National Speech and Debate Tournament

2024 — Des Moines, IA/US

Jacob Abraham Paradigm

Lincoln-Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy

Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)

Current LD coach
Current Public Forum coach or judge
Speech coach

How many years have you judged LD debate?

4

How many LD rounds have you judged this year?

0-10

What is your preferred rate of delivery?

1/91 = 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:

Both
 

Voting issues are:

Not 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 keep detailed notes throughout the round
Additional remarks: How one debates is indicative of their values, what they argue for is also indicative of their values. The style and substance of a debater in a value-based event cannot be in conflict, for me. This is also a communication activity, so debaters need to be aware that I can only ever judge that which is successfully communicated with me. Be smart, be clear, and feel free to be creative, just uphold all your espoused values in each round.

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.