Background: I did PF debate throughout high school, and judged after I graduated. Most recently, while I was in law school, I coached the Notre Dame Parliamentary Debate Team, and taught an intro to debate and public speaking class.

Speed: As I've had to judge college parli the past couple of years, I am comfortable with speed. However, I find in this current digital platform enunciation and clarity can be lost, so be careful with your speed.

Timing: Given the circumstances of online debate, I tend to let the teams time themselves and rely on the honor system.

Theory: Go for it, if you want, but the argument needs to be clear and concise. Also, in general I am wary of using theory in PF debate because the topic has been chosen for a reason.

Organization: Please make it clear what contentions you are arguing/rebutting, just makes it easier to flow.

Cross-Fire: Though I do pay attention, I do not flow it—so if something important happens bring it up in a speech.

Summary Speeches: I don't consider brand new arguments raised during the summary speeches. I just don't think it's fair because the other team will not have adequate time to respond.

Final Focus: Supposed to be a summary, give me your voters, and make them clear. Tell me why I am voting for you.

Decision: I vote based on the flow, so do not drop arguments and be sure to offer rebuttals against all your opponents arguments, and impacts. If the flow/impact debate is not clear, I will consider the quality of the presentation and/or the evidence relied on. However, if the teams agree (or one team offers and the other concedes to) a framework, I will vote based on which team fulfilled the framework.

One last thing: Let's all be respectful, remember we are all real human beings behind the screens.