I am a novice judge. I'm looking for sound argument tied to the resolution; if you go off topic or choose to run a theory argument, be prepared to explain why your strategy is justified. I am not a fan of speed in debate - convey your arguments, evidence, and impacts clearly.

Evidence is the cornerstone, so explain the validity of your evidence and the impact that it links to. In Public Forum, I want to see the purposes of public forum respected - no plan, no spreading, and publicly accessible debate on a policy driven resolution.

I like a nicely structured debate. Making the framework and definitions clear is important. However, I do not like for this to carry on. Make the structure clear and move on. You should not still be debating what the framework is in your last rebuttals.

I look for quality sources, not quantity

Debates that build off each other are the best. Don't debate at me, debate with your opponent.

I also look for speaking style. Since I am primarily a speech judge, I take speaking skills into account. Mumbling, speaking monotonously, over using hand movements, and stumbling will rank you lower.

Lastly, I just want the argument to make sense. Don't give me a convoluted, overly complex argument. Make it make sense.

I have judges multiple events, however I spend most sessions in Debate, Congress, L-D and PF.

The opportunity for me to judge at Nationals several times has been exciting and very rewarding!

I want to be able to understand you, please speak clearly. My expectations for this

event are:

Disrespect is never ok, be fair to each other and treat people as you would like to be treated.

Be kind, to others as well as yourself.

Logical, clear arguments are appreciated!

"Don't raise your voice. Improve your argument." Desmond Tutu

I have judged Speech, Public Forum, LD and Congress debates. I participated in speech in High School long back and support speech and debate activities. My kids are active participants. I do not bring my own opinion while judging on the topic. I am very analytic and objective in my decision. I enjoy judging speech the most.

High school Social Studies teacher, B.A. in History, politically unaffiliated. I believe that every person starts with a blank slate at the start of each round. I don’t mind spreading as long as your words are clear, please do not mumble.

Background:

I've completed in the congressional debate circuit for three years in North Carolina, I have also judged Congressional Debate for nearly three years. I'm truly passionate about Congressional Debate and love when the debate comes to life. I enjoy Foreign Policy debate the most based on my personal interests.

Congressional Debate:

Congressional Debate revolves around one singular question, "who is the most convincing and strong legislator in the room?" There is many different ways to achieve this, via strong speeches, debate, or overall control of the room. A truly strong Congressional Debater will understand all of the major characteristic required to control the room, and thus will rank the highest on my ballot.

Speeches in Congressional Debate aren't supposed to be rehearsed multiple times, after the first affirmative and negative speeches there are elements of rebuttal that should be implemented into speech. These speeches should contain sources that connect to your main arguments and have a full flow into your final argument. If you're making points - they should have a reason and an end point.

Controlling the room and POing is one of the most daunting thing for new debaters, but I also highly value these people because the debate would simply not exist without a PO.

I love listening to congressional debate, and if you ever find yourself lost don't hesitate to reach out!

I am a fairly new judge and consider myself a lay judge. I do not understand spreading or progressive arguments.

When judging I value these the most:

1. Clear and confident speech. What ever the topic be, I expect contestants to be confident in the stand they take. I don't want contestants to rush their speech.

2. Topics to be explained as part of the speech. I might or might not know all the topics that are being discussed, so it is the contestant's responsibility to make it clear to me what the topic is being discussed and what stand they are taking.

3. Clear evidence with links to data.

4. I believe in "Give Respect and take Respect". I discourage extreme offensive language and rudeness to either the judges or competitors.

5. Have fun and enjoy the debate.

Hi!
I am a lay parent judge who is very new to debate, I was a speech judge for several years so make so to talk clearly.

Couple of key things