My philosophy on judging is pretty simple.  My default standard of evaluation is Net Benefit Analysis.  However, if during the round, an argument is made for me to consider a different standard of evaluation, I will consider that standard until someone tells me otherwise.  I have a fairly high threshold when it comes to voting for topicality arguments, but nothing unreasonable.  I enjoy critical arguments, so long as they are clear, make sense and have an alternative. I'm fine with "spreading", although I'll admit to having been away from debate for some time, so I may request that you slow down a little if I am having issues following.  Finally, as someone who believes that debate should be an open and inlcusive forum for the exchange of ideas in which no one feels threatened simply for existing, I am very much opposed to racist, sexist, or any other kind of disparaging or abusive language.  If, during your speech, I hear you using such language, it will result in an immediate deduction in speaker points.  Continued use of such language will result in losing my ballot.  Other than that, I like good clash and direct refutation of arguments.  So be cool, play it smart, and we'll all have a good time!

I have been judging regularly for about 15 years; and I am in my seventh year coaching Harding Charter Prep HS in Oklahoma City. I love every single event offered for competition. They are all valid. Memes hating on particular events are lame. Follow @hcpspeechdebate on Instagram and Twitter.

LD/PFD: I prefer quality of information and sources as well as clarity and presence of speakers over speed and quantity of information and sources. The more you can tell me about the qualifications of a source, the better I can weigh them. If you give a simple (Last Name/Year) tag, you can assume I know nothing about the author. I like to see your personality as a debater and jokes/lighthearted moments are welcome as long as they are within the scope of the topic. I dislike plans and policy-style approaches to Lincoln-Douglas debate; if you want to do Policy, there's a debate for that. I believe that the heart of Public Forum debate is that it should assume any judge is a lay judge and is more informal and free of debate jargon. Limit pre-case observations and don't place impossible burdens on your opponent. Be civil and professional during cross-examination or your speaker points are toast. Use cross-examination time to ask questions, not make another speech. Use your speech time and prep time! Your constructive speeches should be as close to memorized as possible. I want to see you speaking/debating, not just reading. Cases on paper vs on a laptop gain an automatic advantage. Have fun!

Big Questions: Please, please, please read the Format Manual. Then read it again. Use the Format Manual as evidence in round if you need to. Please let this thing have a chance to become its own thing before we drown it in the other debate sauces.

Policy: If I am judging round round, I apologize in advance. Something has gone awry at this tournament and I am a kind-hearted person with a semi-functioning brain that has been put in to prevent the round starting hours late. We'll make it through this together. I'm probably not gonna disclose unless tab forces me to.

Congress: Don't read word-for-word pre-written speeches. You should have an outline. Pay attention to the whole of the round, not just sitting there prepping for when you are going to talk. Keep questions concise.

World Schools: Requests for POIs should rise/raise as often as needed but don't be a pest about it. You are at the discretion of the speaker. Avoid debate jargon. Rely on reason and logic. Appeal persuasively. Prop arguments should do their best to prove the resolution beyond a shadow of a doubt. Opposition arguments should be about broad rejection of the resolution, not just finding an outlier to say that one example is representative of all.

Final Thoughts: This activity is for education. Winning and excellence should always be celebrated, but not the only goal. Remember that Words Matter and Words have Power. Respect the purpose of the Pronouns and name pronunciation options in Tabroom. The NSDA has worked hard to be inclusive. Don't abuse that. #NotGarbagePeople

I am open to most any type of argumentation. I love kritiks, theory shells, topicalities, and all things squirrelly. That said, I believe spreading is an unethical practice and if I can't understand you enough to flow, you didn't say it. I have voted on probably 80% of speed Ks I have heard.

Keep it respectable, there is such a thing as badgering the opposite end of the case in a disrespectful manner that in itself is unpleasing to not only your opponent but to some judges as well. I have no true preference on speed, but that being said, still make it where you can be thoroughly understood. If I can't understand you, I will not/can not flow you through and can end in a negative vote for your side. Be professional, be courteous, but overall be the best you can be. This year (2021) will be a little weird due to the current pandemic. Take your time, do your best, and if any complications arise please let myself or any other judge/coach know. This may be an uncomfortable way to do debating or speaking events but we are all proud of you for jumping out of the comfort zone and putting your best foot forward. Break legs! - Aedrynn

I try to approach each round with a Tabula Rasa philosophy. I am willing to listen and evaluate any type/form of argumentation. I will want debaters to evaluate and frame arguments as the round progresses with emphasis on comparative analysis between those competing arguments.

Speed is generally not a problem.