My. Background:

 I am a corporate banker at a U.S. based international bank. I have been judging for approximately one year with most of my experience in the LD debate format but have also judged Public Forum and Parliamentary.    

 Approach to Judging/Preferences:

As a debater, assume I know nothing about the topic. Explain what's going on to me clearly and succinctly. I will do my best to stay open-minded and not to impose my personal beliefs, pre-conceptions or knowledge of the topic on the competitors. 

Things I look for include passion, articulate speaker, maintains good eye contact and confidence.

Please don’t spread.  I understand the strategy, but if I cannot keep up, what’s the purpose?

I do expect that participants at all times to act courteously towards their opponents. 

Hi, I'm a lay judge who you should assume, knows nothing about the topic. Please no spreading or circuit type arguments-- they will just fly over my head. Don't pref me unless you want a lay round.

Freeman, William                 Oak Park High School                                 

Background:

I am a commercial litigator in a large, national law firm. I have 6 years’ experience judging Lincoln Douglas and other debate formats.  I recognize that Stanford’s debate competitors are neither attorneys nor college students, but I expect that they will understand and comply with all rules, format, and approved tactics of Lincoln Douglas debate. 

Approach to Judging/Preferences:

I understand all of the rules, tactics and subtleties typically arising in a Lincoln Douglas tournament, and expect the debaters to do so as well.  I will endeavor not to impose my beliefs, pre-conceptions or knowledge of the topic on the competitors.  Similarly, my approach is not to impose my preferences on your debate competition. If you are complying with all applicable rules and tactics, I will adjust to you.  This includes spreading, theory arguments, blocks, etc., etc.

I do expect that participants at all times to act courteously towards their opponents. 

Just don't speak too fast.

I take a holistic approach to judging debates - the winner will be the person/team that has the most convincing overall presentation. The quality of the reasoning and the evidence used to support contentions carries more weight than the number of contentions. I do flow and will consider the failure to refute or address a significant point to be a basis for giving the win to the other team. A minor point that flows through will rarely be a determinant of the outcome.

You will likely lose if you make unsupported assertions; make up or misrepresent facts; or abuse your opponent or the process. The likelihood of winning are greatly enhanced if you are able to clearly rebut your opponent's voters and emphatically point out why your contentions should prevail.

Lay Judge with one year of experience. Limited exposure to circuit, but a strong intuitive grasp of argumentation and will be able to follow your logic. Adjust accordingly.

A. I hate spreading.

A Case against Spreading in LD

B. I appreciate good turns.

What Exactly Is a Good Turn?

C. I judge you on 5 things.

5 Keys to Success

Carlos P. Salas

I debated Parliamentary and other formats in East Coast private middle- and boarding-school leagues. I studied philosophy at NYU and am accustomed to complex argumentation. I competed successfully in, and later governed, the moot court program at the University of Chicago Law School. My professional career has been in corporate law, investment banking and executive management where clear and persuasive communication is the cost of entry and rhetorical gamesmanship has no value. I’ve coached middle-school debaters at New Roads and judged several years of middle- and high-school tournaments in all formats.

I value arguments grounded in fact and reason, informed by a sound understanding of history, culture or science, and that squarely address the resolution. I do not value procedural tactics, arguments that evade the clear intent of the debate topic, or off-point themes. It’s more fun and informative to debate the topic directly. If you intend to argue kritiks, be sure these are relevant and convincing to someone lacking post-modern sensibilities. I don’t generally find Critical Theory or its derivatives persuasive; other philosophical frameworks are encouraged where relevant and can add a welcome depth to your arguments.

I find speaking styles most persuasive when they emphasize clarity, organization and logic. Emotional arguments can be persuasive as well but must be perceived as sincere and must likewise be organized and on point. Debate jargon, calling out procedural faults and rudeness are crutches for a weak speaker. Likewise, an overly-quick speaking style is not how you would choose to persuade someone in the real world—even a sophisticated counterparty.

I respect and admire all the debaters I have the privilege to judge and expect that you will respect your competitors to the same degree. Assume I know the rules and will score any faults appropriately, but that I most want to hear a lively clash of ideas. I am looking forward to seeing your best!

AFA NIET All American 2008.

8 years coaching I.E. and Congress at the high school level.

Competed 4 years collegiate forensics for Northern Illinois University in the events: DI, DUO, PROSE, POETRY, IMPROMPTU, ADS, INFORMATIVE AND POI.

1 year High School Forensics in HI and RADIO speaking for Prospect High School at Sectionals level.

3 year AFA National qualifier(12 qualifications over 3 years in DI, Prose, Poetry, Duo, Info, POI, Impromptu.)

2 year NFA qualifier.

Graduate Second City comedy school. Groundlings Advanced Program.

Professional Actress/Voice Artist/Stand Up Comic.

Debate: 3+ years experience judging POFO, LD, and PARLI. Values: organization, unique arguments, intelligence(specificity), balance.

*Fine with spread in LD/Pofo. Not comfortable judging policy, so not good with spread in policy.