Scholars of Speech John Lewellen Memorial IPDA
2024 — NSDA Campus, CA/US
All Judges Paradigm List
All Paradigms: Show HideHello there,
My name is Hassana I am a regular debater and public speaker currently employing my vast speaking and judging experience to judge speech and debate. I have gathered ample experience judging different speech and debate formats including British Parliamentary (BP), Asian Parliamentary (AP), World Schools Debate Championship (WSDC), Canadian National Debate Format (CNDF), Public Forum (PF), Congress, CX, LD, Extemp, Impromptu.
Email address: rahmatmaimako09@gmail.com
Conflicts: I do not have any.
PERSONAL NOTE:
When you encounter me in a room, please note that I hold in high regard, positive, fair, equitable and proper engagements during discussions and cross engagements. I appreciate debaters who check out all the boxes of expectations including role fulfillment, efficient engagements of debate burdens, contentions and clashes and equitable and effective engagements to confrontations
Speed: I do a fast format. I'm okay with spreading in formats where it is standard practice (Policy and prog LD). I'll call "clear" or "slow" if you are being unclear or I can't keep up, which doesn't happen too often. If you spread, I appreciate it if you make it clear when one card ends and a new one begins (eg saying NEXT or AND between each card, going slower on tags, etc).
In formats were spreading isn't standard practice, I don't have a problem people who talk faster than they would in a normal conversation, as long as a lay person could understand your rate of delivery.
Impact stuff: Like most judges, I love it when the debaters in all formats do impact calculus and explain why their impacts matter more under their framework. When this doesn't happen, I default to weighing probability over magnitude and scoop and using reversibility and timeframe as tiebreakers. I’m open to voting on impact turns.
• I admire it when competitors respect, value, and have a deep sense of mutual understanding for each other during rounds. This means I totally detest irritable attitudes such as rudeness, hostility, and intolerance. Kindly be on your best behaviour and be very conscious of how you interact with your co - competitors.
Best of luck.
When I judge, I like to keep it real. No jargon or fancy words here! I like to laugh and have a good time while still making sure that the debate is of the highest quality. My judging philosophy is simple: make sure the arguments are logical, the evidence is solid, and the debaters are having fun. I won't judge you on your clothes or your accent, but I will judge you on your ability to rock the mic! So come prepared to debate and have a good time, and you'll do just fine. Peace out, y'all!
Dear Debating Community,
With over a decade of experience as a debater, judge, and coach, I'm excited to share insights aimed at improving the quality of debates and fostering analytical skills. My expertise spans various debate formats, including Parliamentary, World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC), Lincoln-Douglas (LD), Public Forum (PF), and policy debates.
Effective Debating Strategies:
Kritiks: Enhancing Persuasion
- Ensure kritiks align with the debate context.
- Clearly explain links, impacts, and alternatives.
- Connect the kritik to the broader debate narrative.
- Maintain clarity in delivery pace.
- Use real-world examples for accessibility.
- Anticipate and address counterarguments.
- Adhere to format rules.
- Engage in dialogue during cross-examination.
**Policy: Strategic Approaches**
- Conduct thorough research.
- Utilize evidence effectively.
- Organize arguments logically.
- Adapt strategies based on opponents' responses.
- Master cross-examination techniques.
Strategic Relevance: Stay Focused
- Prioritize arguments of strategic importance.
- Emphasize clarity over speed.
- Focus on quality over quantity.
- Aim for substantive contributions.
- Use evidence judiciously.
- Employ re-highlighting strategically.
Judge's Perspective: Valued Qualities
- Practice active listening.
- Evaluate arguments objectively.
- Strive for excellence while enjoying the process.
- Maintain an inquisitive mindset.
- Apply open-mindedness and critical thinking.
- Exhibit confidence in arguments and delivery.
Impact Weighing: Guiding Evaluation
- Explain why your impacts outweigh your opponent's.
- Master impact weighing for persuasive arguments.
In conclusion, regular practice, feedback-seeking, and a commitment to improvement are essential for success in debating. Best wishes in your debating endeavors!
Warm regards
Email: temini532@gmail.com
Conflicts: None
Debate Philosophy:
I approach debates with a focus on flowing arguments and evaluating them based on the flow. While I prioritize technical arguments over truth, I do expect clear and logical communication from debaters. Clarity of thought and logic is paramount, and I value well-warranted arguments over-reliance on evidence alone.
