John Block: block.john.b@gmail.com please add me to email chain, thanks

LRCH ’09

Missouri state State ‘12

Last Updated: March 2024

General:

I am currently completing my final year of pediatrics residency so I have been out of the judging game to some extent so be aware that acronyms/the latest K lit I may not be up to date with. That being said I assist LRCH and judge practice debates/listen to practices. I believe that my job is to be a reactionary presence in the room. I do have my own opinions which I’ll get to in a bit but I should be receptive to basically anything you are doing. Being nice goes a long way. Make my job easy. If you can write my ballot for me in the 2NR/2AR I would be happy for you to do so. Even if statements are phenomenal, no one will win 100% of the arguments, recognize and embrace that.

Digital debate will be an adjustment to all. I have watched some debates but they were conducted over Zoom so I will be new to this software interface so please be patient if and when glitches arise.

You don’t need evidence for an argument, although it helps.

Specifics: T/Framework-I am not exclusively a policymaker. I’m just a person evaluating a discussion of ideas. That being said I went for Framework quite regularly in college and have voted on it multiple times. Be interactive with the other side, don’t just read blocks at each other. TVA’s are important and so are aff visions of the topic that are navigable to the negative team.

Theory: bad theory arguments are just that, bad. If you want to go for theory great but I am pretty easily swayed by reject the argument not the team. If you want to read consult/conditions style arguments I can get on board pretty easily. If you want to read multiple CPs without solvency advocates to simply skew the 2AC’s time I’m less on your side.

Case Debates-crucial to a good round. You can make my threshold to vote negative significantly lower if you have good case args, these don’t have to be supported by evidence but again it helps. Ev analysis has gotten somewhat lost in my opinion over the years. Read the text/read who this person is, discuss why one piece of evidence should be prioritized (does it assume the other team’s ev? Is it newer? Is it better analysis etc?)

DA’s-PTX is fun, elections is an exciting time to be reading it. Otherwise topic DA’s are great too. Don’t forget to have specific links to the aff and a good internal link. Similarly, don’t forget to identify flaws in the internal link chain or why your aff is different than what the link evidence assumes/why it would be perceived differently.

CP’s: having a solvency advocate is good but not necessary. I read a lot of hyperspecific CP’s in my day but also think a lot of it can become esoteric. If you have a great counterplan to read go for it, if you have a generic CP, go for it. Delay is questionable from a theory level but I’ll certainly listen to it.

K’s-Guide me through the K and what it means for the hypothetical world of the aff vs the hypothetical world of the alternative. Explain what specifically the aff does, specifically what the 1AC said or the assumptions that went into it. I may not be hip to the latest high theory K’s but I hear of some of them by proximity to debate even if I haven’t sat in the back of rounds in recent times.

K Affs: Most of what I wrote in the K area applies here. I think I am slightly K leaning as far as my threshold for voting on T or F/W so keep that in mind. What is the ballot and why does it matter for whatever the aff is. I am a bigger fan of embracing the K side of the aff and not as crazy about “soft-left” affs as I have been in the past.

CX-don’t just use it for prep. A good CX can end a debate round early on. This may be difficult with virtual debate and people just trying to talk over each other.

Cheating: If I suspect it I will report it. I will often read along and will likely do this even more because hearing specifics of spreading may be more difficult virtually.

Hosea Born

Neosho '14, UARK '18, HSU '20

Coach: Yerger Middle School, Hope

I debated CX in MO on a traditional circuit, hence I end up judging Public Forum and Student Congress more than anything else. In any event I judge, I look for quality over quantity in arguments. Don't just read cards, be able to explain how the evidence supports your position. Use common sense, analysis, and solid logic. I don't mind spreading as long as it is clear and the arguments are good. You'll rarely win the flow if your response is just that you have a more recent source of evidence, tell me what your evidence proves over your opponent. I'll disclose if both teams agree that it is okay. Ask if you have any questions, I am usually more than happy to answer questions about the round after it is over. As always, take my comments as you wish and listen to your coach.

StuCo- Definitely qualify your sources and embody the delegate you are supposed to be. IMO there is no place for spreading in StuCo, I believe that it is quality focused form of debate in both argumentation and persuasion which means your logic has to be sound and you need to show persuasive qualities in your style. Don't abuse personal privileges, only use in emergencies or double entered. Be active in questioning and attentive through the session. Decorum definitely plays into my perception of you as a delegate when ranking. PO is ranked based on order of the session and not showing bias towards any other delegate.

