National Speech and Debate Tournament
2025 — Des Moines, IA/US
Andreia Trindade Paradigm
Policy
Policy Debate Judge Philosophy
Your experience with Policy Debate (check all that apply)
Occasionally judge Policy DebateHow many Policy rounds have you judged this year?
0-10Which best describes your approach to judging Policy Debate?
Speaking skillsRATE OF DELIVERY
3/91 = slow and deliberate9 = very rapid
QUANTITY OF ARGUMENTS
5/91 = a few well-developed arguments9 = the more arguments the better
COMMUNICATION AND ISSUES
8/91 = communication skills most important9 = resolving substantive issues most important
TOPICALITY: I am willing to vote on topicality:
9/91 = often9 = rarely
COUNTERPLANS
1/91 = acceptable9 = unacceptable
GENERIC DISADVANTAGES
5/91 = acceptable9 = unacceptable
CONDITIONAL NEGATIVE POSITIONS
5/91 = acceptable9 = unacceptable
DEBATE THEORY ARGUMENTS
9/91 = acceptable9 = unacceptable
CRITIQUE (KRITIK) ARGUMENTS
5/91 = acceptable9 = unacceptable
Additional remarks:
My goal is to evaluate fairly which side debates the resolution more effectively. I will be prioritizing clarity, logical reasoning, and respectful communication throughout the rounds.
Here’s what I expect from your presentations:
Clarity: It is crucial that you speak clearly and at a reasonable pace. Please avoid using excessive jargon. If I cannot understand your arguments, it will be difficult for me to vote in your favor. Please avoid spreading.
Organization: Please signpost your arguments clearly. It is also important to explicitly link your arguments back to the debate resolution.
Evidence: When presenting evidence or examples, please explain their significance and how they support your claims.
Respect: Maintain a polite and respectful demeanor towards your opponents and me. Focus your arguments on the ideas being presented, not on personal attacks.
My evaluation will be based on the following:
Resolution: The affirmative team needs to prove the resolution is a good idea, while the negative team needs to disprove it. Make sure your position on the resolution is clear throughout your arguments.
Key Issues:
Topicality: The affirmative team’s plan should directly relate to the debate resolution. If the negative team argues that the plan is not topical, please explain why.Harms: You should present evidence that clearly demonstrates the severity of the problem you are addressing.Inherency: Explain why the problem you are discussing will continue to exist if the affirmative plan is not implemented.Plan: The affirmative team should present a clear and specific plan of action. The negative team should argue why this plan is not a good idea or will not work.Solvency: The affirmative team must prove that their plan will effectively solve the problem. The negative team should present reasons why the plan will not be effective.Disadvantages: The negative team should explain any negative consequences or downsides that would result from the affirmative plan, and support these claims with evidence.Counterplans/Kritiks/Theory: Theory is most common here, with complex arguments about plans, counterplans, and kritiks.Speaker Points:
I will be awarding speaker points based on the following criteria:
Clear and effective delivery of your arguments. The strength and relevance of your arguments and evidence.The overall organization of your presentation.Your respectful conduct throughout the debate.
Notes during the round:
I will be taking notes to track the arguments presented by both sides. Please make sure to signpost your arguments clearly and directly address the points made by your opponents. Arguments that are not addressed by the opposing team may be considered conceded.
Tips for Success:
Please explain your arguments. Avoid making assumptions about my prior knowledge. Directly refute the arguments made by your opponents. Explain why their points are incorrect or less important.In your rebuttal speeches, clearly summarize why you believe your side has won the debate. Manage your time effectively to ensure you can cover all the key points of your arguments.
Note on Voting:
Ultimately, I will be voting for the team that presents the clearer and stronger case, demonstrating a better understanding and application of the debate resolution. Please be clear, and respectful.
Thank you for your participation, and best of luck.
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