I currently teach Theater Arts, African American / Latinx American Literature, and English I at Pinole Valley High School. I am looking into teaching Speech and Debate and appreciate the invaluable experience I gain when judging competitions. I tend to defer to the competitors in regard to the pace of the debate and I do not appreciate coaches coaching during the actual debate. Other than that, I think that I am an unbiased, open-minded judge that allows for students to shine by demonstrating their knowledge on the topics being debated.

Don't drop anything, treat each other with respect, use a road map, time yourself, drink water, smile and have fun.

Don't be afraid to employ humor, pathos, or any other tool that creates a connection to your audience.

I'm not a fan of speeches delivered at ultrahigh speed.

If I'm looking down and not at the speaker, it's only because I'm flowing.

Retired journalist, Cal and LSE grad, some public speaking.

Helped coach the Benicia High team, mostly as a resource on issues.

Email: jgainesy@yahoo.com

I am the father of 2 debaters from Bishop O'dowd High School. I have experience in debate as an Elected Official (Chairman of the Board, Eden Healthcare District. Former Vice-Mayor City of San Leandro) and have judged high school debate competitions. This will be my third time serving as a Judge. Additionally I have judged Decca tournaments and mentored business students in the past.

Former Policy debator

Frequently judge in both speech and debate events (judging as of 2017).

In events involving cross-x, fine with rapid fire style of questioning so long as it's civil and not rude.

For Debate events, particularly PoFo and Policy, tend to vote based on Topicality. Flow judge, ok with spreading (though can be problematic with virtual tournaments if bandwidth/audio gets choppy).

For I.E. Speech events, determine rankings based on overall cohesiveness of supporting arguments, clear layout and roadmap, body language, facial expressions, pacing of speech, vocal tonal variation, and delivery. For OO/Duo Interp, clear transitions and being able to follow performer(s) interpretation of piece, along with all other criteria listed above for I.E.

LD:

I am a parent judge and not familiar with the particular topic or the speech times

I am usually pretty generous with speaker points, but my main focus will be Cross-x and argument quality.

Inside the debate space, I do look for competitiveness but not to the level where it becomes aggressive.

Share files with my email - vandana.kdr@gmail.com

Public Forum:

Teams should do a good job explaining the topic.

I have judged more policy debate than public forum, so as long as I have an idea of what the topic is I can follow the arguments.

Policy:

I am a parent judge, but pretty familiar with this year's topic and some affs

No spreading please

Aff: I have mainly judged the death penalty aff, if your aff is complicated, please spend a little extra time explaining it.

Neg: Da's and CP's are good No Ks or Theory

In the last aff and neg speech write my ballot for me, tell me what to vote on - be clear about impacts and what are the most important arguments in the round.

How I give speaker points

27-28.5: Below average

28.5-29: Average

29-29.5: Above average

29.5+: Exceptional

Congress:

Speak well, be convincing and make yourself stand out in the chamber. If I don't remember your speech you will most likely not get a 1 or a 2. Delivery is most important.

Parent judge. Fifth year judging; Fourth year judging PuFo. I take judging seriously and try to include detailed notes in my ballots and to issue RFD based on what I'm able to flow. I do not consider anything not raised in the debate. I appreciate a roadmap & solid organization. Typical PuFo speed of speech is fine, but if you talk too fast, then I may be unable to follow your arguments--please no spreading or very fast speech. Thank you!

This is my 3rd year as a parent debate judge.

I appreciate careful and reasonably-paced speaking, good evidence and knowledge of your sources. Make eye contact with me and convince me with good evidence and a carefully made argument.

I reward speakers - w/ higher points - who make a presentation effort - (eye contact, slowing down on impact work, grouping & weighing in final speeches vs. a line by line) but will give high speaks to other kinds of debaters too.

Do not talk over your opponent. Follow up questions can be useful, but be courteous to your opponents' need to question you. Discourtesy will result in deducted speaker points.

I’ve been judging for a while. My decisions are based of persuasive arguments backed up by evidence. Please, speak slowly and clearly. Good luck!

School Affiliations: Dougherty Valley High School

Judging/Event Types: Congress

How many years have you been judging? 3 years

How will you award speaker points to the debaters? Evidence of advance preparation, content knowledge, ability to defend your position and challenge the opposition's contentions.

Do you take a lot of notes or flow the debate? Brief notes, primarily focus on flow/delivery.

Preferences on the use of evidence? Quality and relevance of evidence carries more weight than quantity.

How do you judge cross examination? Ability to counter specific points made in opposing arguments with compelling evidence and/or persuasive reasoning.

How do you value debate skill over truthful arguments? Arguments must be based on evidence that is relevant and factual, but the ability to transform that evidence into a compelling position carries equal weight.