National Speech and Debate Tournament

2025 — Des Moines, IA/US

William Franck Paradigm
Lincoln-Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy

Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)

Former LD coach
Experienced LD judge

How many years have you judged LD debate?

20

How many LD rounds have you judged this year?

0-10

What is your preferred rate of delivery?

5/91 = Slow conversational style
9 = Rapid conversation speed
 

Does the rate of delivery weigh heavily in your decision?

Y
 

Will you vote against a student solely for exceeding your preferred speed?

N

How important is the criterion in making your decision?

It is a major factor in my evaluation
 

Do you feel that a value and criterion are required elements of a case?

Y

Rebuttals and Crystallization

 

Voting issues should be given:

Either is acceptable
 

The use of jargon or technical language ("extend", "cross-apply", "turn", etc.) during rebuttals:

Is acceptable
 

Final rebuttals should include:

Voting issues
 

Voting issues are:

Absolutely necessary

How do you decide the winner of the round?

I decide who is the person who persuaded me more of their position

How necessary do you feel the use of evidence (both analytical and empirical) is in the round?

7/91 = Not necessary
9 = Always necessary

Please describe your personal note-taking during the round

I keep detailed notes throughout the round
Additional remarks: I have been coaching and judging various events since 2000. I have attained a second diamond and work routinely with both speech and debate events, including supplemental and consolation events. My paradigm for debate can be summarized as follows: I prefer a normal speaking rate as opposed to spreading/progressive debate. My ballot goes to the debater who supports their contentions with viable sources, logical impacts, and the successful refutation of their opponent's claims. Similarly, refuting the counterclaims of the opponent is absolutely necessary. I weigh arguments at the end of the round and base my RFD on overall execution in the round.

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Judges

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