listening.

Pretend that I know nothing (but I do, I have a lot of judging experience) about your topic, which sometimes may be true, and explain what you think I may not know for clarity (i.e. abbreviations, acronyms, jargon, etc). Then convince me why your side should win.

I like logical arguments that make sense and are easy to follow. Originality is great as well. Please do not spew, I cannot follow it. You can still talk fast, just make sure I can understand what you are saying. Try to avoid filler words as much as possible .Eye contact is also important. Voters/impacts are also great. Tell me why you win the round. For LD, I enjoy a good traditional round, don't lose the framework (value/criterion).

I am more traditional. I enjoy statistics from reputable sources that support your case. I judge based on who persuades me to their side. I prefer you not to spread. I can follow most of your case if you spread, but i have had people go to fast and they only way I understood their case was on cross ex. If i cannot understand you it will be hard for you to win. I have been judging speech and debate events for 7-8 years and have judged most events.

I am like a debate dinosaur. Maybe not a dinosaur, but a majestic unicorn that wants to be understood. I have been doing this activity since 1991 and I have literally done/coached every event. I believe that this is a community and we should all treat each other with respect.

I can flow. My skills are not what they used to be, but I can flow. Please be super clear in your organization and if I can't understand you, I will let you know. I am good with theory and enjoy it when done well. I was debating in college when critical arguments became widespread. I understand them and value them. I don't have argument preference...do what makes you happy and pick a strategy that you thing you can win with. Please be clear with your decision calculus.

More specific paradigm will be given in round.

More of a tech. judge.

I prefer if you include me in the email chain or flash me your case. It makes it easier to flow, judge, and guarantees that I'll actually be able to judge your case. I can handle speed and spewing, but it's especially courteous to email chain or flash me if you're going to use speed. In the new online world of debate, the file share system works just fine, too.

No preference between progressive or traditional policy. However, word of warning, progressive policy is still based in the fundamentals of debate (unless you theory shell or off-case that) and so progressive policy is still expected to be in based in reasoning, argumentation, logic, and evidence.

I am a sophomore at the U of U. I did debate for four years at Summit Academy HS. I started out with PF and ended with LD so I am well versed in most debate styles. Don't be afraid to run what you want. I don't flow cross so if something comes up make sure to bring it up in your next speech. If you do spread add me to your email chain @omarfkhan14@gmail.com.

I'm a traditional judge. Overall, I look for professionalism and that as you debate you defend your case while working to defeat your opponents' case. If an opponent offers arguments/counter-arguments/evidence, you need to recognize and address it. Don't just ignore it or act as if it doesn't affect your case, otherwise it might end up doing just that.

LD: I want to see how your arguments tie into your Value and Value Criterion. Also make sure you're explaining why your Value should be the held above others in the round.

If you choose to use plans/counterplans, both parties need to accept them in the round, otherwise you'll have to argue as to whether it fits under the resolution.

Make sure your points are logical, tie into your evidence or value, and can show a clear path to the argument you're making.

PF: Make sure your arguments are logical. If you have a Framework, make sure your points tie to the Framework and that the philosophy strengthens your side of the resolution. If there is a contest of evidence, I may ask to view it.

I competed in Public Forum Debate all 4 years of highschool, 5A State Champion, National Qualifier 2 times, TOC Qualifier as well. I know what I'm doing, I know not only how to debate but also how to JUDGE a debate. When it comes to speech, I never really participated in any speech events, but I know what to expect. Evidence is HUGE, if the cards do not have a direct link, I do not go for long shots. I'm perfectly fine with speed, just please don't scream. Also if you don't KNOW your cases, I will know that you don't know. Study, be confident. You will do great!

Experience: I am a political science student at the U and I have been somewhat successful in PF. I am very familiar with PF and a little bit of LD, but not so much CX. If I am judging you in CX or LD I will not be very familiar with the material so I apologize if I am slow.

Debate: I vote on an impact calculus. Run whatever you want, just make sure to explain it. Also make sure in your rebuttals, tell me why you're better and why you won. Please time yourself, I will forget. I don't mind speed, but if I cannot understand you it will count against you.

Email chain: audreyypan@gmail.com

IEs: Speak clear. Tell me why you're here. Also if you're nervous don't worry I probably am too :)

Best of Luck!

Please include me on the email chain: kiarapengue@live.com

You’re also welcome to email me for whatever else as well.

Pronouns: she/her

Update For Alta:

This will be my first tournament on this topic. I have been out of debate for about three years now. With that being said, I will do my best to keep up, but you will have to do a bit more work on topic specific args in explanation/etc. Write my ballot for me please and thank you :D

Background:

I debated three years at Copper Hills, debated for a bit at Weber State under Ryan Wash.