I weigh the claims by whether they are supported by two kinds of reasoning:
11. Truth: Why the claim is true.
22. Impact: Why this claim is important in the debate.
"Claims" apply to both constructive arguments and rebuttals, as I will weigh them side by side in clashes on my flow later. Providing examples or research findings doesn't necessarily mean your claim is true; you have to explain which part of the example/research can be applied to the argument, to explain why that example is important to the debate as a whole.
Weighing Arguments:
Debaters should focus on weighing their arguments and demonstrating why their impacts outweigh those of their opponents. This includes considering scope, magnitude, timeframe, probability, or employing metaweighing techniques. I appreciate clear roadmaps and signposting throughout the round to aid in organization.
Topic Relevance:
I prefer debates to stay on topic and avoid off-topic or theoretical arguments aimed at disqualifying the other team. Definitions by the government/affirmative team are allowed, but abuse of this privilege will be penalized.
Argument Evaluation:
Warranted arguments are crucial for winning my ballot. Unsubstantiated claims are difficult to vote on, especially when effectively rebutted by the opposing side. It's essential to be charitable to opponents' arguments and engage with the best version of their claims rather than strawmanning them.
Public Forum-Specific:
In Public Forum debates, I prioritize logical reasoning over reliance on evidence cards. Debaters should focus on identifying weaknesses in their opponents' link chains rather than reading from prepared blocks. Clash should be evident by the rebuttal speeches, and second rebuttals should address all offense or risk concessions.
Evidence and Email Chains:
I do not typically review evidence or participate in email chains. Debaters must convince me of their arguments without relying on my review of evidence. However, if requested, I may assess evidence for accuracy.
Greetings,
I'm Shashi, and qualified for judging various debate formats including the British Parliamentary Format, World Schools Format, World Scholars Format, Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Asian Parliamentary, and Speech Events.
My Approach to Judging:
I approach each debate with a global perspective, setting aside any personal biases to ensure a fair evaluation. To sway me in a debate, your arguments must be both credible and persuasive within the context of the discussion. Here are some key aspects of my judging approach:
- Clearly articulate your arguments and support them with a thorough analysis.
- Foster fair engagement with your opponents by challenging their arguments and offering comparisons to demonstrate superiority.
- Organize your arguments in a coherent structure, avoiding abrupt transitions.
- Fulfill your role effectively within the debate.
- For Speech Events, demonstrate creativity and utilize all available resources to deliver your presentation effectively, including eye contact, body language, energy, and expression.
Additional Points:
- While I slightly prefer medium-paced speeches, I evaluate all speeches based on merit regardless of speed. However, taking deep breaths can enhance clarity and coherence.
- I value respectful and cooperative interactions among competitors and discourage rude, hostile, or intolerant behaviour.
When you encounter me as a judge, expect fair and thorough evaluation along with constructive feedback aimed at supporting your growth as a speaker.
I evaluate debaters based on the quality of their arguments, delivery, and overall persuasiveness. Some of the things that i prioritize the most are:
-
- Substance: Strong cases with clear warrants, well-defined impacts, and sound evidence (facts, statistics, expert opinions) are key.
- Style: Clear, concise, and engaging delivery is important. Effective use of rebuttals and logical flow of arguments are valued.
- Evidence: Credible and relevant evidence from reputable sources is preferred. While emotional appeals can be used, they should be supported by logic and evidence.
- Speak clearly, i don't mind if you speed as long as you are being clear on what are you saying. If I can’t get your arguments down and understand what are you saying then you will have an issue at the moment of convincing me about your case.
My name is obiora Goodluck, am a judge and have judged in many debates,
My rounds will always be a respectful and inclusive space for everyone. Disrespectful or offensive language and misgendering will not be tolerated in my rounds. I didn't think I'd have to remind people of this but I would like people to check for racial bias in their cases and language. You can affirm or negate any resolution without biased arguments.
In debate events, I am looking for a few things: confidence in both your argument and your delivery, quality arguments, and rebuttals, and a fair and respectful debate.
Clarity is of utmost importance to me. you must speak clearly and at a normal pace. It is an accessibility concern for me, as well as other debaters and judges with disabilities. Your presentation of your speeches is important to me as well as the content. Deliver your speeches with confidence and clarity.
I'm not very particular about how you debate, all I ask is that it is logical and easy to follow. With that being said I am ok with spreading because it focuses on systems under which society operates.
I'm okay with debate theory, make sure it's educational and fair.
