National Speech and Debate Tournament

2023 — Phoenix/Mesa, AZ/US

Blaine Hone Paradigm

Lincoln Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy

Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)

Current LD coach
Former LD competitor
Experienced LD judge
Former Policy debater
Current Public Forum coach or judge
Speech coach

How many years have you judged LD debate?

7

How many LD rounds have you judged this year?

41+

What is your preferred rate of delivery?

7/91 = 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 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:

Line by line analysis
 

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?

8/91 = Not necessary
9 = Always necessary

Please describe your personal note-taking during the round

I keep a rigorous flow
Additional remarks: I apply a "classic" Lincoln-Douglas value-criteria paradigm. (If you do not provide a value and criteria, I infer them.) Logical claims, credible evidence and effective rebuttals that flow win rounds. Spreading is OK as long as it is intelligible. I am open, fair, and leave personal bias at the door. Personal attacks are unwelcome. “Critique cases” receive an almost automatic loss unless they demonstrate absolutely pristine logic and a clear ethical interest. I prefer "off-time" roadmaps noted as either prep time or speech time. I know LD well and love this event.

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.