Background: I am a former PF debater and current PF coach at Phillipsburg High School. I have over a decade of experience in all debate and speech events.

PF Paradigm:

Email Chains: I don't want to be a part of email/evidence chains, I trust you all to present/use your evidence fairly and accurately. If there is a lot of back and forth on specific evidence throughout the whole round I might call for it after the round especially if it will impact my decision but I prefer not to.

Progressive Debate: I am a more traditional PF debate judge who focuses majorly on clash, substantial weighing, and topical arguments. I am not a fan of progressive debate so please no Theory/Ks. If that is what you want to run you probably won't get picked up by me. When it comes to tech over truth I'm moderate, use your best judgment. Links should be explicit, and super long unwieldly link chains often become too tedious and I won't always buy them.

Speed: When it comes to speed I can handle a little bit but no spreading in PF, please. If you want to send a speech doc then you are probably going to speak too fast and I am not going to read it. Present your case articulately and clearly, PF is not policy or LD.

Weighing: Comparative weighing and good impacts are super important. Also, be super explicit, don't just say things like "we win off magnitude and probability" tell me exactly what your impacts are "we win on magnitude because we help 327 million more residents blah blah.." again please just be explicit. Just a note, when it comes to weighing probability is very important to me. I will almost never weigh on a low probability huge magnitude impact i.e. nuclear war/extinction.

I value clear PF debate: good frameworks from the start of the debate, impact driven debates, and good weighing.

Other notes:

• Frontlining is a must in second rebuttal
• Please spell things out clearly: links, turns, especially extensions ex: Don't just say "Extend Connor 22" say "Extend Connor 22 which says a 3% increase blah blah..." Being more explicit is always better.
• Signposting is important, please please please do it. I don't like messy debates and I want to know exactly where we are on the flow.
• I don't flow CX but if a good point is made and you bring it back up in speech I will listen. Also be respectful in CX.
• If you are racist, homophobic, xenophobic, sexist, ableist, etc. I can and will drop you.

LD Paradigm:

I would also identify as a traditional LD judge who is very open to well-thought-out and engaging arguments. My background is PF and I tend to judge LD on the traditional circuit. I will evaluate the round in the best way you present to me and I really appreciate strong values, VC, and FRs in the round. When it comes to things like disads and kritiks I think that if they are well done and add to the debate in a substantive way that is fine. I tend to not love theory debates because I often view them as a timesuck and see that they take away from the debate a lot. One other thing is that I do look toward more realistic impacts bc of my PF background. Impact calc is very important but if there are massive unrealistic logical jumps I am not going to buy it i.e. impacting on nuclear war/extinction in a round concerning animal rights. Lastly, when it comes to speed I can handle a little bit of it but I prefer slower cases so I can more thoroughly flow and pay attention better.

I applaud all students venturing into speech and debate competitions. As a judge, I weigh participants' performance based on their creativity, the topical nature of the subject matter, the effectiveness of the content presented, and delivery. How impactful were the arguments made? How did a competitor's performance fare against their fellow competitor(s)?

I coach Congress and Speech, so I value argumentation and delivery equally. Listen to the room, avoid rehash, be responsive to arguments. Finally, be respectful—we are here to grow, not to tear each other down.

I am currently the Head Speech Coach for The Bronx High School of Science. Formerly, I competed in info, extemp, congress, and PF for Apple Valley High School in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

Speech: To get my 1, you will need to do a few things. First, you should be memorized. Being on script often makes speakers less conversational and less able to do convincing tech. Second, your speech should be around 10:00 minutes. You should be using the full time that you are given to tell your story. I will not give the 1 to speeches over 10:30 if tournament rules specify that, but I will not drop you for going slightly over time. Third, if I find your speech to be offensive, I will drop you. This community should be one that is open to diversity and celebrating it, not turning people's identities into caricatures. I will write on your ballot what specific joke or character I found to be too offensive so you can hopefully change it. Next, I will be judging you on both your performance and the other things you do while in the room. I believe that good speakers have good ethos, and it will be difficult to give you a high rank if you were a bad or distracting audience member for your fellow speakers. If you are performing with a binder, feel free to use it as a prop. In fact, I love to see creative binder tech. In OO and extemp, I am looking for solid arguments backed up with research. I want to hear your citations. Outside examples and personal stories are welcome. In interp events, I want to see clean and creative blocking and very distinct characters. Basically, I am looking to give my 1 to good people who speak well.