I'm okay with spreading, I understand that you have to talk fast and at the same time sustain your arguments.
Just be clear and loud
Hello there!
My name is Idris Ibrahim, and my judging career which spans for over four years has seen me muster up a significant amount of experience in a wide range of debate formats/styles such as; the British Parliamentary Format, World Schools Format, World Scholars Format, Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Asian Parliamentary, and Speech Events.
Judging Pattern:
I always approach any debate I'm about to judge as a globally informed citizen, whilst making sure I toss any conceivable personal biases I may have about a topic aside. This means that to convince me in a debate room you must make sure your arguments are credibly realistic and persuasive within the scope of the debate. A couple of things to bear in mind about my judging pattern -
• State your contentions/arguments clearly and back them up with enough analysis to prove your case.
• Make sure you're creating a fair means of engagement towards your opposition. This means that I do not expect you to just present your contentions in a vacuum and expect them to win - I also expect that you challenge the contentions of the opposition and create comparatives to show why your contentions are superior.
• Ensure you highlight your arguments in a well-organized structure - I do not expect that in the middle of contention A, you then transition to contention B abruptly. Take your time to fully explain your contentions while also being time-conscious.
• Role fulfilment is also important. So make sure you fulfil your roles perfectly.
• For Speech Events - I appreciate absolute creativity during your presentation. I expect that you use all that is within your means to execute whichever role you're taking on in whatever speech event I am judging you in. I take notes of your eye contact, body language, energy, and expressions while speaking.
Side Notes:
• I have a slight preference for medium-paced speeches. This does not however mean that if you're naturally a pacy speaker, you're automatically disadvantaged when I'm judging you. I would give your speech equal attention and assessment on a meritocratic basis regardless of how fast you speak, but if you can, just take deep breaths as you present your speech rather than zapping through.
• I admire it when competitors respect, value, and have a deep sense of mutual understanding for each other during rounds. This means I totally detest irritable attitudes such as rudeness, hostility, and intolerance. Kindly be on your best behaviour and be very conscious of how you interact with your co - competitors.
Whenever you come across me in a debate room, I can guarantee you quality judging and the most accurate feedback (either written or orally) , I also hope that in my little way, I contribute towards the growth of your speaking journey.
HEPHZIBAH IBUKUN
About me:
In high school, I did two years of LD, two years of PF, and a few tournaments in BQ and Congress. I now am a senior at the University OF ILORIN studying public policy and behavioral science.
PF:
Framework:
I am a firm believer that if no framework is given in PF, then I should weigh under a cost-benefit analysis. I do not believe that PF rounds should be done with anything other than CBA as the framework because we already have a style of framework debate; it's called LD. That being said, if a framework is given, please make sure you respond to it and do not let it just flow through the round; if their framework is useful and not abusive, I might weigh it in my decision.
Crossfire:
I love PF for the crossfire. Be respectful but do not let people push you around. I want to see which side has actual questions for their opponents and which side has actual debating skills. That being said, I do not flow crossfire and if you want any impacts to come out of the crossfire and make it on the flow, you must restate them in one of your following speeches.
Summary:
Make sure you mention everything you want to mention in your final focus in this speech. Don't just give me a second rebuttal; give me also a preliminary conclusion. Tell me what is happening in the round and explain why your side is winning.
Final Focus:
Include the information from the summary. No new evidence. Make sure your impacts and voters are clear and direct. The more back I have to search through the flow for your impacts, the less likely I am to find them and be able to weigh them on your side.
Evidence:
Everything should have a card to go with it; do not make arguments without a card to back you up. I buy logic when direct evidence is not available, but I will always weigh empirical and direct evidence over logical conclusions. A study demonstrating what is occurring in the world (be that study descriptive or a lab experiment) is always more accurate than what one simply thinks would happen with a certain policy or governmental action.
Voting:
I am a flow judge by heart. Use every speech to reiterate why you should win and make sure you explain to me what is happening to each argument. Is the argument you stated in the constructive flowing through? Is your opponent's claim still standing? And, most importantly, why are these stances true? Also, make sure to signpost well and tell me what you're attacking or referencing so I can flow your side better; a cleaner flow means an easier ballot.
LD:
Framework:
The framework should be the premise of the round; if you drop your framework, you're essentially dropping the round. Your framework is your ultimate purpose; if you drop your framework, you drop your entire argument.
As usual, logical conclusions are permissible but keep in mind, being asked for a card and not having one is not a strong stance.
