National Speech and Debate Tournament

2023 — Phoenix/Mesa, AZ/US

Sherri Bublitz Paradigm
Lincoln Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy

Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)

Current LD coach
Experienced LD judge
Current Public Forum coach or judge
Speech coach

How many years have you judged LD debate?

10

How many LD rounds have you judged this year?

0-10

What is your preferred rate of delivery?

5/91 = 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:

Voting issues
 

Voting issues are:

Absolutely necessary

How do you decide the winner of the round?

I decide who is the winner of the most arguments in the round

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

6/91 = Not necessary
9 = Always necessary

Please describe your personal note-taking during the round

I keep detailed notes throughout the round
Additional remarks: Keep it logical - there should be a clear line from claims through warrants to impacts. Warrants should come from viable, verifiable sources, which might include philosophers for LD. LD should clearly link every contention to the value and VC. If you can prove that your opponent's contentions fit your value and VC, bonus points. Although I am an experienced judge, and I can handle *some* speed, that should not be the primary vehicle of a debater. This is about communication, not who can cram the most words into their constructive. If I can't understand you, I can't give you the win; when you spread, I cannot keep up mentally or physically as I flow, thus, I cannot understand your points and whether they meet the criteria of logic and reason. Use your time in the constructive well to give me your best claims, warrants, and impacts for your side of the debate. Learn how to summarize and "fold" your arguments as you continue the round so that you don't have to feel inclined to spread. Remember: you are trying to convince me, and I have to be able to understand you to be convinced that you have the better arguments. Keep it respectful. This is about civic discourse, not shaming, humiliating, embarrassing, or otherwise putting down your opponent. Such behavior will cost you the round, and I will report it to the tournament host. I will not disclose unless told specifically by tournament staff to do so. Don't ask.

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

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