I have been a parent judge since November 2022. I have primarily judged LD but have judged one round of Parli. Please speak clearly at moderate speed so that I can understand your arguments. Please be polite to your opponent. Please provide sufficient evidence for your arguments when asked by your opponent. Don’t introduce new evidence in final speech.

I am a parent judge with little to no experience. If you read anything I don't understand without explaining it I will just disregard it.

I have been judging LD debates for over four years, with occasional experience in Parli and PF formats. I prioritize clarity, substance, and respect in rounds. If any technical terms are used, please provide clear definitions. I value substantive contentions and points over intimidation or mockery. I flow during the round to track the arguments.

While I remain open-minded and impartial, I expect debaters to uphold the principles of sportsmanship and respect throughout the round. Mockery and intimidation have no place in constructive debate.

Impact calculus is highly appreciated as it helps in evaluating the significance of arguments.

Please include me (karthikakrishnna@gmail.com) in any email chains for reference. Best of luck to all debaters!"

If you need any further adjustments or clarifications, feel free to let me know!

I am a parent judge.

If I don't understand the words, I will not be able to judge your claim.

Emphasize your important points. For example, before getting into a contention, say something like " My 2nd contention is....". Pausing at appropriate places to make sure I've absorbed the gist of what you're sharing would get you extra credit for effective communication.

Use your knowledge and reasoning skills.

I do NOT prefer spreading. Speak with clarity and at a normal cadence/speed.

I will listen with an open mind and I will not impose my personal beliefs, and/or knowledge about the debate topic.

Good luck

I would like to see the speakers connect to the judge/audience instead of just reading it out from their work. I would like to see Clarity of arguments in general. I also look for evidence based arguments and really like it to be unique.

Following are some of the criteria that I generally use:

Is the speaker articulate and easy to understand?

Are the arguments clear and easy to follow?

Does the speaker provide unique perspectives or solutions?

How effectively does the debater refute opposing arguments?

Are the arguments compelling and do they frame the speech/debate effectively?

Does the speaker adhere to time limits?

Does the speaker display confidence without being arrogant?

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I am a parent judge and have been judging since September 2019. I have primarily judged LD but in the last 2 years I have judged PF, Parli Policy and Congress too. I do flow and take copious notes. I am not comfortable with spreading, so please speak at moderate speed so that I can understand your arguments. Please make sure you are polite to your opponent. Please provide sufficient evidence to substantiate your contentions and be able to provide evidence when asked by your opponent. Do not introduce new evidence in your final speeches or lie that arguments were dropped when they weren't. It will definitely count against you as I do flow. Overall enjoy the debate and have fun!

Hi, I am a parent judge, starting 2023-2024 year.
My decision will be primarily based on

• Clearly presented arguments
• Evidence supporting the arguments
• Clearly differentiating their position during clash
• Well addressed rebuttals
• Being courteous to others
• Keeping time

Hello,

My name is Paul Choi, and I am a parent judge. I am an engineering manager in the tech industry.

I appreciate clearly laid-out arguments. Ideally, the contentions should flow together to create an overarching case for your argument. Each contention should be well-supported by evidence. There is no need to speak fast, or overwhelm the opponent or judges with the volume of evidence - oftentimes I find that the best debaters are able to clearly present their side of the argument with couple of well-chosen contentions and a few supporting evidences.

I have been in awe of many of the debates I've been privileged to witness so far. I am excited to hear more. Good luck and have a great round!

Hello,

I am interested in

1. consistency in argumentation which makes it logically stronger

2. slow and clear speaking

3. respectful attitude

Good luck to all!

I am a parent judge; I'll take notes but won't be flowing, so be extra careful about signposting since that's the only way I can keep track of arguments.

As a parent judge, it would be very helpful to pay attention on the following points:

1. speak slowly and clearly
2. emphasize key points

I have been judging speech and debate for couple of years. I love to hear good debates with good use of language and arguments related to the topic. I take copious notes. My expectations is that the debaters will have mutual respect for one another.
At the end of the debate we all should leave the debate learning and gaining something new from one another.

