National Speech and Debate Tournament

2025 — Des Moines, IA/US

Abraham Paik Paradigm

Lincoln-Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy

Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)

Current Public Forum coach or judge
Former Public Forum debater

How many years have you judged LD debate?

2

How many LD rounds have you judged this year?

0-10

What is your preferred rate of delivery?

7/91 = Slow conversational style
9 = Rapid conversation speed
 

Does the rate of delivery weigh heavily in your decision?

N
 

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

N

How important is the criterion in making your decision?

It may be a factor depending on its use in the round
 

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:

Both
 

Voting issues are:

Absolutely necessary

How do you decide the winner of the round?

I decide who is the winner of the key argument in the round

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

8/91 = Not necessary
9 = Always necessary

Please describe your personal note-taking during the round

I keep a rigorous flow
Additional remarks: I am primarily a PF coach and judge. I will evaluate non-util framing and arguments, but you must BE CLEAR in your warranting and weighing of them. Also, even util must be weighed for me to vote on it consistently. Please avoid progressive arguments unless absolutely necessary. I will clear you if you’re too fast, and also ask for a doc. Read my tabroom paradigm for more info.

Note: if you wish for your pronouns to appear the debaters you judge on text/email blasts, log into Tabroom, click Profile at top, and add them in the Pronouns field.