My background is in progressive politics and nonprofit work. #tugatmyheartstrings

Former debate coach, current history teacher. Familiar in policy, congressional, and parli. Have also judged PF and LD.

As a judge, I’m looking forward to hearing your arguments, not watching theatrics. Debate decorum is important to me; meaning: stand up when you speak, speak loud and clear, spread if you must but enunciate, and most importantly be respectful to all persons in the room. I am fine with open cross-x so long as all debaters agree to it.

I enjoy CP's and DisAds for a Neg.

T: I don't usually make my decision on this unless there is very little else to decide upon. But pull it out if you want, I DEF have decided rounds solely on T before. But if you are using T AND a CP AND DisAds, that's nonsense bc you have lost no ground. Always debate strategically AND wisely.

Kritiks: Make sure it links or I won't vote for it. Know your lit. Bc if it is evident that you don't know it, I can't vote for you.

Watch me. If I am not flowing, it is probably because:

1) I have decided that particular issue is a non-voter

2) I can't follow you

3) I have already made up my mind because of an egregious error

Good luck, debaters!

[Enter judge paradigm here]

I've been judging and coaching most events in Speech and Debate in middle and high school for over 30 years. I do my best to be a careful listener and appreciator and to stay attentive to the challenges of telling a clear and effective story which is somewhat different for each format.

Honesty, passion & respect for the event and for all humans connected with this activity are assumed.

I flow but an overly rapid delivery means I need to fill what is lost to smeared inaudibility; that then enhances the risk that I'll lose nuance around which close rounds can sometimes pivot. K's--if delivered at a reasonable rate of speed and that don't confuse blips for articulated reasoning--can be interesting, maybe even persuasive. However, acknowledging that there is a status quo topic for which everyone has prepped is going to require a potent core objection(s) if it is to be set aside. Not a casual ask.

The usual debate verities matter: clarity, reasoning that provides context and thoughtful impacts, as well as weighing relative merits of two cases fashion a road to a ballot that rewards the hard work. Claiming drops that are better characterized as inadequate responses will elevate this judge's eyebrows.

A luminous presentation comes from a rich understanding of the topic. It's exalting & admirable when debaters enter a zone where they are completely engrossed.

Congress: know of what you speak; flow well; avoid rehash & don't repeat other speaker's arguments unless you have a way to extend and develop understanding; understand rebuttals; speak out of a location of conviction and tell us why affirming or negating the bill matters.

As for Speech events persuasive & clean balance of speech technique with a deep feeling for emotion and a sense of the speaker's connection with the emotional truth of the piece is always a hoped-for result.