LD Kritik:
If you run a K, be sure to extend impacts. Debate is set on the premise of impacts so make sure your alt stands clear and explain why you have won the round very clearly. AFF Ks generally do not run well with me but if you think it works well and has impacts then give it a shot- I’m down for trying anything.
LD CP:
I love a good counterplan. If you run one, make sure you prove uniqueness and respond to the inevitable perm.
I am ok with any kind of CP or PIC as long as you are unconditional. Being conditional makes no sense; are you advocating for that CP/PIC or is it that unstable we should not rely on it?
I also adore res plus cp, but make sure you explain how you're unique and why I should value your plan over the Aff's in terms of impacts.
LD DA:
If you run a DA, just like with a K, make sure you draw out your impacts and how your side provides any solvency. Just attacking your opponent doesn't just make you the automatic winner - give me a reason why voting for your side is better than your opponents.
LD AFF:
Be CREATIVE! You have to affirm the resolution, but you can still do a lot! Think creatively and make arguments that have an impact! If the flow is a wash on both sides, I will have to weigh impacts so make sure you make yours VERY clear!
Also - Affirmative = affirm the resolution.
also- I have normally debated in mostly traditional LD circuits. I can flow theory but make sure you explain why that theory matters and why I should uphold it.
I did congressional debate from 2000-2004 for Lake Brantley High School in Orlando, FL. I also did some HS LD and policy.
i judge based on your decorum, soundness of argument, and general public speaking quality. Being respectful of your fellow competitors and not repeating existing arguments just to get a speech in is important. Contribute to the room. I see debate as a performance, and I vote for the better performance. That performance can include any number of kinds of arguments. A performance has stakes for an audience both immediate and abstracted elsewhere. That performance should involve the endorsement (or no) of a certain politic.
I tend to evaluate debates based on comparative advantage, unless told to evaluate competing methodologies, or unless (in the context of performance debate usually) the debaters seem to think we all agreed that they are debating "competing methodologies."
Hello there
My name is Sofia, and my judging career which spans for over four years has seen me muster up a significant amount of experience in a wide range of debate formats/styles such as; the British Parliamentary Format, World Schools Format, World Scholars Format, Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Asian Parliamentary, Big question and Speech Events.
Judging Pattern:
I always approach any debate I'm about to judge as a globally informed citizen, whilst making sure I toss any conceivable personal biases I may have about a topic aside. This means that to convince me in a debate room you must make sure your arguments are credibly realistic and persuasive within the scope of the debate. A couple of things to bear in mind about my judging pattern -
• State your contentions/arguments clearly and back them up with enough analysis to prove your case.
• Make sure you're creating a fair means of engagement towards your opposition. This means that I do not expect you to just present your contentions in a vacuum and expect them to win - I also expect that you challenge the contentions of the opposition and create comparatives to show why your contentions are superior.
• Ensure you highlight your arguments in a well-organized structure - I do not expect that in the middle of contention A, you then transition to contention B abruptly. Take your time to fully explain your contentions while also being time-conscious.
• Role fulfilment is also important. So make sure you fulfil your roles perfectly.
• For Speech Events - I appreciate absolute creativity during your presentation. I expect that you use all that is within your means to execute whichever role you're taking on in whatever speech event I am judging you in. I take notes of your eye contact, body language, energy, and expressions while speaking.
Side Notes:
• I have a slight preference for medium-paced speeches. This does not however mean that if you're naturally a pacy speaker, you're automatically disadvantaged when I'm judging you. I would give your speech equal attention and assessment on a meritocratic basis regardless of how fast you speak, but if you can, just take deep breaths as you present your speech rather than zapping through.
• I admire it when competitors respect, value, and have a deep sense of mutual understanding for each other during rounds. This means I totally detest irritable attitudes such as rudeness, hostility, and intolerance. Kindly be on your best behaviour and be very conscious of how you interact with your co - competitors.
Whenever you come across me in a debate room, I can guarantee you quality judging and the most accurate feedback (either written or orally) , I also hope that in my little way, I contribute towards the growth of your speaking journey.
Starting out 2024 as a notable unbiased judge
Email: blessingnkojo@gmail.com
You can catch me sparing at ALDD (speechforces) when am not Coaching at RSUDS
Crucial points about my philosophy on debate:
- Equity:
I believe that the fairest debates are those where there is no discrimination or use of derogatory language towards opponents or their arguments. Every argument should be respected and considered.
