National Speech and Debate Tournament
2023 — Phoenix/Mesa, AZ/US
Rhonda Smith Paradigm
Lincoln Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy
Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)
Former LD coachSpeech coach
How many years have you judged LD debate?
25How many LD rounds have you judged this year?
11-20What is your preferred rate of delivery?
4/91 = 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?
NRebuttals 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?
8/91 = Not necessary9 = Always necessary
Please describe your personal note-taking during the round
I keep detailed notes throughout the roundUnwarranted arguments will not be considered.
I expect the competitors to present and weigh the arguments in the round rather than asking me to do it on my own.
Generally I believe it is the affirmative job to tell me the value of making a change from the status quo which is generally the neg position. If the topic does not work like that, I obviously consider side expectations differently.
Theory arguments generally are ineffective with me, but if a true concern arises, by all means, point it out.
if you have questions, ask me when you get to the 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.