PF: My pet peeve in PF are roadmaps. There is one flow. Unless it gets wild, don't waste time telling me you are going to cover your opponents points then rebuild your case. Go with quality over quantity and don't drop key points or try bringing up new arguments after GCF. I will roll with the flow of the round. If you bring up framework or burdens make sure you know what you are talking about and don't get trapped in just debating the framework. Default burden is pro must prove the resolution brings about an advantage not seen in SQUO, con must show that the squo is better than affirming the resolution. Default framework is cost/ben analysis. Speed is okay as long as you are clear. If I cannot understand what you are saying, I will not flow it. If you have questions ask me before the round starts.

CX: I doubt you'll get me judging this that much, though I prefer the traditional style with case debate and disads/T/CP. Speed is fine as long as you are clear. Go with your normal style in the round, just make any off case arguments specific to the aff, if there is not a strong link you will lose the impact.

World Schools: This is a fairly new field that I am judging. Refer to PF paradigm for stylistics/defaults and if you have any specific questions ask before the start of the round. Default to quality debate and argumentation, have solid logic and watch your fallacies. Do not make the entire debate into a definition debate, too many times I have sat through a debate about the definition of "this house" and it doesn't even matter to the debate. Don't get caught in that trap.

Email: mckenzie.cummings08@gmail.com

Introduction:

I competed in Speech and Debate for six years, finishing my career in Public Forum at Cabot High School, Arkansas. I now attend the University of Arkansas. I competed at NSDA Nationals in both 2016 (World's) and 2017 (PF) and at NTOC in 2017 in Public Forum.

At the end of the day I am a flow judge-- line by line is important. I am open to almost any argument if you can link it to the resolution. I will not vote for anything that is racist, sexist, homophobic, or offensive in any manner.

General Comments:

I don't mind speed as long as you are clear. If I can't understand you then I won't flow it. I don't count flashing as prep-time as long as it is reasonable. You keep up with your own prep time but don't try to steal prep time or delay the round unreasonably. Email chains are dope. Use them if you want. My email is at the top and bottom of this paradigm.

Topicality

Topicality is a voting issue and I enjoy a clear and organized topicality debate. Don't just go back and forth reading and rereading definitions but instead have interactions at the standards and voters level of the flow. Be sure to have clear argumentation on all components of the flow in a structured manner.

DA's/CP's

I love a good DA or CP debate. Just make sure you have clear links to the case and expand as much as you can. The only way you will win a DA is if you prove how it outweighs and turns the case. On CP's, I am open to basically anything as long as you are able to provide net benefits. Make sure to slow down on CP's and Perms.

Kritiks

I was a huge K debater in high school. I love to hear K debates for sure. However, don't try to run a vague K that just ends up getting messy. Prove how the alternative is uniquely different from the status quo.

(Sidenote: I love a good fem debate if it links to the resolution on both sides of the flow)

Framework:

I love how progressive LD has gotten but at the end of the day I expect you to provide either a V/VC or a Standard. It's LD and your case needs to be framed around your standard.

Evidence:

Do not try to manipulate your cards. If cards come into question and it's fundamentally important in my decision, I will call for them at the end of the debate. Also, I would rather have one super awesome card than four okay cards. Quality over quantity.

Extra:

I expect you to defend your case and answer arguments made by your opponent on both sides of the flow. If you drop an argument and bring it up in a later speech I would flow it. Crystallization is key. Warrant everything. Extend.

speed is fine. all debaters should be prepared to flow at spreading and normal speed. but i expect you to email me ur case so i can follow along as a flow

Email: mckenzie.cummings08@gmail.com

**IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ASK ME BEFORE ROUND**

update: toc 23'

Email chain: chris@alterethosdebate.com

TLDR

Debaters ought to determine the procedural limits and educational value of each topic by defending their interpretations in the round. I ought to vote for the team that does the best job of that in the debate.

I mostly care about warranting arguments and engaging with opponent's through analysis and impact comparison. The team that does the better job justifying my vote at the end of the debate will win.

