National Speech and Debate Tournament

2022 — Louisville, KY/US

Tess Welch Paradigm

Lincoln Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy

Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)

Former LD coach
Former LD competitor
Summer LD instructor
Experienced LD judge
Collegiate Policy debater
Community judge

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?

9/91 = 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?

N

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?

1/91 = Not necessary
9 = Always necessary

Please describe your personal note-taking during the round

I keep a rigorous flow
Additional remarks: I have a background in all forms of LD debate: larp, tricks/theory, k, etc. Evidence is not needed but warranting is. However, I do not like when people use theory, k's, or other tricky positions to exclude others who do not have a background in that form of debate. Speed is fine with me if it is fine with your opponent. I really enjoy traditional debate as well. Do what you feel most confident in and don't be exclusionary while doing it and then I'll be a very happy judge!

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.