Congress: Like in Speech, I look for good people who speak well. I believe that good debaters have good ethos, and it will be difficult to give you a high rank if you were a bad or distracting audience member for your fellow debaters. On evidence, I am looking for solid arguments backed up with research. I want to hear your sources. Excessive rehash will be penalized. Congress is a debate event, so I like to see clash. Ask good pointed questions and engage in the debate. That said, overly aggressive speakers will not rank highly. As parliamentarian, I will pay attention to the types of arguments and tactics you use throughout the tournament. I like to see logical consistency. For instance, I don't like to see debaters who advocate for isolationism on one bill and open borders on another.

Public Forum: I'll be honest, even though I competed in public forum for three years, I'm still a pretty lay judge. If you are going to speak quickly, then make sure you are very clear because I cannot vote for an argument that I do not hear. My favorite arguments are niche policy arguments that are impacted with regular people saving money or lives not being lost. I will not consider arguments that are not discussed in every speech up to the final focus. I will give arguments the weight that you do. If you say something is important, prove why. Arguments made in crossfire should be reiterated in speeches because I won't flow it. I base my speaker points mainly on how a speaker conducts themselves in cross-examination. I bring a lot of the mindset I have for speech into the debate space and I am looking to support good people who speak well. If you make clear arguments with impacts that link and are not a jerk, you will get high speaker points and will likely win the round. I will drop any team that I feel is being overtly or intentionally offensive. I don't need to see your evidence unless it is highly contested in the round and the deciding factor. Also, in cross, ask questions. You can't go on a rant and end it with "right?" and call that a question. Not gonna lie, I hate off time roadmaps; just signpost!

Good luck to everyone competing and I hope you enjoy your day!

Hello all. I am a Speech and Debate alumni. I participated in various speech events for 4 years and have competed in many national tournaments. I am very excited to judge and to provide as valuable feedback that I can. I know how much work the competitors put into their performances, and I want to give them the attention and feedback they deserve.

Interp: based on memorization, characterization, use of stage/movements, life of piece, and how well the piece flows.

Non-Interp: based on memorization, use of stage/movements, life of piece/voicing, and how well you present/argue your topic

I am a traditional judge. I do not like excessive speed. Speak at a natural pace. Provide support for your contentions/arguments and explain why you believe that you should win the round.

I am a Professor of Political Science and offer courses designated as Speaking Intensive within my discipline that are designed to assess and improve students' oral communication skills.

Here are some pointers I give to my students that should be helpful to participants:

* Speakers should value preparation, professionalism, and authenticity. The most effective speakers are those who are well prepared, conduct themselves with respect for themselves and others, and are comfortable with and true to themselves in whatever space they occupy.

* Each of us is entitled to hold our own opinions but not our own facts. Misinformation is a profound threat to education, critical thinking, and democratic values. I expect speakers to reason their way through arguments using evidence-based, substantiated claims.

* Be as clear as possible in enunciating your words and your pace of speech. If I can't keep up with and understand what you're saying I can't evaluate your speaking and the content of your arguments.

* Enjoy the spirit of competition and the speech experience. Effective speakers aren't born but are made by opening our minds to learn from one another, taking constructive feedback to heart to improve our oral communication skills, and caring about the impact our words have on one another and the exchange of knowledge and ideas more broadly. By those standards we are all a work in progress.