Debaters should not do any of the following:

Clip cards

Steal prep

Ignore reasonable things like showing up on time and maintaining speech times and speaking order.

Disregard reasonable personal request of their opponents. If you don’t wish to comply with opponent requests, you ought to have a good reason why.

Misgender folks

Say or do racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or ableist things.

Read pessimism args from identities they don't identify as.

Argumentative Preferences

WARRANTS & EXPLANATIONS over blippiness.

Education > Fairness

Breadth = Depth ---> both are important please make warrants here.

K’s don’t need to win an alt to win.

Reasonable disclosure practices should be followed.

Analytic > Low quality evidence

Specific Stuff

Theory

Disclosing before the round is a reasonable thing to do. That being said, I come in with a slight bias against theory arguments in LD. Lots of frivolity in this space right now.

To adapt for this bias teams can read theory that actually has the potential to improve debates or read shells that will have clear and significant violations. Running theory as an exploit of tech judges makes debates less enjoyable for me and I am inclined to vote against them at the smallest of responses. Affirmative teams should feel comfortable reading fewer spikes and more substance.

t/framework

Neg teams ought to engage with plan free or non-topical affirmatives. Affirmative teams should advocate for some departure from the status quo within the context of the topic. The more an aff is steeped in topic literature, the less likely I am to vote against it as a procedural issues, so strong topic links are crucial. I generally think education is a more important element of debate than fairness and that an inability to prepare against an argument doesn't inherently mean that argument is unfair.

Topicality

I default to reasonability because I think it incentivizes innovative research by the aff and expands the limits of the topic in a good way.

Perf Con.

I'm good with multiple worlds but think perf cons make for less enjoyable debates and I am inclined to vote against 1NC's that read cap and the econ da in the same speech.

Counter Plans

If you have a solvency advocate, its legit.

PIC’s are generally good because they force the affirmative to more deeply examine their advocacy, I want them to be excluding something substantial and to have a solvency advocate of some kind.

Conditionality

Neg definitely gets to be conditional. Limited conditionality is the most reasonable interp.

DA's

I like topic DA's, and find most politics and econ based internal links implausible. But, I won't vote against them on face, I let your opponent make those arguments.

Presumption

Neg walks in with presumption. Neg teams should still make presumption analysis in the round though.

*If I haven't mentioned it here, ask me. It has been a minute since I've judged.

I was a policy debater in West Texas in the late 90's. Competing and doing well in both UIL and TFA. Afterwards, I spent four years competing in two forms of limited prep debate at the collegiate level (IPDA and Parliamentary)

TWO DIAMOND COACH:

In 17 years of coaching, we have competed and won in Policy, Public Forum, Lincoln Douglas, World Schools and Big Question. We are the only small-school ,from Arkansas, that has been consistent at qualifying for Nationals.

In the past 17 years, we have attended TOC 4 times and NSDA Nats 8 times. We have made it to nationals in everything from Oratory, Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Big Questions and World Schools debate.

I have judged; 2020 NSDA PF FINALS, 2023 NSDA WSD FINALS, NSDA finals rounds of Individual events, NSDA Nats World Schools Debate, Big Questions Nationals Semi-Finals Round, Lincoln-Douglas.

TOC PF and everything that you can think of on our local circuit.

This activity and its associated community give me life. It has led me from a life of poverty into a prosperous one that allows for a completely different world than I was raised in. I am honored to be judging debaters of your caliber and degree.

My View on debate:

It is my hope that my view on debate is nuanced and takes into account as many viewpoints as possible. Debate is a 'game'. However, this game has the ability to examine and change the status quo. The words we say, the thoughts we use, and the policy that we propose is not only a reflection of real life but often has real-world implications outside of the round. My responsibility as an adjudicator extends past the time we share together. My ballot will carry the ramification of perpetuating or helping to stop the things that are espoused in that round.

I ,therefore, take my job extremely seriously when it comes to the type of argumentation , words used and attitude presented in the rounds that I will sit in front of. It is also a game in the sense that the competitors are present in order to compete. The fact that we are engaged in an intellectual battle doesn't change the fact that every person in the round is trying to win. I have never seen a debater forfeit a round in order to further their own social or political commentary.