I was primarily a K debater; running arguments focusing on fem/intersectional fem and critiques of debate. I'm open to any type of new argumentation as well.

(Conflicts: Copper Hills High School)

Shorter version:

You can run whatever you want, but I'd rather you run what you're good at, K or trad. With that being said, I have a HIGH burden on you explaining whatever argument you choose to run. Don't just assume I understand your theory (this is much more applicable to K debate over trad policy.) Write my ballot for me, please (what are you winning and why do you deserve to win?)

For the Aff:

For topical affs:

Contrary to what it may seem, I'm down with a good policy aff and traditional debates as a whole. However, I need some solid case debating, impact calc, etc. Alt causes and good case turns are also favored.

For K Affs:

No, your aff doesn't have to have a plan text and no, it doesn't *technically* have to have any relation to the topic (though it is preferred).

If I don't understand what the K aff is or does, then I'm likely not voting on it. Y'all can't just say "K aff :)" and call it good.

K v K debates = :)

On that note, I'm real picky about the perm in a K v K debate so make sure you do enough work on it

In FW debates, K affs need to prove why debate is necessary for your specific methodology as well as prove that the educational/etc impacts of the aff are the most important thing to weigh in the round.

For the Neg:

DA’s:

cool.

CP’s:

cool.

pics: if you're going to take the aff away from the aff, tell me why that's a good thing and something that I can vote on.

K’s:

I think the best K debates are ones that are specific and that have a meaning to them. I don't particularly like generics such as cap and security, but if it's done well I'll still vote on them. I feel the best part about K debate is that you get to specifically show your individualism and passion within the debate space. I don't have a high burden on alt solvency so long as the link is strong and clearly explained. But with all of that being said, I’d still rather see a traditional policy debate than a poor K debate.

T:

I actually really like topicality debates, my only comment for this is to make sure in your last speeches to give me clear voters, don’t expect me to just extend what you already said in your previous speeches.

For FW, I feel the TVA is especially important as it's your job to prove that the aff makes debate impossible.

Performance:

Yes, love this, read it, but that also means you have to explain it!! Make sure that the performance doesn’t get dropped in the debate.

other theory:

things I don't like: new affs bad, disclosure, speaks k, and prefs theory. I don't have any strong feelings about other theory args.

Speaker points:

I base a lot of my speaker points off of CX and your presence in the round. Everyone does debate for their own reasons, so let that show. If you are memorable and if you are passionate about what you’re talking about, you’ll probably get higher speaks. I think cross ex is valuable, I will be paying attention to it. This means that you could be losing the round but be getting better speaks.

I feel like this goes without saying but…

Please don’t be racist, sexist, transphobic, homophobic, etc. there’s also no need to be overly aggressive. This is a space where everyone is supposed to feel safe and comfortable, not a space where they feel that they aren’t welcome.

I am a coach of over 15 years for policy, pf, ld and all speech events at North Sanpete HS, Mission San Jose, Alta and Summit Academy, at Westlake High School and currently an Assistant Coach for Salem Hills High School.

In HS I competed in Speech events, LD and coached policy teams (there was no pf then).

I am the Chair for the NSDA Sundance District and former president for the UDCA. I have judged IE and debate events at the Nationals Level and have served on the pf wording committee. In other words, I know what I'm doing and know speech and debate very well!

I believe that you should give a well organized logical argument in any debate or speech. Topicality is imperative to a debate, and supporting and explaining your position on that topic is vital to a clear argument construct. If you don't say it, I didn't hear it. Don't assume I will know what your evidence means the same as you...

Policy debate should be relevant, and well understood by the competitors otherwise it will not be understood by the judges. I do not mind speed, but if it is so fast that I can no longer understand your words, then I can no longer understand your argument to judge it. K's and theory are fine as long as they go toward the overall value of the debate and topic. They should in no way demonize or devalue any individual or group of people asa part of the K. Analysis and connection of evidence/cards to the plan and solvency is imperative in making a good argument and being a good debater. Cards do not a case make, the debater does. Know your cards, know your plan, and know how they work to support and solve the inherency of the issues involved.

Public Forum should be a thoughtful discussion and not overly repeat questions and answers. Don't just read evidence and think it will make your argument for you. PF IS NOT just policy light....it is its own event with no plans and merits. Treat it well. Weighing and analysis of the topic, evidence, and oppositions arguments are imperative.