I used to coach Extemp, Impromptu and other Speech events. I'm looking for:

1) Clarity - clear diction, no spreading and minimal jargon;

2) Structure - easy-to-follow arguments;

3) Evidence - credible sources with illustrative examples and numbers/statistics based on sound methodology; and

4) Why You Won - tell me exactly how your arguments undermine the arguments of your opponents and/or why they are more impactful than the arguments of your opponents

~Absolutely no spreading (abusing all our ears with speaking so quickly no one can possibly understand everything you say).

~No progressive cases (based solely upon one thing leading to another leading to the end of the world, they don't work)

~Finally, just be polite and do your best; I'm here to judge your performance in a given instance, not judge your worth as a human being.

I ask that competitors do not spread and that they let their opponent finish their sentences during cross. No spreading and no cutting people off while talking! Thank you :)

I've been involved with debate from 10+ years and have enjoyed witnessing its expansion. I believe in any and all debate styles, provided you are clear, your arguments link directly to the resolution, and you do not abuse your opponent. I have a zero tolerance policy for disrespectful opponents or any form or racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, etc.

Lincoln Douglas

Do not run arguments that are disrespectful/abusive toward your opponent. Feel free to run whatever you want, provided it is not superficial/frivolous theory. I believe the purpose of debate is to actually have a debate. Try to remain topical. I lean toward reason and logic, but will evaluate theory, definitions, and topics as you have defined. I tend to prefer classic strategies, but will vote for Ks if they are applicable, well developed, and are explained sufficiently. If you run Ks, make sure you provide specific links, and not just omissions. When using theory shells, avoid abuse or the appearance thereof, and do not become so evasive as to not be able to engage in a meaningful way with your opponent.

Public Forum

Feel free run whatever you want. I lean toward reason and logic. I enter the round as a blank slate and will evaluate the round based on definitions and topics as discussed. Make sure your arguments include impacts - the more specific and tangible, the better. When providing numbers and statistics, make sure you have evidence to support your arguments.

I am a parent judge from a school that practices traditional styles of debate. Please do not spread and please keep your own (and each other's) time.

I am seeking sound logic and clear links between the evidence and the impact.

I am an experienced judge in both speech and debate, having coached for 30+ years in all categories offered within the spectrum of S&D. I began coaching Lincoln Douglas and Congressional Debate in the 1990’s, have coached PF since its inception, having coached the first PF team that represented NJ at Nationals in Atlanta, GA. I currently coach the NJ World Teams.

I am a flow judge who looks for logical arguments, a valid framework, and substantiation of claims made within your case. As a teacher of rhetoric, I appreciate word economy and precise language. Do not default to speed and redundancy to overwhelm. Persuade concisely; synthesize your thoughts efficiently. Be articulate. Keep your delivery at a conversational rate.

A good debate requires clash. I want to see you find and attack the flaws in your opponents’ arguments, and respond accordingly in rebuttal. Cross examination should not be a waste of time; it is a time to clarify. It is also not a time for claws; be civil, particularly in grand crossfire.

Disclosure is not a discussion or a renewed debate. Personally, I am not a fan, in large part, because of a few unwarranted challenges to my decision. You are here to convince me; if you have not, that will drive my RFD.

As an individual events judge, my goal is to judge as fairly as possible. For interpretation events, I will look for understanding of the piece, diction, clarity and development of characters and for an introduction that grabs my attention and helps me to be know a little bit of whats coming in the piece. Most of all I will not judge the piece I will judge the performance of the piece. In public speaking and limited prep events I will look for clear diction, excellent speech structure and evidence to back up your claims. I will not judge because I do not agree with you, I will judge your performance. I will base my rank on your performance.

I am tabula rasa; did policy debate in HS and college. Fine with speed and K.

My Experience: I teach English and have been coaching and judging speech and debate since September of 2014. My PF experience has mostly been confined to the beginning level. I was never a debater so most of what I know comes from coaching. I am definitely a lay judge.