Things to avoid:
1. Do not classify any argument as nonsensical or stupid.
2. Do not make generalizations based on identity, race, or gender, as this can be stereotypical and provoke retaliation.
Things to do:
1. Be specific when analyzing people or places to avoid generalizations.
2. Approach every argument with a critical lens, refer to it, engage with it, rebut it, and respectfully counter propose. Now that this is clear,
please read before speaking if I am judging you…
Typically, I start evaluating during the second speech in any debate round. Therefore, I am more impressed by students who demonstrate topic knowledge, line-by-line organization skills (supported by careful note-taking), and intelligent cross-examinations, rather than those who rely on speaking quickly, using confusing language, jargon, or recycling arguments.
I have become more open to philosophy-style arguments in the past year. However, I have not extensively studied any specific literature bases. Philosophy arguments that are solely used to trick opponents will not win my vote. However, I am open to well-developed philosophy strategies. Since I am an ordinary intelligent voter, you need to ensure that your explanations are clear and robust in explaining how to evaluate your arguments.
Counter Proposals: Especially in policy debates, but not limited to them, counter proposals that aim to change the focus of the prompt (resolve) will be disregarded as they do not meet the necessary criteria. Use a counter proposal only if it is absolutely necessary or if it aligns with the spirit of the debate. My evaluation of a good counter proposal is just as important as my evaluation of the original prompt.
Goodluck..............
Hello! My name is Khang, and I am a current Extemper and Worlds debater at Clear Brook High School.
Above all else, debate should be respectful. If I see any form of disrespect towards others, regardless of your event, I will comment about it on your ballot and your rank may be affected. If you do debate, your speaks may be docked if I see you being disrespectful towards your opponents. Worst case scenario, disrespect can and will cost you the round.
This is especially true if you use any kind of discriminatory language (homophobic, sexist, racist, transphobic, etc...) in round. If you use that language in round, especially if it was against another person, I will verbally call you out, give you the down/rank you last, and report it to a tournament official. I do not care if you were the best speaker or debater in the world. Please do not test me.
If you have any questions about my paradigms that I didn't address here, feel free to ask me in round!
DEBATE
LD, PF, CX:
I know the rules and format of all these events. Be warned, however, that I am pretty traditional when it comes to these events.
Please signpost. Tell me: what are you doing in your speech, what argument you're attacking/extending, etc... A roadmap and line-by-line clash down the flow is preferable.
I DO NOT tolerate spreading. Especially when you try to cram as much evidence/as many cards into your speech as possible, then call out the other side for not addressing every single one. If you try this in round, it may hurt you rather than help you. It boils down to this: if I cannot understand you, I will not flow anything you say and you will not have my vote. The faster you speak, the more you need to enunciate and be clear.
Do not add me on email chains or speech drops. There's no point in having a debate if you're just going to send me your case. I want to hear you, not read off a screen the whole round. Feel free to strike me if you can't do a round without email chain/speech drop. Just remember, I always value quality over quantity when it comes to argumentation.
I’m tech > truth, but please explain, extend, and defend your arguments. Also, do not try to run abusively false arguments like “the sky is green” or “the Holocaust is fake”.
I do not have a preference for debate structure, but I value 2 things the most: impacts and clash. First, impact out your arguments. Who is going to be affected and how? Why should I care? How does your argument compare to your opponent’s? Second, please clash with your opponent. If you do not clash at all, it will be very hard for me to decide who wins. Make sure that you’re both talking about the same thing.
You’ve probably heard this before, but in your final speeches, you should be writing the ballot for me. Tell me why you should win and why your impacts outweigh your opponent’s. Explain which points of clash you win and why that matters.
For theory/kritiks/etc: As I said earlier, I am pretty traditional so you are inherently putting yourself at risk when you choose to run these kinds of arguments. Regardless, please explain and impact them out clearly because I will most likely not know what you’re talking about 90% of the time.
WSD:
This is one of my main events, so I have some higher expectations.
Just a reminder: you should not be spreading in WSD at all. Again, if I cannot understand you, I will not be convinced by your side.
For POIs, please make sure that they're no longer than 15 seconds. Trying to waste your opponent's time with repeated/long POIs will hurt your speaker points. Also, just a reminder that follow-up POIs are not allowed so please do not make them.