I am a parent judge.

I am an experienced parent judge. Please speak slowly and explain your arguments. I will decide based on the arguments' quality and how well you articulate it.

She/her/hers

Milpitas High '19

UC Riverside '22

email: sjaff005@ucr.edu

For most of high school, I did public forum (I know, weird) and then traditional LD with some circuit mixed in. Any circuit arguments I did run were more LARP and occasional K (terror talks, biopower). That being said, if you are running "progressive" arguments, you do so at 75% of your normal speed, especially since online debate comes with lag or blips in the audio.

So far, the worst things I've seen in rounds include: lying about the flow when it is in fact right in front of me; literal bullying in cross-examination (you can be mean and pushy, but please don't scare novices or traditional debaters if you are a circuit debater); if your opponent asks you not to spread and you do it anyway (ignoring any possible disability or scaring novices). If you do any of these, I will lower speaks.

As for specific preferences for arguments, it's my job as an educator to evaluate whatever you bring to the round (just don't be rude, racist, sexist, bigoted, or anything of the like). If you have any specific questions about the way I evaluate things, please ask me before round!

Other important things:

Please be respectful. It's honestly the very least we can do for each other.

If your opponent misgenders you and you do not feel comfortable correcting out loud (because it is dangerous for you to make that correction out-loud at home), please let me know via email or chat, and I can correct your opponent.

Hi, this is my first time judging. Please do not spread and go at a slow and well enunciated pace. I value respect in tournaments, so please be respectful. Good luck!

I am a parent judge and have judged LD for the 2 years and PF for 2 years. I have recently started to judge Speech events too.

Speech and decorum: Effectively communicate your position. Keep to the topic and please do not spread since the it’s hard to follow. The use of evidence and logic to support your contentions is important. Please track your time as my attention is on the content.

Argument preference: I prefer debaters present their arguments and explain how it is superior. An argument must have a claim and support data with the source and full citation available if requested. I considered both the probability and the magnitude of the arguments.

In the end the person that effectively supports their initial position and also offers competent clash with the opponents arguments will likely win.

I am new to judging. My son is in public forum so I am most familiar with that format and its rules. I am analytical by nature and swayed by facts and data rather than emotions. Speak clearly.

I am a parent judge. I listen to the arguments and only judge based on the arguments presented.

I am a "lay" judge. Please speak clearly, avoid speed, explain thoroughly and do not make
assumptions about my knowledge of the topic. Public Forum is an event designed to be judged
by anyone - that is what appears in the description of the event provided by the NSDA. Debate
accordingly.

I am an experienced parent judge (lay style, not circuit style).

I started judging in Jan 2022. Please minimize excessive spreading.

I like well-constructed, linear arguments that bear directly on the debate topic.

I do not generally comprehend "meta-rhetoric" (that is, arguments about the merits or validity of the debate question itself).

My email address for sending evidence and cases is joe_lee@yahoo.com

Hello,

I am a parent judge.

I hope you guys enjoy your debate and have fun always.

I believe this is a good learning and a good community to support each other.

please respect each other and support one another.

Thank you for your a lot of effort.

I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

Regards,

Jung

I appreciate contentions that are explained clearly and in an organized manner. Prefer fewer meaningful arguments over many less impactful ones. Take a few sentences to explain more important arguments, otherwise I might miss them. When referring back to cards made in earlier speeches, it's helpful to mention the essense of the studies rather than just the name of the author. Strongly prefer reasonable analysis over taking arguments to the extreme ending up in nuclear war.

I am a "lay" judge. Please speak clearly, avoid speed, explain thoroughly and do not make assumptions about my knowledge of the topic. I prefer well articulated argumentation. Please don't be too tech-y with me, I don't know what Ks or T or phil are.