If the topics calls for an in-depth discussion of any type of argument that might be considered a "K" that is entirely fine. I caution that these types of arguments should be realistic and genuine. It is a travesty and a mockery of the platform to shoehorn serious social commentary with the sole intent of winning a game.

In terms of the words you choose and the arguments that you make. Please follow this advice that I found on another judge's Paradigm "A non-threatening atmosphere of mutual respect for all participants is a prerequisite to any debating."

Debate should be a free marketplace of ideas but it should also be a marketplace that is open to all humans on this earth. That can't happen with aggressive language that dehumanizes others. Make your point without tearing people down. Getting a W isn't worth losing your moral compass.

This activity is a game of persuasion that is rooted in evidenced based argumentation. I prefer a well warranted argument instead of a squabble over dates/qualification of evidence. [this is not to say qualification don't matter. But you have to prove that the evidence is biased] Don't waste your time arguing specifics when it doesn't matter.

Paradigms:

• Speed is fine. "Spreading" is not. Your breathing shouldn't become markedly different and noticeable because of your rate increase. The pitch of your voice shouldn't also change dramatically because of your delivery. If you are clean, clear and articulate then you are free to go as fast as you wish.
• Don't just extend cards with Author name. "Extend Samson '09". You need to explain why that argument is a good answer to whatever you are extending. For me, debate is more than just lines on a page. Your words matter. Your arguments matter.
• I feel that the first two speeches are solely for setting up the case in favor or opposition to the resolution. If an answer happens to cross-apply as a good answer to their case that is fine. But, I don't expect PF teams to divide their time in the first speeches to offer counter-arguments.
• No new in the 2. Core arguments should be flowing out of the first two constructive speeches. If it isn't covered by your partner in the second constructive or by you in the summary speech then it is dropped. Too little, too late. This isn't football and a Hail Mary will not occur.
• While I view debate as a game....it is more like Quidditch and less like muggle games. (*just because you win the most points doesn't make you the winner. If you catch that golden snitch....you can pull out the win! Don't be afraid to argue impacts as opposed to number of points)
• The affirmative has the burden of proof. It is their job to prove the resolution true. If the debate is a wash this means the default win will go to the negative. (low speak wins included)
• Framework: I will assume CBA unless otherwise stated. You can win framework and then lose the debate under that framework. That should be obvious. Make sure that you explain how and why you win under the framework of the debate.
• PF Plans/ CPs: Simply put. These are against the rule. You are allowed to give a general recommendation but this often delves right into plan territory.
• ATTITUDE: Humor is welcome. Sarcasm and rudeness are not.
• Evidence: Don't miscut evidence. I will call for evidence if (A) a team tells me to do so or (B) I suspect it is miscut.
• Round Evaluation: I am a flow judge. I will judge based on what happens in-round. It is your job to impact out your arguments. Don't just say 'this leads to racism'...TELL ME WHY RACISM IS BAD and what the actual impact is. Don't make me do the work for you. Make sure to weigh the arguments out under the frameworks.
• Shoo fly, you bug me:
• Don't tell me that something is dropped when it isn't. If they simply repeat their assertion in response, that is a different story. But if they have a clear answer and you tell me that they dropped that isn't going to end well for you. Don't extend through ink.
• Rudeness: This isn't a street fight. This is an intellectual exchange and thus should not be a showcase of rude behavior such as: Ad Hominem attacks on your competition, derision of your opponents argument or strategy, Domination of Cross by shouting/ cutting off / talking over your opponents.
• Arguing with me after disclosure. It wont change the ballot.
• Packing your things while I am giving you a critique.

Overall, do your best and have a fantastic time. That is why we are all here. If you have any questions about a ballot feel free to e-mail me at mrgambledhs@gmail.com

PUBLIC FORUM

I will evaluate Public Forum as if I am a jury of 12 and you all are the lawyers. Pro is the Prosecution and Con is the Defense. What is on trial is the status quo in relation to the topic at hand. Pro/Aff in any debate round advocates for a change. Pro accuses the Con side of creating a risk with complacency in our current condition. Pro must present that change implied in the resolution has lower risk and higher benefits, and do so in effective qualitative ways, as opposed to a quantitative approach in policy debate.