I do not have a preference when it comes to principled and practical arguments. Once again, I value impacts and clash the most. This is especially important for Worlds: please tell me the main impacts of your arguments and why I should care. Also, explain why your arguments outweigh your opponent's and how your world is better than theirs.
SPEECH
Interp:
I am very flexible and do not really have "paradigms" for interp. Ultimately, however, I think that the emotions and meanings that the authors intended for the pieces should be conveyed through your performance. Also, your performance shouldn't feel forced/like you're just doing it for the sake of doing it.
Info/OO:
Be creative! If your chosen topic is a common topic or has been done by others, you should be able to make it unique and stand out. Ultimately, however, passion is the key. If you don't care about your own topic, then why should I?
Extemp:
First and foremost, you need to have some kind of organization in your speech. Ideally, please give me a straightforward answer to your topic, followed by a roadmap. Otherwise, your speech can be very confusing for me and others to understand.
When it comes to sources, I value quality over quantity. You don't necessarily need an exact number of sources, but I do expect facts and statistics to be sourced so that I know you are credible.
Please be human. Do not act like a robot spitting 15 facts at me and then explain nothing. I would rank a competitor higher for having less sources but more in-depth analysis and impacts versus someone who had a bunch of sources but no analysis whatsoever.
Do not worry about how long your speech is. A competitor with better analysis and impacts in a shorter speech would be ranked higher than a competitor who gave a long and rambling speech with no substance. Just be aware that a lot of the time, you can't have in-depth analysis and impacts in a speech that's too short.
Overall, please be passionate! I love good AGDs, but please make sure to read the room and to make your intros appropriate for the topic you're discussing.
amanda072086@gmail.com
Speak clearly. Any speed is fine as long as you slow down and read your tag lines and main points very clearly. Spreading is fine. Give clear indication of when you have reached the burden you set out.
LD: I am a true values debate judge in LD. Tabula rasa judge. Flexible to any kinds of cases and arguments as long as they are respectful. If your case is not topical or abusive and your opponent argues and proves that in their speeches then I am willing to vote based on topicality, education and abuse.
PF and CX: Be respectful and cordial to your opponent. I’m open to most anything in Policy rounds. Always stay on the debate topic, don’t wander off onto an irrelevant subject because it’s more enjoyable to argue about than the topic is. Always allow your opponent the opportunity to complete their sentence before continuing to cross.
I’m a Tabula rasa Judge especially in Policy debate. If you don’t tell me how you want me to weigh the round and set a minimum burden for each side to have to meet within the round to win then I will default to judging based on the block and will turn into a games playing judge and will make voting decisions based on what my flow shows and dropped arguments or arguments that were lost or conceded will very much factor into my vote. Impacts, Warrants and links need to be made very clear, and always show me the magnitude.
As a flay judge, my approach to evaluating debates is informed by both theoretical knowledge across various formats, including LD, PF, CX, and speech events, as well as practical experiences in these domains. I believe in creating an environment that fosters respectful and engaging discourse.
Speaker Conduct:
I value a calm and composed speaking style. It is crucial for speakers to articulate their arguments clearly and audibly, ensuring that their message is effectively communicated. While passion is appreciated, maintaining a respectful and controlled demeanor contributes to a more constructive debate.
Argumentation:
I encourage debaters to present well-reasoned arguments supported by evidence. The quality of evidence, its relevance to the topic, and the strategic deployment of arguments are key factors in my evaluation. Logical coherence and the ability to address counterarguments thoughtfully are highly valued.
Clarity and Structure:
A well-organized speech is instrumental in conveying ideas effectively. I appreciate debaters who provide clear signposts, adhere to logical structures, and create a coherent narrative throughout their speeches. A clear roadmap enhances both the understanding and flow of the debate.
Cross-Examination:
In formats that involve cross-examination, I appreciate debaters who engage in thoughtful questioning. It is an opportunity to demonstrate a deep understanding of the issues at hand and to strategically challenge opponents' positions. Respectful cross-examination is more productive and contributes positively to overall speaker performance.
Time Management:
Effective time management is crucial. Debaters should be mindful of allotted time for speeches and adhere to established time limits. Well-paced speeches contribute to a smoother and more organized debate round.
Adaptability:
I appreciate debaters who can adapt their strategies based on the flow of the debate. Flexibility in responding to unexpected arguments and the ability to adjust one's approach contribute to a debater's overall effectiveness.
