National Speech and Debate Tournament
2023 — Phoenix/Mesa, AZ/US
Erin White Paradigm
Lincoln Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy
Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)
Current LD coachExperienced LD judge
Former Policy debater
How many years have you judged LD debate?
8How many LD rounds have you judged this year?
0-10What is your preferred rate of delivery?
5/91 = Slow conversational style9 = Rapid conversation speed
Does the rate of delivery weigh heavily in your decision?
NWill you vote against a student solely for exceeding your preferred speed?
NHow important is the criterion in making your decision?
It is a major factor in my evaluationDo you feel that a value and criterion are required elements of a case?
YRebuttals and Crystallization
Voting issues should be given:
As one moves down the flowThe use of jargon or technical language ("extend", "cross-apply", "turn", etc.) during rebuttals:
Is acceptableFinal rebuttals should include:
Voting issuesVoting issues are:
Absolutely necessaryHow do you decide the winner of the round?
I decide who is the winner of the most arguments in the roundHow necessary do you feel the use of evidence (both analytical and empirical) is in the round?
7/91 = Not necessary9 = Always necessary
Please describe your personal note-taking during the round
I keep detailed notes throughout the roundIn regard to speed: I don't mind if competitors speak quickly, but not at the expense of clarity and use of fillers. So if you are going to read fast, just make sure to articulate, and I shouldn't have issues keeping up with the flow.
Preferences: I am a traditional judge. I believe that Lincoln-Douglas is a value debate at its core, and the value and value criterion should be used as a basis for judging the winners of the arguments presented. The personal that can best uphold their V/VC will win the debate.
Evidence aside though, pragmatic analysis is also really important. I really appreciate competitors that can thoroughly explain the WHY of their argument in a way that is practical and realistic.
I also prefer proper decorum within the debate, please be respectful of opponents at all times without being condescending.
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.