Hello, all!

Basically, I look for the following elements from participants when judging a debate or speech:

1) A participant's use of appropriate facts and statements to support their side of their argument;

2) Proper and measured pacing and cadence of their speech; and

3) Successful use of facts and supportive statements during rebuttals and counterarguments.

Speech and debate are both arts and sciences! Try less to be perfect and try more to be good. Best wishes to all of you.