I am a parent judge. No circuit or spreading. I like logical arguments substantiated with evidence. I also appreciate good crystallization that helps me with the voting decision.

My philosophy and decisions regarding Debate judging is based on the following...

1. Do the debaters have a good strong point of contention to the side they are speaking about.
2. Do they provide references to the information given or quoted.
3. Do they have statistical data that backs up their claim.
4. Does their cross examination challenge the point of contention.
5. Are the debaters speaking clearly, concisely and understandable.
6. Is there some eye to eye contact with the opponent and the judge.
7. Does their final speech capture all the points and rebuttals discussed.

I am a first year parent judge. I did Oxford debate in high school. I would prefer moderately paced taking and no spreading. I will not be able to keep up with you if you start spreading. Since I am a first year judge, I will need you to clearly spell out your arguments, rebutals, and points during the round. Make sure you tell me why you or your team should win the round and why your arguments outweigh your opponents'. Thank you and good luck on your rounds!

I'm a parent judge. My idea of a good debate is a healthy exchange of ideas presented professionally. Your arguments must not be argumentative; you win by the soundness--not loudness--of your argument. I do not penalize (or reward) debaters merely on technicalities. I enjoy listening to debaters who display a mastery of the topic and make their case with conviction. I can handle speed; you do not have to slow down for me.

Here's my approach to judging. First and foremost I assess each debater on the merit of their core arguments as well as their use of supportive evidence. I also look for how the debater rebuts their opponent arguments. Finally I am looking for each debater's overall organization, clarity and presentations style. I suggest to keep the arguments simple so they can be explained without involving too much theory like spreading.

I am new to judging.

Hi,

I am a parent judge. I have some experience with judging LD

Please be respectful, stick to the facts, manage your time, and speak clearly.

Fewer well developed points is my preference

Welcome to the competition! Debates and speeches are exceptional events and a fun way for students to engage discussing social, economic, and a wide range of topics.

I have been judging both speech and debate in the current stint for 3 years with 4 years of prior judging experience. I am a parent judge. I am a former competitor as well.

Please follow your methodology relevant to your event and respect your fellow competitors. All the best!

From San Jose CA. My son is active in debate and I've judged speech and debate competitions for ~6 years.

Speed- I prefer elucidation and clarity to speed.

I like fewer more well developed points versus lots of varied but weaker arguments.

I dislike rude behavior, verbal or through gestures.

I really enjoy the creativity that teams bring to their debate topics and the diligence they bring to the preparation.

I am a lay parent judge. Please add me to email chain: Email: hitesh_rastogi@hotmail.com These are my preferences:

K Debaters: I am fine with Kritiks as long as they are topical to the resolution. Make sure to be very clear on your links and explain as to why it should be extended. If I am not clear on how you solve for your K, I will drop it.

Theory Debates: I don’t prefer theory debates. If you’re reading high theory, make sure to explain it as low theory so I can understand properly.

Speed: Go a little bit slower than you would usually just to make sure I get everything on the flow. Make the argument, cite examples (warrants) and persuade me why your argument is superior to your opponents.

Signpost & crystallize. This is very important. I will be flowing with you, but be sure that you signpost elements that you want me to pay attention to. Please crystalize effectively. Please sum up your debate by addressing the most important arguments in a simple and clear manner.

Links & extensions: The link between each contention and its value/impact must be clear. Don't just cite cards, explain how the card is important and relevant in this round and to your value premise and towards the end towards addressing voting issues.

In general, focus more on why your arguments are more superior beyond just using the technicalities of dropped arguments, etc.

Finally, keeping up with the spirit of debate, be polite, courteous and follow the rules.

