Hi! I am an experienced judge that loves speech and debate. I have a background in theater, so please speak up and enunciate. I like traditional debate, I like to flow your rounds and I want you to debate your points & your opponents case. Please be respectful and enjoy your round. After all, this should be fun. 

While I don't have a long history of being involved in debate, I can follow a good argument. My primary concerns are 1, your argument is topical and argue the resolve; 2, your contentions are based on evidence with sources; 3, you have claims, warrants, and impacts; 4, you attack the opposition case with logic and reasoning to expose vulnerabilities; and 5, you successfully defend against attacks on your own case using logic and evidence. I try to vote based on the best cases, speakers, and arguments of the round. I appreciate a traditional debate.

Also: Any sentences that begins with "Judge, you cannot vote for them," or "Judge, you must vote for our case," will make me not want to vote for you. Don't tell me what to do; I will do what I deem the best and most fair. However, saying things like "Judge, Their contention fails on this point," or "Judge, our case should win because of..." are acceptable, as are detailing the voters.

I appreciate a polite and civil debate. If you show disdain for your competitor, I will have a hard time wanting to vote for your position, however a solid case and sound logic will win over likeability. I just won't be happy about it.

I do not disclose, unless the tournament asks us to, nor do I give critiques. Giving critiques is basically the same as disclosing, since I have no poker face.

My name is Courtni Dickerson and I am a veteran debater with a Bachelor's of Science in Electrical Engineering.

I competed all three years of my high school career and I devoted my life, heart, and soul into debate. My main events were PF, DUO, and Impromptu; although I dabbled in the IEs quite a bit. I qualified for Nationals 2 of the 3 years, was one of the captains of my team for 2 of the 3 years, and ultimately graduated with Superior Distinction in the National Forensics League (now known as NSDA).

In terms of how I judge, I am very old-school and one of the few people left who truly believe speaking skills are more important than argumentation skills. Here's my advice for you if I judge you:

a. BE COURTEOUS!!! Perhaps my biggest pet peeve are those debaters who believe if they're the loudest and the most dominant, then they must win. If I am judging you, and you're doing rude things such as rolling your eyes at other competitors or being aggressive and not letting your opponent finish a thought or question, I will immediately mark you down, despite how good your argument may be.

b. The round doesn't start when you enter the room, nor when I call your name. The round truthfully begins when you enter the school. I pay attention to how you behave while other's are competing as well as outside of the room. You NEVER get a second chance to make a first impression, so make a good first impression before I see you in my round. I will respect you and I'll be excited to listen to you.

c. Speak loudly and clearly.

d. Don't sway back and forth. Plant your feet firmly, approximately shoulder-width apart. Do not shift your weight from side to side. Women, especially, have a tendency to try to stand with their feet together or in a very formal way, don't do this. *Take control of the stage* I'll say this often, but basically be loud, be assertive (not aggressive) and occupy the full space.

e. If you care about what you're saying, I will care. If you don't, I won't. Simple.

f. Make me listen to you -- not by being the loudest, but by intriguing me and maintaining my attention. The best speakers have the ability to take a loud room and silence everyone just by the words he/she says. It's a powerful tool, so use it well and you will win.

Ultimately, as a veteran, I know all of the tips and tricks to play so I know exactly what to watch out for. Don't try to pull one over on me, because I will call you on it. My biggest piece of advice, however, is YOU DO YOU! The thing I loved most about debate is everyone has their own speaking style, in much the same way as Picasso had his painting style, or Beethoven had his musical style. If you've found something that works, then do it. Have fun with Speech and Debate!

Good luck and I hope to see you out there!

First and most importantly, I enjoy listening to you and watching what you can do.

Speed does not necessarily equate to superiority. If I can't understand you, I can't judge you. It is better to make fewer points that are understood and solid than lots of points that are barely understood.

No observers. It is just better for you and me.

Comments. I try to give you helpful comments, some will be positive and some constructive.

Please be kind and considerate. This is a contest of logic, speaking ability and knowledge. If you are disrespectful in any way, expect that to show up in comments and scores.

I want you to do well. Every decision is important to me. I respect your abilities, courage, and desire.

I judged many years of debate and IE events except policy. I can handle any speed but do not like the speed of progressive policy. Every event has its rules and structures, I like road map and framework, they help a lot to see whether the person or the team is sticking with their flow.

LD, l look for things that whether the value and value criterion line up with their contentions. Evidence credible or not. Speaker has the fire along their speech or argments but not sound yelling?

PF, team needs to know their topic well. Time management on speech whether things are well organized by FW or flow, evidence always important in PF. Wrong information under my knowledge, definitely out some points from me. Plan should not be spending time during in PF, it is not policy event. Speaker point should be high with high convincing tone and voice but not yelling.

Please do not spend time in rule argument, I want hear your opinions on the topic!

I believe that the topic exists for a reason and that debates should revolve around the topic. I enjoy substantive debates with good clash of arguments between teams. While I prefer arguments about the content of the plan, I will vote on theory arguments if they are reasonable and well articulated. Because debate is a speaking activity, I value verbal analysis of cards and arguments (I do not like to read cards after the round and will not make the comparisons for you).

SPEAK CLEARLY and not insanely fast. If I cannot understand what you are saying, I cannot flow it or consider it.

For good speaker points, make smart arguments and speak clearly and persuasively. Do not hide behind your computer so that I cannot see or hear you. Be kind and respectful; rudeness can tank your speaks. Don't try to steal prep time.

In the last two rebuttal speeches, I highly recommend slowing down and tying all the loose ends together. Make it obvious as to why and how your arguments supersede those of your opponent.

I strongly believe in the educational value of research and policy debate. Prepare, work hard, and have fun!

I competed in Policy debate and speech events in High School, with policy being a decided favorite. I enjoy good line by line arguments when possible. I flow on paper (old school here) so give me a good flow to follow. I am fine with speed, but make sure your tag lines are clear. If the opponents evidence is lousy, tell me. If an argument doesn't make sense, tell me. I also enjoy a good stock issue debate. I love a good rebuttal speech, when you tell me why your team has won. Overall, enjoy yourself and be kind to the other team :)

Experience:

I've judged several debate tournaments over the past couple of years. I had the opportunity to judge at National's this past year. I'm familiar with most debate formats.

Speed:

I'm good with speed, but not to the point that I can't understand you. If I can't understand you I'll simply put my pen down and stop flowing.

Topicality:

I like arguments that stick to the specific topic given, make sure you link arguments directly back to the resolution.

Plan/Counter-plan:

In PF do not bring up any plan or counter plan as it is against the rules.

Evidence:

I like strong evidence to back Up claims. I am an unbiased judge. I'm hoping to be convinced through strong evidence.

Civility:

I love teams that are passionate about their case, however I don't like it when that passion turns to hostility against their opponents. I'm okay with a debate getting heated, let's just keep it civil.