I am a huge fan of specificity. The more detailed you can be in your args and evidence the easier it will be for me to flow and to vote on.

I lean tech over truth so make sure you refute your opponents’ args with the same specificity you construct your own.

I will flow the round but only at a reasonable speed. I believe spreading takes most of the educational value out of debate and, as such, I have a very difficult time judging it. That said, I will judge whatever you run, including Ks, theory, whatever you want. Just know, there is no substitute for a well-warranted, clash-heavy debate done at a reasonable speed.

I do not generally call for evidence and will only do so if my decision depends on it.

Be respectful to your opponents and demonstrate what you know.

Things I look for in Congress:

1. Clear, confident speaking with few fluency breaks.

2. Consistent presence in the round through asking questions and staying engaged.

3. Strong use of evidence from scholarly sources.

4. Simple, easy-to-understand arguments.

5. Clash and interaction with other arguments.

6. Humor is always appreciated, although I may not understand your pop culture references.

In a presiding officer:

Speed is your utmost priority. Go fast and don't make errors.

I am a former speech and debate competitor. I competed in Lincoln-Douglass Debate, Original Oratory, and Informative Speaking.

I have more experience judging speech events than I do debate as I competed more in the former.

-Give a roadmap of your points.

-Make sure you speak clearly. Please try not to spread, I need to be able to understand your points and I can't do that if you're speaking too fast.

-I can give time signals if need be, but I recommend timing yourself as well as I will cut you off if you go over time.

I appreciate well-thought out arguments & logic.

Please do not spread!

I‘m a parent judge, so I don’t understand too much debate terminology.

I’m excited to watch you all debate!

-I will flow. I appreciate a clear narrative across arguments! It's okay to collapse.

-Significant impacts are awesome, especially quantifiable ones! Explain the gravity of the situation!

-Signposting is always really helpful.

-Spreading is okay, but make sure we can actually understand you. Don't speak super fast against an obviously less experienced team (this helps no one!)

-Don't be rude in cross-ex, especially don't be patronizing or condescending toward female debaters

-If evidence is requested, please pull it up quickly for the other team

-If you're running complex theory, please break it down and explain it.

PF Paradigm

I am highly conscious of my role as a judge to put my own bias aside, to listen intently, and to come to conclusions based on what you bring to a round. If you and your partner prove to me that your warrants, evidence, and impacts weigh more heavily in the round than your opponents then you win, plain and simple. Please don't tell me the burden is on the other team to prove or disprove or whatever else. Public Forum Debate focuses on advocacy of a position derived from issues presented in the resolution, not a prescribed set of burdens.

I have a serious problem if you misconstrue evidence or neglect to state your sources thoroughly- you have already created unnecessary questions in my mind.

Rebuttals are a key part of debate and I need to hear a point by point refutation and clash and then an extension of impacts. Refuting an argument is not "turning" an argument. Arbitrary and incorrect use of that term is highly annoying to me. A true turn is difficult at best to achieve-be careful with this.

I cannot judge what I can't clearly hear or understand-I can understand fast speech that is enunciated well, but do you really want to tax your judge?-Quality of an argument is much more important than the quantity of points/sub-points, or rapid-fire speech and it is incumbent upon you and your partner to make sure you tell me what I need to hear to weigh appropriately-it is not my job to "fill in the blanks" with my personal knowledge or to try to spend time figuring out what you just said. Also spreading is a disrespectful tactic and defeats the purpose of the art of debate-imho- so don't do it. (See Quality not Quantity above).

The greater the extent of your impacts, the greater the weight for me. If you and your partner are able to thoroughly answer WHY/HOW something matters more, WHY/HOW something has a greater impact, WHY/HOW your evidence is more important, that sways me more than anything else.

Lastly, be assertive, not aggressive. Enjoy the challenge.