Respect and Sportsmanship:
Respect for opponents, judges, and the activity itself is fundamental. Demonstrating sportsmanship, regardless of the competitive intensity, is highly valued. Creating a positive and inclusive debating environment is essential for fostering a healthy and enriching experience for all participants.
I look forward to engaging in intellectually stimulating debates and witnessing the skills, strategies, and passion that debaters bring to the round. Remember that every debate is an opportunity for growth and learning.
Best regards,
Ogunniran Jesutofunmi Joshua
Hello!
I am Esther Olamide Olayinka, a graduate of University of Ilorin Nigeria. I am an advanced level judge and debater with over 2 years involvement in debating. In these years, I have experienced/ participated in over 200 rounds of debating in BP, LD, WSDC, AP, PF and Policy Debates.
I have no conflicts and you can always contact me through olamideakanbi2000@gmail.com
Simply, I value and take note of arguments that are well analysed and impacted. I don't really have a preference for speaking styles or speed as long as you're comfortable with it and your arguments doesn't violate equity policies. Please within rounds, ensure you keep to time, abide by the tournament's policies and respect both I and other speakers in your room.
Finally, I find comparative arguments to be very persuasive. Good luck in your rounds. Thank you!
Hey there
My name is Olowookere Ganiyat (she/her). I am an undergraduate of University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Ihave experience in speaking and adjudicating at national, regional, and international levels in British Parliamentary, World Schools, Public Forum, LD, Asian Parliamentary, NSDA speech and debates, amongst other formats. I also have some experiences as a trainer and coach. So I very much understand the need to create a very empowering learning experience for participants and provide them with useful feedback. I am confident that I will be a good and impactful addition to your team of judges and educators.
Email address: olowookereganiyat15@gmail.com
Conflicts: I don't have any
As a judge and educator, I prioritize creating an empowering learning environment for participants while providing valuable feedback. I value fairness, equity, and respectful engagement during discussions, and I encourage debaters to present their arguments thoughtfully and engage with opposing viewpoints respectfully.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION FOR ONLINE SETTINGS
In virtual debate settings, I emphasize clear and audible communication, I urge participants to ensure their microphone works well and to maintain an appropriate speaking pace.I understand that speakers often times have a lot of ideas to share during their speeches in a short stipulated time but please, don't speak excessively fast. Just as much as I would pay very close attention to speakers, I am most comfortable with audible and medium paced speeches.
Best wishes
Hello, my name is Owolabi Victor Oluwatobi. I am a debater, public speaker and seasoned coach.
Over the years, I have gathered vast experience in different styles of debating, these includes; British Parliamentary (BP), Asian Parliamentary (AP), World Schools Debate Championship (WSDC), Canadian National Debate Format (CNDF), Public Forum (PF), Parliamentary debate and World scholastic championship (WSC).
As a judge, I prioritize when speakers attack only the arguments and not attack fellow speakers, I also take equity issues as important, so I expect speakers to follow it solely.
Also, I appreciate speakers that sends me their documents for LD, PF or other related styles or speakers that speaks at average pace or gives me a heads-up before speaking extremely fast.
I mostly prioritize arguments and logic over style.
In debate, I value speakers who already knows the different types of motions and what is expected of them in terms of burden fulfilment and things to do.
Also effective use of fiats, counter prop and other important techniques.
I also appreciate when summary speeches prove why speakers win, by emphasizing on the arguments, justifications and logical implications, no new arguments should be brought up.
I also encourage speakers to keep track of time because arguments made after the stipulated time won't be acknowledged.
For online tournaments, speakers are encouraged to turn on their cameras except in extreme situations which they should take excuse for.
As much as possible, I always try to be open minded, take all relevant notes, have clear decisions and helpful feedbacks.
Let’s have a great time!
I've been judging Debate since 2019. I'm looking for no rehash & building upon the argumentation. I want to hear you demonstrate true comparative understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the plan presented by the legislation. Don't simply praise or criticize the status quo as if the legislation before you doesn't exist.
L-D Paradigm:
Each LDer should have a value/value criterion that clarifies how their case should be interpreted.
I prefer to evaluate a round by selecting whose V/VC weighs most heavily under their case. Winning this is not in itself a reason for you to win. Tell me what arguments you're winning at the contention level, how they link, and how much they weigh in comparison to other arguments (yours and your opponent's) in the round.
Voting down the flow, if both sides prove framework and there’s not a lot of clash I would move on to the contention level and judge off the flow.
PUBLIC FORUM
SPEED
Don't. I can't deal with speed.