Now, unlike a courtroom, Pro does not necessarily have to prove their side "beyond a reasonable doubt" but instead, "on balance" - which basically means I have to find 51% or more favor to their side. I will look for the Con team to punch holes in this effort and basically convince me that either A) change is not necessary or B) the change the Pro side advocates is bad.

My ballot goes to the side that presents the least risk, and a better future outcome than what their opponents call for.

LINCOLN - DOUGLAS

I judge components of LD in a hierarchy of burdens each debater has to fill:

1) FRAMEWORK - Value first, criterion second. I need to know the "what" of importance as related to the resolution before you tell me "how" that importance will be met in your criterion, and ultimately your case. If either side drops framework, it makes the round very difficult for them to win.

2) AFF CASE, BURDEN OF PROOF - The affirmative is the side advocating change. They therefore establish the arena that everyone plays in. They need to show how their perspective on the case represents the value the best and how that value substantiates a deviation from status quo. I need to see legitimate, topical blocks that fortify framework. Dropped aff arguments are devastating.

3) NEG CASE, BURDEN OF REJOINDER - The negative case has the responsibility to refute proof when aff has met their burden. Silence is consent. The negative cannot simply ignore or blatantly dismiss affirmative arguments, logical substantiated claims and warrants are a must for me to determine an aff point or subpoint has been refuted.

The side that best upholds framework, and also has the strongest aggregate amount of legitimate arguments standing at the end of the round gets my ballot...

CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE

What I will be looking for from competitors in Congressional Debate is speech structure, relevant, reliable evidence and content uniqueness. Repeating talking points from prior speeches without enhancing discussion of the question is worse than saying nothing. Build onto prior points, refute prior claims, or create new angles of discussion. Be a part of the process, and do not aim to slow it down with parliamentary tricks. Use the procedure to benefit the procedure.

Hey, my name is Gaurav Ohol (G-O-R-UH-V). I have debated Lincoln-Douglas and Public-Form, at Bentonville High School. I am currently studying at the University of Arkansas, double majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science. If you care about my qualifications; I was one of the 2017 national qualifiers in Lincoln Douglas debate from Arkansas, I placed 2nd at Arkansas Tournament of Champions (ATOC), etc.

****UPDATED FOR TIGERS EYE 2017****

Formalities in the round:

These are just some general formalities within the round that I expect and some preferences.

§ I am lenient when it comes to spreading in different styles of debate. Specifically, in terms of LD and PF, I do not mind if you spread, just note that if you do, I need a copy of your case on a flash drive, or email chain. (flashing or emailing will not be taken out of prep)

*** NOTE THAT IF I CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOU, I WILL SAY CLEAR ONCE AND AFTER THAT IF IT CONTINUES I WILL NOT FLOW YOUR SPEECH***

§ Cross Examination is binding. I will not flow it, however, if it becomes offense in the round I need specifics on why its paramount and how I should evaluate it.

§ Voters are great. Give me reasons to vote for in each AR or NR, clear and concise voting issues would be great so that way evaluating the round doesn’t have to be as confusing. When it comes down to it, voters are a massive part of the debate and not giving voters will cost you speaker points (if you care).

§ Debate Jargon is fine with me, I understand it all --- doesn’t increase or decrease speaker points in anyway.

§ In terms of Argumentation and types of argumentation: I consider myself to be a tab judge, meaning I will evaluate any argument that is brought forth. Personally, I love philosophical/critical argumentation. If it comes to abusive arguments, I will evaluate the claim and determine if there is any warrant to the argument. If you try and champion an argument in the round (racism, feminism, etc.) be curious to your opponent, and make sure you have evidence to back up everything you say. Don’t make points in the AR and NR that you don’t use evidence for, if you bring something up that is contemporary, that’s cool, if you bring up a claim and have no warrant, then there will be reasons to drop you.

§ ***PLEASE ROAD MAP BEFORE YOU BEGIN REBUTTALS*** If I cannot follow your speeches in an orderly fashion, it will become harder and harder to vote for you and WILL cost you speaker points. I consider road mapping to be an essential part in any form of debate and not doing so it only to your disadvantage. In the same category, make sure you give indicators when you move from argument to argument so the speeches become smoother.

§ In terms of interactions within the round, DO NOT BE RUDE, rudeness will not be tolerated in round, I understand if you are passionate about an argument and such, however, there is a fine line between passion and rudeness. I will drop your speaks for this.

