I come from the speech world and I favor organized structure, evidence-based arguments, and professionalism. I have a hard time following spreading and prefer a slower speaking rate.

Public Forum paradigm

I now coach speech, but I have also coached Congress and have judged PF and LD for the past 15 years in Ohio, Louisiana, and the national circuit. I never competed, but you know what they say about those who can’t (or don't).

I like to hear a well organized case—I value clarity and consistency. I prefer depth of analysis of one or two contentions rather than superficial treatment of a long list. Supporting evidence is important, but not as important as logical argumentation. Be sure that evidence actually supports or refutes and is not just thrown in to provide a source. I tend to vote on the arguments that involve impact and scope.

Clash is essential—nothing more deadly than listening to dueling evidence with no actual interaction. Do as much damage as you can to your opponent’s case and defend you own—sounds really basic, but that’s what I like to hear.

Crossfire is a time to ask questions—please do not use it to advance or restate your case (unless, of course, it pertains to a question you’ve been asked). I like to see teamwork in grand cross—please do not monopolize and let your partner get a word in edgewise.

I enjoy a nice extemporaneous delivery that demonstrates some real (or feigned) enthusiasm for your argument. Please do not spread—it is not impressive, and if I can’t follow you, the quality of your argument suffers.

And finally I value civility, courtesy, and respect—please don’t disappoint.

Lincoln Douglas paradigm

Similar to my PF standards, I am pretty traditional. I like a case that is well organized, clear, and consistent. Supporting evidence and depth of analysis are important, but logical arguments are essential. I really enjoy a good framework debate, and I appreciate hearing voting issues--tell me why I should vote for you. Why are your impacts more important?

I like an extemporaneous and conversational delivery. I am okay with some speed, but no spreading, please--if I can't follow you, I can't vote for you.

Civility, courtesy, and respect--always important.

Congress paradigm

Congress rankings are based on content (structure, evidence, clarity, analysis, clash) and delivery (articulation, fluency, vocal and physical expression, confidence/poise). Most importantly who advanced the debate and contributed the most through the quality (not necessarily the quantity) of his/her/their speeches and questions?

Civility, courtesy, and respect apply here as well.

hi, its Shannon Ehrmann's debater writing this paradigm to make it easier for people to pref

Quick prefs:

1 - Larp

Strike/Pref Low - Everything else

understands larp, probably best if you go slow i.e. lay

can definitely understand if you go quicker i.e. spread, just slow down on the taglines, when switching flows, and pls pls add analytics on the email chain if you can

but overall just go slow - thats your best bet to get the ballot

make logical arguments, extend warrants clearly, truth ov tech,

email chain: shannon.ehrmann@apsb.org

Good luck!

I am a traditional judge. I place a high value on the framework debate, specifically on values and value criterion. All contentions should link back to the framework, and voters should as well. Weigh your arguments as well. At the end of your final speeches, I expect to hear clear voters. If possible, do not spread. If you are, send me the doc. I do not judge many circuit rounds.

If you're going to speak quickly, make sure you speak clearly. The amount of time most speakers save in speaking quickly is negligible when you're having to gasp between sentences.

Louisiana State University '22, Isidore Newman School '18

Yes Email Chain: roydenlynch18@gmail.com

Update for Samford Tournament:

I have very little immigration topic knowledge, so you should at least introduce me to your acronyms of terms of art before you depend on them.

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General Thoughts:

Debate is a game, it is a good game and should be a good game.

It is policy debate for a reason.

The ballot just decides who wins and loses.

Tech over truth.

Theory/T:

Topicality debates are difficult, so when handled correctly, they are very rewarding and enjoyable, however, when handled incorrectly are messy and problematic to resolve. Since I'm new to this topic, don't assume I know what the core generics are, or what the heart of the topic is, you must tell me those things.

I think conditionality is great. I think the distinction between 3 or 4 conditional positions doesn't make intuitive sense, so the aff would probably have a better time going for 0 or 1, unless they can make good and specific brightlines.

DAs/CPs:

Good DA/CP strategies are my favorite. Both sides should be making or answering arguments about how the disadvantage turns or accesses portions of the case, when this analysis is more contextual, it is typically much better. I'm generally lenient on more 'cheaty' counter-plans, but a good theory debate can convince me otherwise.

Ks:

The affirmative gets to weigh the plan's implementation, you'll have a difficult time convincing me otherwise.

K-Affirmatives:

Read a plan.

Add me to the email chain: chassmenard@gmail.com

I evaluate the debate by best links back to the framework. Weighing impacts and crystallization is very important to me. Be clear about your advocacy and your arguments. Extend arguments with claim, warrant, and impact instead of just stating the card name. Consolidate the round to its key issues and show me what matters.

Be respectful. Debate is supposed to be an activity for everyone.

While debate is inherently about the arguments, it has a performative aspect. How you deliver your speeches and conduct yourself matters. I’m a former debate coach, but have been out of the league and circuit for almost a year now, so I would be grateful if you kept speed to about 70-80% of your usual pace so I can keep up with your arguments.

High school and college Speech judge. My emphasis is on evidence, practical analysis, and ultimately the persuasiveness of the argument

As someone who does research on ld/pf/policy topics before judging, I can tell you that I will be looking to make sure that:

1. arguments are effective

2. debators speak and argue in a formal manner (don't like screaming matches)

For speech:

connect with me :) i want to hear your story!! (or the story you are telling)