National Speech and Debate Tournament
2023 — Phoenix/Mesa, AZ/US
Nick Sheaffer Paradigm
Lincoln Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy
Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)
Former Public Forum debaterCommunity judge
How many years have you judged LD debate?
2How many LD rounds have you judged this year?
0-10What is your preferred rate of delivery?
7/91 = 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 may be a factor depending on its use in the roundDo you feel that a value and criterion are required elements of a case?
YRebuttals and Crystallization
Voting issues should be given:
Either is acceptableThe 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 key argument in the roundHow necessary do you feel the use of evidence (both analytical and empirical) is in the round?
9/91 = Not necessary9 = Always necessary
Please describe your personal note-taking during the round
I keep detailed notes throughout the roundI debated for four years and have judged for two.
Generally speaking, anything goes for me. My judging style adapts to the round I'm judging, with key arguments, number of arguments, and speaking ability all weighing different amounts for different rounds.
Essentially, if something can be justified and is persuasive, it can have a major impact on a 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.