EVIDENCE
Paraphrasing is a horrible practice that I discourage. Additionally, I want to hear evidence dates (year of publication at a minimum) and sources (with author's credential if possible) cited in all evidence.
REBUTTALS
I believe it is the second team's duty to address both sides of the flow in the second team's rebuttal. A second team that neglects to both attack the opposing case and rebuild against the prior rebuttal will have a very difficult time winning my ballot as whichever arguments go unaddressed are essentially conceded.
SUMMARIES
The summaries should be treated as such - summarize the major arguments in the debate. I expect debaters to start to narrow the focus of the round at this point.
FINAL FOCUS
FOCUS is key. I would prefer 2 big arguments over 10 blippy ones that span the length of the flow. If you intend to make an argument in the FF, it should have been well explained, supported with analysis and/or evidence, and extended from its origin point in the debate all the way through the FF.
INTERP overall: I pay real close attention to the introduction of each piece, I look for the lens of analysis and the central thesis that will be advanced during the interpretation of literature. When the performance is happening, I'm checking to see if they have dug down deep enough into an understanding of their literature through that intro and have given me a way to contextualize the events that are happening during the performance
POI: I look for clean transitions and characterization (if doing multiple voices).
DI: I look for the small human elements that come from acting. Big and loud gestures are not always the way to convey the point, sometimes something smaller gets the point more powerfully.
HI: I look for clean character transitions, distinct voices, and strong energy in the movements. And of course the humor.
INFO: I'm looking for a well researched speech that has a strong message to deliver. Regardless of the genre of info you're presenting, I think that showing you've been exhaustive with your understanding is a good way to win my ballot. I'm not wow'd by flashy visuals that add little substance, and I'm put off by speeches that misrepresent intellectual concepts, even unintentionally. I like speeches that have a conclusion, and if the end of your speech is "and we still don't know" then I think you might want to reassess the overall direction you are taking.
FX/DX: When I'm evaluating an extemp speech, I'm continually thinking "did they answer the question? or did they answer something that sounded similar?" So keep that in your mind. Are you directly answering the question? When you present information that could be removed without affecting the overall quality of the speech, that is a sign that there wasn't enough research done by the speaker. What I vote on in terms of content are speeches that show a depth of understanding of the topic by evaluating the wider implications that a topic has for the area/region/politics/etc.
Judging is a critical aspect of ensuring fairness, accuracy, and quality in competitive events across various disciplines. The following paradigm aims to provide a comprehensive framework on how I assess the participants fairly and effectively.
1. Clarity of Evaluation Criteria:
Define clear and specific evaluation criteria tailored to the nature of the tournament.
I ensure to understand the criteria thoroughly to maintain consistency and fairness in evaluations.
2. Fairness and Impartiality:
I emphasize the importance of impartial judgment irrespective of personal biases or affiliations.
I encourage to focus solely on the performance or presentation without prejudice.
3. Transparency:
I maintain transparency throughout the judging process by explaining the criteria to participants and providing feedback when possible.
I disclose any potential conflicts of interest and ensure they do not influence judgments.
4. Feedback Mechanism:
I provide a constructive feedback to participants to facilitate their growth and improvement.
I also offer specific feedback based on the evaluation criteria.
5. Ethical Considerations:
I Emphasize ethical behavior among participants, including confidentiality, honesty, and integrity.
I Prohibit any form of discrimination or unfair treatment based on personal characteristics.
6. Continuous Improvement:
Solicit feedback to all participants to identify areas for improvement in the judging process.
Regularly review and update the judging paradigm to adapt to changing needs and emerging best practices.
Thank You for going through this Paradigm. ALL THE VERY BEST.
As a judge, my goal is to provide constructive and fair feedback that will help debaters improve their skills. I believe that all debaters should be treated with respect and should feel free to express their opinions without fear of judgment. I also believe that debate should be fun and enjoyable for all participants. With this in mind, here are some things you can expect from me as a judge:
- I will listen carefully to your arguments and give them the consideration they deserve
- I will evaluate the arguments based on their merits, not based on my personal beliefs or opinions
- I will give clear and concise feedback that will help you to learn and grow
- However, I am not a fan to fast speaking. While I understand that you may feel pressured to speak fast, I ask that you slow down and speak clearly so I can better understand you and for the sake of your arguments
- And lastly I want you to know that I am here to support you and help you improve.
Thank you for trusting me to be your judge.