Policy

I have never debated policy; however, I am very familiar with it and the mechanics.

In this form of debate, I will take it how it comes, I have no preferences in context, critical argumentation is awesome, if you can’t understand/relay the information in your own words and you read it, there will probably be a negative correlation.

As long as you know what you are doing and I can understand what you are doing, it should make for a solid round.

LD

So here is where all my preferences will be. I was the 2017 national qualifier in LD, so I have preferences and experience in this debate. I am fine with both traditional and progressive forms of LD, prefer progressive argumentation. (if you are novice, I understand that you might not follow all these preferences so that fine, because its novice I won’t deduct speaker points.) If you are mismatched (meaning progressive v. traditional) the progressive debater must be able to “dumb down” their arguments for the other debater. If there is an attempt to overwhelm your opponent or screw them over with your argumentation style, speed, etc. you speaks will drop dramatically.

Framework is critical in the round, I will vote on that just the same as every other argument, its LD so yeah, have a framework.

PF

I have done PF debate numerous times. I have seen both speaking fast and flow paced debates. I am fine with whichever, I will evaluate whatever you tell me do to and vote on what you say. Presentation doesn’t factor much into the voters, however, dilvery and passion can only help your case.

If you have any further questions, please ask me before the round starts.

Good luck and have fun!

Spencer Shaw Paradigms

Hey. My name is Spencer. Call me Spencer. Cool? Cool. I have debated all 3 main styles of debate, at Bentonville High School, in Arkansas, at a reasonably high level for 3 years. I'm currently a U of A Sophomore studying Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Psychology. I won some awards over the years, I was an officer on my team, etc. Pronouns are He/Him. If your case has a significant reliance on arguments that include sexual assault, please say that before hand.

Formalities out of the way;

I think each style is different enough to warrant it's own section, but the general rules are:

• Spreading is only for CX. Not LD, and certainly not PF. Don't spread if you can't spread well.
• I absolutely must be able to see your case. Email me, use a flash drive, I don't care- get me your case. i will ask for any evidence you wish to present throughout the round and before each speech. because of that, flashing/emailing/otherwise communicating your files/ev is not prep time
• Cross Examination is binding, but I don't flow it. If you want to make an argument based off of Cross Ex, tell me specifically why it's important and why i should evaluate it on the flow.
• Tell me what to vote for. Good God, tell me what I'm doing here. When left to my own devices, although I try and be the most tabula rasa judge I know how to be, I have a preference for conservative politics and for affirmative presumption in LD/CX, and no presumption for PF.
• Debate, though technically what you make it, is a place for change. If you feel like you have to rap or perform or blow up a kiddie pool during your speech to make whatever God-forsaken point you feel is that important, do it. But be ready to have some seriously credible stuff to back it up or I will drop you. My least favorite thing in debate is where debaters try and champion a cause (racism, the feminist movement, etc.) and use it to win without really believing it- Now, obviously, I probably don't know your story or know how much you believe in what you're saying, but I also have a really strong BS meter. If you can't answer questions, I get suspicious. Arguments that target a people group are probably not good.
• I will evaluate abuse. Full stop. I firmly believe that there is the potential for abusive argumentation, questioning, or behavior in a debate round. Trying to make the debate unfair for your opponent is bad form. You can win without unfairly restricting your opponent, if you deserve to win at all. I am a "reject the arg" guy on abuse, not a "reject the debater" guy.

Policy

I debated Oceans, Surveillance, and China. I'm very familiar with the aff cases for these topics. Education is easily my favorite topic by far, so expect me to learn a lot about it.

1AC's/Plans/Advocacies

In novice policy, with extremely limited exceptions, the 1AC should be a plan.

In varsity, do your thing. I don't care. You MUST BE TOPICAL- yes, even in varsity policy, and yes, k affs can be topical, but you need to prove that you are. I will always evaluate Topicality, especially against K Affs or Affs with no plantext.

definitions debate isnt meant to a way to limit your opponent. it is a way to have a baseline so that you dont argue but then figure out you meant the same things. i believe this has been super twisted by all forms of debate.

Impacts

have them, please. every case needs good impacts.

