National Speech and Debate Tournament

2025 — Des Moines, IA/US

Brahmam Gandham Paradigm
Lincoln-Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy

Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)

Community judge

How many years have you judged LD debate?

1

How many LD rounds have you judged this year?

0-10

What is your preferred rate of delivery?

4/91 = 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:

Should be kept to a minimum
 

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?

5/91 = Not necessary
9 = Always necessary

Please describe your personal note-taking during the round

I only outline the important arguments of each debater's case
Additional remarks: My biggest request from you all is that you speak clearly. You guys have all prepared so much, I would hate to miss important points due to you speeding through them!In the 2NR and 2AR, I would prefer you to cover the most important points that I should be voting off of; no need to include every point mentioned throughout the round. Make it very clear to me which arguments I am casting my ballot because of, and what they really entail.Any argument you want weighed should be extended through both of the final speeches. I will not vote off an argument first introduced in grand cross or final focus. I flow all speeches except cross fire. If you do make a good point in cross fire, be sure to emphasize it in later speeches. I also believe that the presentation of the arguments are just as important as the arguments themselves. Employing a compelling tone is in your best interest.

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.

Judges

BQ List
MAIN List
WSD List
Lincoln-Douglas List & NSDA Paradigms
Policy List & NSDA Paradigms