Lay Judge

I have little experience in judging debate, but I will try my best to evaluate your arguments. Framing the debate as a narrative and engaging your opponents' arguments will make it easier for me to vote for you. Clarity and organization are also very important, and will be rewarded with higher speaker points. I will try to evaluate arguments based off my "flow," but, also, I have little experience in recording debate rounds.

1. Please be polite/respectful to your opponents in round. You don’t earn any favors by being rude.
2. I did debate in high school so I know how important the flow is. However, after judging for a few years I realized it’s easier for me to leave you real time comments on your ballots rather than spend the whole round tracking your flow and frantically try to write my comments after. This doesn’t mean I don’t care about flow! I’m still following along even if I’m not writing it down. Make sure you’re telling me what on the flow I need to pay attention to.
3. I will not provide time. I think it’s actually better for you to keep track of your own time and will help you feel more confident in the round! But mostly, it’s just too hard for me to provide good thought out comments on your ballot and track the timer. With this I don’t really care about grace periods. Finish your thoughts and be done.
4. I’m fine with whatever speed you use. Just remember, if your opponent can’t understand you, the whole round is going to be a mess for both parties. That makes it hard for me to leave good comments if there’s nothing good to leave them on, you know?
5. I don’t judge on crossfire so you don’t need to impress me there! However, I am in the room so my first point still stands. Be aggressive! I don’t care. Being rude probably won’t get you any more answers though.
6. Most importantly, as absolutely cliche as it is, just have fun! You and me probably won’t remember a single thing you said after the 1 hour period we spend together, so don’t take it too seriously!

That’s it! If you have any questions for me asking them right after round when the whole thing is fresh in my brain is usually best, but feel free to email me too! (Or I guess you can approach me in that weird cautious walk like I’m some scared endangered animal wandering the hallways and ask your questions!)

Email: makayla.mail@gmail.com

Please add me on the email chain: audrey.rice@voaut.org

Hi All, I am a parent judge, history of competitive debate in HS (100 years ago). I am familiar with the topic, but if you are a highly competitive team strike me. I will judge based on truth over tech because I am not fluent in all strategies/techniques. I prefer to judge policy oriented debates. Consider striking me if you are a kritikal debater. Spreading is ok at 50% speed. Be respectful. Thanks.