Kritiks

I debated K's for my entire career, K's are chill with me. Make a clear alt, and a clear link. If ever curious, ask me if I've read your authors.

DA/CP

Link hard. Link often. Link well. Impact it out. Make good analysis.

THEORY.

My favorite thing about debate is theory and framework. Read anything under the sun and I will listen to you. Creativity is awesome. Also, Antonio 95 is not a framework argument without analysis.

Speed

I need your case. I will say clear twice and stop flowing. Even if I'm reading your speech as you're saying it, you better actually enunciate.

LD

LD was my favorite style of debate in high school. I debated in Arkansas and Oklahoma, so I have experience with both traditional and progressive debate.

K's in traditional are still cool. Plans are not. CP's are not. Framework is the most important thing in any LD round, progressive or traditonal.

If there is ever a mismatch between you and your opponent's circuit type (e.g traditional AFF vs. progressive NEG), the progressive debater MUST "debate down" to your opponent in order to get full speaks. If you knowingly and purposely (at least by my judgement) attempt to confuse or screw over your opponent via speed or argumentation style, you will get your speaks basically nuked.

PF

I debated PF at the Arkansas TOC 2017. Don't have a plan. Don't have a [pseudo] plan. Don't have anything vaguely similar to a plan. Sit down during crossfire. Be nice, especially in PF.

BQ

Be topical.

sidequest: make a league of legends reference for .5 extra speaks, unless you're at 30 already

sidequest 2: reference any of Brandon Sanderson's novels for the same point value

Andrea Sisti

I have teams that participate in Lincoln Douglas, Policy Debate, Public Forum Debate and Congressional Debate.

Public Forum Paradigm:

I enjoy a clearly organized debate. Organization is key to maintain clash throughout the round.

SPEED: From my experience, debaters that card-dump and speed through speeches sacrifice a great deal of clarity and persuasiveness that is the fundamental in nature of Public Forum debate. Typically, the amount of evidence added to the case when spreading through speeches is not worth the sacrifice. I would rather hear fewer contentions and quality arguments over quantity.

Read arguments that have a clear link to the resolution. Also, be sure to provide clear warrants for your impacts. I appreciate big impacts, but it is critical that you flesh out your impacts with strong internal links. Explain and extend and make sure that you emphasize what is most important in the round. Provide clear voters in those final speeches.

Don't be abusive with time. When the timer goes off, I stop flowing. Plan your speeches accordingly. Keep track of your own time as well as your opponent's. You and your opponent are responsible for keeping track of times, including prep.

Make sure that your cards tell the same story as what you are saying. If cards come into question and it's fundamentally important in my decision, I will call for them at the end of the debate. I do value the quality of evidence highly in the round. 1 quality card outweighs 5 poor pieces of evidence.

If you have any questions, please ask me prior to the round.

Avoid arguments that are homophobic, sexist, racist, or offensive in anyway. Be respectful to your opponent and judge.

Overall, this is your debate so have fun with it and get creative. Best of luck.

Congressional Debate Paradigm:

As a Congressional Debate coach, I enjoy rounds with a lot of clash, creative speech structures, fiery speaking, and thoughtful questions. In terms of delivery and argumentation breakdown, I value speeches as a 50/50 split in importance. Delivery and content are equally important in my mind.

I understand you may be hesitant to give speeches early on in the session for lack of clash, but I won't take that into account when ranking. However, as the session progresses, there should always be direct refutation.

Please be passionate in your speeches, but remember decorum and professionalism. Respect your opponents.

Hello lil baby debaters !!!!

heres the gist of it... I did policy debate at Bentonville High School for 3yrs..

I will easily be able to follow your arguments and your speed... but if your spreading is UNCLEAR then it won't make it onto my flow.

-- ORGANIZATION IS KEY!!!! If you don't sign post I won't know where arguments go. I'm a flow judge and if I don't know where your argument goes then it will probably hinder how I evaluate the round at the end

-- if you want outstanding speaker points you have to work for it... just because you can spread isn't enough for me, you have to be able to show me that you can speak PERSUASIVELY!! Slow down, emphasize words, repetition, hand gestures, analogies, eye contact. I should be completely moved to tears/ action by your speech.