Enjoy yourself

1. I'm a novice judge. Jan 20 is the first time ever I'm judging.
2. Only prepared for judging LD

I am a parent judge and would like debaters to consider the following:

• I will only make decisions on arguments that are understandable to me. So if presenting complex arguments, please try to break them down and explain them clearly.
• Please do not speak too fast; it will be harder for me to follow and process your arguments. Speak at a normal conversation pace and keep arguments clear and concise.
• Please be polite and respectful to the opposing candidate during cross-ex.

I am a parent judge. I prefer to give a written comment instead verbal comment at the end of the debate.

I'm a parent judge looking for clear, articulate reasoning and evidence to back up rationale.

Don't assume I can draw the conclusion you want me to draw. Lead me to the cause and effect through explanation, data, reason or sound judgement.

If you are referencing events in history, or specific data points, please explain the source and the event briefly so it is clear why the example or reference is appropriate.

Normal speed, especially when there is dense content or facts.

I tend to side with data/facts, but am open to believable hypotheses.

Show me you're prepared, comfortable with the content, and poised in delivery and structure of the material. Don't read off scripts or pre-prepared agendas. React to your opponent's arguments and points.

Most importantly, show me you're passionate about the topic and you're having fun!

I did not participate in S&D in high school or undergraduate or graduate school.

I have been judging for about one year, so this Paradigm is a work in progress.

I am a Chemistry Professor. This leads me to analyze your presentation from a science and academic background (my viewpoint, not yours). You should explain your warrants and arguments clearly.

I would recommend going a bit slower, especially on theory arguments, if you want to make sure that I'm able to follow everything.

Dear Participants,

Welcome to the debate round. I am looking forward to knowing your thoughts by conscientiously listening to your viewpoints on the topic under discussion. I have a fair experience in judging debate rounds and am a parent judge as well.

Please, try to talk at a voice level respecting the audience and allotted time. Also, stay relaxed and calm which will help you be more productive in the rounds. I am confident you will do your best.

Good Luck,

Taruna

Parent judge so go slow. Please state your framework clearly.

I am a parent judge. I expect you to demonstrate your knowledge and depth of the content as well as the ability to make a confident argument towards your stance.

I cannot judge what I cannot understand so clear and logical communication is key.

Also, keep track of your own and other team's speech/prep times.

Basically just be nice and enjoy your passion towards debate.

Hello, I am a second-year LD/Policy judge. Please be respectful and courteous to your fellow participants. Keep track of time. Be confident, clear, and consistent with your arguments throughout the debate. And have fun!

All the best.

I like to see structure - lay a roadmap and get into the speech.

Stay civil, polite and courteous throughout the round, despite how the round is going for your opponent.

I do not like rudeness or snide remarks, we are all trying to learn together.

I’m a new parent judge, first year, please be on normal conversational pace.

I will vote on clarity, logical arguments and understandable explaining.

Help my decision by emphasizing your key arguments and applying comparative weighting in your summary.

Enjoy debating!

Hello my name is Esther and I am parent judge. I do not know much on this topic so please explain why certain countries will do certain things, historical examples are appreciated. Do not use debater terms I will not know what you mean by “turns” or “dropping”. Explain what you are doing instead.

Please really crystallize the round for me. I do not flow so I want to know what arguments are important and the reason you are winning on them. I want clear framing in your last speeches and preempting if you are on neg.

I appreciate strong speaking skills. Personally, I like professional speaking, but I do not mind other styles. However I will struggle to understand arguments if you spread/circuit arguments and will be less likely to vote for you.

Above all, give me clarity in arguments.

Please send your cases to me before round so I can follow along. You do not have to send cases to your opponent if it is a traditional round. My email is: esthersyoo@gmail.com

I’m a volunteer lay LD judge so please be careful in your rounds. I don’t know too much about this topic so please make sure that you are concise and coherent. Speak clearly and make sure I can understand. I appreciate clear analysis of why you should win in the final rebuttals. Please do not spread or run theory in your rounds. I am not a progressive judge. I will not accept any cases sent to me.

As a judge, I prefer arguments with credible evidence. Please be respectful to both me and your opponent.