I was founding moderator and head coach of Lambert High School's Speech and Debate Team since its inception in 2012 through May, 2021, and I judged regularly during that time, mainly in PF, LD, and Individual Events. I hold a bachelor's degree in English, a master's degree in Communications Psychology, and a doctoral degree in Management and Psychology, all focusing on learning and communication in human development and in the workplace.

Although my formal debate activities in high school and college occurred in classroom settings only, I did participate in public speaking and theater/telecommunications productions during that time, and I've studied philosophy, logic, international business, rhetoric, and persuasive writing over 40 years as student and educator at the high school and college level. I have numerous academic publications and one book on writing, cognition, and communications; and, as an instructor of Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Literature, as well as college courses in Communications and Marketing, I've taught classical methods of argumentation to my students as well as how to identify and respond to logical fallacies and manipulation of language and thought. I have completed the NSDA Cultural Competency training, traveled and taught overseas, and have worked in a wide variety of diverse American schools. I treat each debater as a unique individual worthy of respect, regardless of background or lifestyle, but you need to tell me a story, connect the dots, and support theory with examples to win.

When judging student debate, I look for consistent definitions, contentions, frameworks, and logical flow of argument, as well as clear explication of ideas, responses to opponents' contentions and values, and an understanding of the implications of the affirmations or negations of the propositions. Students who articulate respectfully and confidently earn better speaker evaluations from me, and I appreciate preparation, addressing appropriate counterarguments, the citation of sources, and the accurate inclusion of current events from news and readings. I encourage audiences for public speaking, value truth and technique, and I require that evidence to be shared in a timely manner. Add me to your e-mail chain before beginning your round: cwhyatt007gmail.com.

At the end of the day, the students who will win have more clearly, logically, and consistently presented their own positions while effectively responding to their opponents. It's all about The Clash, my friends, so stay free, stay free.

Speech delivery is key. Eye contact and confidence are important, as well as annunciation and physical movement.

The speech must be memorized for optimal performance.

The speech should have a clear structure with a strong introduction, body, and conclusion.

Where students have a choice as to their topics, the topic choice should be relevant and important to the audience. The speaker should make it clear why the audience should care about the topic and provide suggestions for what the audience can or should do.