-- NEVER END A SPEECH BEFORE THE TIMER GOES OFF. you should always have something to say

-- don't ask if you can sit during your speech the answer is no-- **THIS WAS PRECOVID U CAN SIT**

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-- I will flow any argument but you better KNOW it and be able to explain it well. If you are going to read something that you just found a few hrs before... be careful

-- if it comes down to a specific card I will comb through it so this is a WARNING to make sure your card says EXACTLY what you are arguing .... I would rather you have incredibly strong analytics than mediocre evidence

-- if you have strong evidence/ can argue something crazy really well, then go for it. my outside biases/ opinions do not affect my view. You have good evidence that says Atlantis the lost city has been found then it's a valid argument that must be adequately addressed by your opponent. Argue that your team is actually pirates idc

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-- rebuttals need impact calc.

-- I like rebuttals to consist of analysis of the round, less cards & more explaining WHY your team is winning

-- TOPICALITY IS A PRIORI (I don't care what the new fad is, but to me that is one of the most important things in the round) --> that also means, don't run dumb ones and make sure your technique is correct

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-- NEG try not to bring up new arguments in the 2nc... it annoys me when rebuttals turn into the aff whining/ a debate over the rules of policy. If you DO bring up a new argument it better be the strongest thing you have, don't just waste time.

-- NEG I want to see a good use of the negblock... don't say the exact same thing for 13 mins

-- I WANT CLASH. Case debate is so often swept under the rug !!!! even if you don't have specific cards against their case I will flow analytics. Strong analytics !!!!!!! This holds true for all forms of debate.

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-- don't be rude to your opponents during cross ex

-- don't run sexist, racist, homophobic, etc.. arguments. If I think that the round has become offensive I will stop you and force you to take YOUR prep time to re evaluate. Don't be insensitive.

-- if you flash files I will not count it as prep

-- have a phone or timer for your speech... I will not be your judge AND timekeeper.

-- open cross ex is fine in my book BUT if your partner is answering all the questions for you I will take that to mean that you don't understand what you just read

-- do NOT start off cross ex with 'how are you' or lame filler questions. Just end cross ex or ask for more details... but don't waste my time. CROSS EX SHOULD BE INTENTIONAL.

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-- K affs are fun, go for it !!!

-- do not forget to extend your case in every speech.

--AFF if you are going to have framework in your plan I better hear it until the very end. Don't say read it in the 1ac and then not mention it again until rebuttals.. I will consider it dropped

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FOR PF and LD...

-- I've judged enough rounds that I understand and can follow the arguments you make

-- I'm okay with K's being run in an LD round but no CPs; progressive or traditional whatever your preference is go for it

-- I know that PF and LD are supposed to focus more heavily on slow, well spoken, persuasive speeches, that being said, I am okay with speed but DO NOT SPREAD.

-- look you don't get a lot of time in these speeches, I get that, but I also need to see that you are adequately responding to every argument on the flow !!! (This is part of being organized)

-- impact calc is still relevant, I wanna hear some hella persuasive speaking in those summary speeches

-- also you CAN debate the weighing criteron... I expect you to extend. Don't just define your criteron, you better put it into the context of the resolution.

-- no 'open cx' in pf, don't ask. You have grand crossfire/ you should know your case well enough to answer questions on your own.

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Big Questions

-- have fun... good luck... I better hear some enticing, impressive, creative, and logical arguments !!!! Claaaaaassssshhhhhh! Do your research.

- don't just repeat your case over and over...

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Congress

- i don’t remember reading or even thinking about paradigms the few times I participated in Congress back in the old day BUT in case you are reading this… most of what i said for PF/LD apply to you. I would say be more cautious with speed because other judges aren’t gonna like that even though i don’t mind as long as you can talk fast and still be persuasive and include tone fluctuation

- when disagreeing (or agreeing) with an argument if u mention someone refer to them as a fellow delegate.

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-- if you decide to flash or have some sort of email chain during round I want to be included. whitemadisonj@gmail.com

-- I try not to disclose in round because I want you guys motivated and encouraged for your next round so PLEASE don't ask me who won

-- I expect you to come to the round having already read my paradigm... you may ask me questions about what I have said or anything I didn't specify but I will not repeat all of what I have typed

-- be unique and creative !!! Have fun with this !!!!! Can't wait to see how hard you have all worked !!