I am looking for competitors who speak clearly and present their material so that it can be uderstood easily. Those that speak too fast so that I can't follow will lose points in my book. Clever and original materials and presentations are my favorite. Have fun and be respectful.

I look for the debaters to tell me how I should vote. I go into a debate with a clear and open mind leaving my personal ideals aside. All agruments should be clear and to the point with facts to support them. Speaking fast so that no one can keep up or understand your case does not sit well with me. Doing such leads me to believe that the debater is not secure with their case and they are trying to rush through and confuse everyone listening. Finally I look to the debaters to be professinal and respectful. Debaters must have all evidence accurately sited and quoted word for word. The actual evidence must be shown without going online within the round of asked.

Sup, I'm a big-time impact judge. No matter what event you are participating in, I look for your answer to my question: "Why should I care?" Weigh your impacts effectively and convincingly, and I'll be happy. Give me a reason why I should care. Why you should win. Who dies if you don't win? What kind of nuclear war will break out if your counterplan isn't implemented? Does this have real-world consequences? If I don't vote you up, will I be limiting you in spreading your ideals and values? These are all arguments that I've heard in the past (and debated, too), and depending on how you argue them, and how effectively you tell me what to do, I'll do it.

For those in the speech event world of debate specifically, I looove enthusiasm. But again, show me why I should listen to what you are saying, and why I should care.

Debate has shown me that these events you participate in during high school carry over and out into the real world. You'll one day understand that the only reason people listen to you is because you give them a reason to. You need to find out their values, their reasons, their ideals, and communicate those in a way where you and your audience connect. And that connection? It results in a win. :)

My background:

I did debate for 3 years in high school. (LD, policy, Pf) I am currently on a college debate team. I am completely fine with speed & “progressive” cases in all three events.

Ways to impress me

•Don’t say “umm”

•If you are spreading & I can’t understand you... I will say clear 3x. After that read at a normal pace.

•Clear flow. GO LINE BY LINE.

• Be clear & specific about your arguments. I will ask to see cards if necessary.

•Be polite. Everyone loves a salty round but the brightline is set between being a smarty pants & a total jerk.

I debated PF and Policy for four years and coached PF for one year. Treat me as an experienced PF tech judge.

I vote off the flow.

Things I like

-Impact calculus and weighing. Don't yell buzzwords at me; show me direct argument comparison.

-Voters. Choose what to go for and what to drop.

-Roadmap and signpost. Side note: every time someone says "brief off-time roadmap," a small part of me dies.

-Frontlining in second rebuttal. If you want to split your time as 2 min. offense and 2 min. defense, that's your choice. On the other hand, if you want to spend all 4 min. on offense, that's fine too. Strategize.

-Please time yourself. If I have to time you, it will distract me from flowing and listening to your arguments.

Things I don't like

-Shadow extensions. If you want to extend a contention or warrant, explain the significance of that in the round.

-Giving me a generic framework and doing little to no weighing and expecting me to vote for you on the framework

-Post-rounding me. I shouldn't need to say this, but don't argue with me on my decision after the round. I'll talk to you about it and answer any questions you have, but trying to change my decision will just tank your speaks.

-Rudeness. You can be aggressive, but be civil.

Misc.

-First summary doesn't have to extend defense, but should extend turns/offense.

-Evidence-reading is not on prep time, but don't abuse that.

-I'm good with speed as long as it's clear. I will give one warning if I can't understand, and then I will let you know that I've stopped flowing.

-I try to be visibly responsive during the round. If you see me nodding, you are on the right track. If I'm making faces, I am confused. If I have stopped flowing, you're probably repeating what you've already said and should move on to your next point.

-If you want me to look at evidence, or if I'm just curious about it, I will ask to see it after the round.

Speaker Points

(copied from tournament guidelines)

30: Sheer perfection

29: Surpassing excellence

28: Quite solid and good

27: Okay

26: Needs a bit of work

25: Needs a lot of work

If you want me to provide feedback right after the round (time permitting and based on tournament rules), I’d be happy to. If not, feel free to email me.

Former coach at Copper Hills High School in West Jordan, Utah.

I want to do as little work for your argument as I have to. If you're going to go fast, I want to be on the email chain. Mac.walker24@gmail.com. There is no argument that I won't vote for as long as you explain it well. If you have any specific questions before the round about my preferences, please don't be afraid to reach out to me and ask.