Lincoln Douglas should have a clear value and criterion from which to work from, and stay focused on topic and argument. Don't just read evidence and think it will make your argument for you. CARDS and EVIDENCE DO NOT A CASE MAKE...the debater does. Analysis, rebuttal, and connections to the value criterion are paramount in an LD round Plans are ok, as long as they are relevant, on topic, and are shown how they connect to the value criterion like any other argument in the case.

IEs should be unique, appropriate, and follow all structures outlined in their respective events. I look for organization, relevance, creativity and thoughtfulness as well as the presentation being engaging, and suitable for piece and audience. Remember when trying to engage an audience, one should want to help them understand, be brought into the conversation, and allowed to learn another perspective while still maintaining their own in the end. Try not to preach, demean, or ostracize your judge in your piece or presentation---even when controversial topic---they can be great, if done right.

I look for quality evidence that's well articulated and individuals/teams that have solid follow-through after constructive(s) to not only attack the contentions of their opponent(s) but to resubstantiate/resupport their own points in response to their opponent's attacks or what their opponent has dropped. Pre-crafted arguments about what your opponent has said or dropped that are obviously pre-crafted because they're inaccurate for the round will hurt your overall score -- it demonstrates a lack of listening and adaptation.

I want good offense and defense without lacking professionalism. Ad Hominem attacks will work against you.

thanks for 10 years and 100 tournaments of judging

:)

put me on the chain: ellietrandebate@gmail.com

top level:

i have not touched policy for about 2 years due to college. i have not judged a round on this topic, nor do i know anything about it. explain everything thoroughly, especially if there are any complicated/nuanced args

i flow on paper so please give me time to write things down

2A my whole career, ran policy and k affs. my partner and i read da/cp as much as we would run the kritik. i firmly believe tech > truth. i vote for teams that have clear judge instruction, can efficiently frame the debate, and explain argument interaction in a way that adds up to the ballot. good debates prove that a change to the status quo is good or bad. i don't tolerate any argument that is racist, sexist, transphobic, etc.

no, you may not use cross as prep time

kritikal affs:

if you're aff: let me know what your aff does. because some counterinterps don't place too much emphasis on limits for the topic, i think that affs should be impact turning all the negative's reasons as to why debate is fine in it's current state or why their model of debate is good. please interact with the negative's standards, it's going to be hard for me to evaluate a debate when i'm just looking at blocks that have no relationship to each other

if you're neg: case debate is pretty important. presumption is also convincing against a lot of k affs. i'll evaluate framework as to whether or not the affirmative should defend a hypothetical implementation of a plan through the USfg. i'm a little more lenient towards affs that are close to the topic, but definitely willing to vote on why that's bad.

topicality:

good topicality debates should be specific and include impact calc. these debates are great if the negative is doing things like naming case lists or telling me what successful teams are reading. negative teams should be answering the affirmative's standards and how they interact with the negative's if it's a viable 2NR choice. i'll default through competing interpretations.

kritiks:

most familiar with militiarism, cap, fem, and orientalism. if you’re going to read high theory/pomo stuff in front of me, explain it well without any sophisticated jargon. framework is probably one of the most important things in these debates because it determines how i evaluate links/impacts (i.e if no links are to the actual plan text and impacts arent caused by the plan, the aff winning the framework part of the debate means the k is moot). specific links to the aff > totalizing, broad claims about whatever it is you’re critiquing.

disadvantages:

good disad debate has great link analysis and impact calc/explanation. i don’t tend to buy da’s that are just “plan causes econ to crash which causes extinction”. politics is only a thing if you actually do internal link work, most likely not probable but i’ll still vote on it. turns case analysis can also be crucial for the ballot.

counterplans:

negative teams should be good and prepared at any theory/competition debates about their counterplans. tell me what the counterplan does and slow down on the text. i don’t default to judge kick. affirmative teams should explain what the perm does.

theory:

condo good. international/fifty state fiat bad. 2nc cp’s bad. slow down on theory. i am much more likely to vote on theory if it is contextualized to the round and legitimate abuse happened. if this is the case, please impact theory out. a significant portion of your 2nr/2ar must be about theory if you’re going for it. when random theory blocks are being read against each other, it’s harder for me to vote on it. theory is the only place where i might diverge from tech > truth if something ruined your ability to debate.

fun ways to boost speaks:

a val/overwatch/league reference

i like little catchphrases like, "i hope you're hungry because they just set up a concession stand" -- even though they're cheesy, they make me smile

sarcasm (without being rude/mean)

I don't care how fast you speak, traditional and progressive are both fine, just make it make sense, that's all.