LD and PF: Although I list myself as "Traditional," I am open to different arguments as long as they are explained well and related to the resolution. I believe that we are debating the resolution, not fixing society's ills. Yes debate will enable us to fix society's ills but a competition round is not where that will occur. Debate theory can be interesting to judge, but again, needs to still be connected to the resolution. Also, be sure that the theory you're arguing is correct and logical. In terms of speed, to me it's not speed it's clarity. If you are going 97 miles per hour and have to constantly repeat yourself because you trip over words, maybe going 60 is better.

Congress: As a scorer or Parli, I look for good speeches with good evidence and analysis, but also continuous participation. I believe Congress is an overall package, including activity with questioning, motions and amendments. PO's should be able to move the chamber along smoothly, and fairly. However, they must also recognize that sometimes this may be a new experience for someone in the chamber, and be sure that everyone understands how the PO is maneuvering the chambers, not just assume that it's just standard operating procedure for everyone. Be good to each other and you will often stand out from the competition.

Tim Lynch is currently serving his sixth year as the Assistant Speech Coach of the Summit High School Forensics Team in New Jersey. As a competitor, Tim was a three-time National Qualifier as well as an Award of Excellence and Rising Star Award Winner. As an educator and professional actor, Tim has established a proven track record of coaching students to the national final stage.

I am a parent judge from a school that practices traditional styles of debate. Please do not spread and please keep your own time.

I am looking for clear logic in your speech and straightforward supporting evidence.

I'm a former competitor and mother of a child participating in POI. I'm a College Professor and have experience judging most speech events. I rank based on the successful completion of each event's elements, originality, structure, content (including the quality and reliability of your evidence), and your delivery (articulation, voice modulation, etc). I appreciate clarity and clear markings for the judge. I believe in inclusivity and diversity in forensic experiences, and therefore won't be taking into account your surroundings or the quality of video.

Good Luck!

Congressional Debate Paradigm:

While congressional debate is most certainly an argument, this debate event takes the form of one long and continuous coversation that is more akin to a socratic seminar than to a structured debate. Entering the conversation where it is is the most important skill for any congressional debater. It is from that point that I expect each speaker to begin and then to advance the argument. Referencing the speakers who came before and their contributions to the conversation is integral to fully placing new points or extensions of points already made. While summary and crystalization has its place later in the debate, rehash has no place in a well presented congressional speech. I also look for gracious behavior at all times focusing on the strengthes and weaknesses of other arguments but no the speakers themselves. I have no patience for speakers who try to elevate themselves by putting down others.

Individual Events Paradigm:

I have coached speech and debate since 2010, but in recent years my coaching is focused on speech. I see every speech event as an argument, so I am in search of an important message, explicit or implicit, in every performance or speech I judge. Beyond message, I look for a coherent argument whether you have crafted this with your own words with original oratory, responding to a question in extemporaneous speaking, or making your argument in a program or performance in interpretation. In Informational speaking, I am looking to be exposed to relevant informaition around a topic of importance in society but without a position, an advocacy, or solutions. In all of these forms, I expect to be engaged and compelled to listen to what you are saying. This is speech where how you say it matters just as much as what you say. And, while I love creative and edgy pieces that take me from my comfort zone, every single word should work to convey and elevate your message and do so at no one's expense. I will not reward hurtful, harmful or thoughtless words or actions.

I coach PF at Phillipsburg High School and am a pretty standard PF judge. I make my decisions based on weighing, rhetoric, topical arguments and argumentative structure.

PF Paradigm:

Email Chains: Do not include me on any email/evidence chains, I trust and expect you to present any evidence fairly and accurately. If there is a lot of argument on a specific piece of evidence (or more) I will ask for that card and evaluate it .

Progressive Debate: I’ll never drop anyone based solely on their case (unless it is offensive or otherwise egregious) but I will say that running theory or a K won’t get you very far with me. I’m open to the idea of a good faith interrogation of the logic of a particular resolution but just I would say don’t do it unless you have something really good.

Weighing: To me, comparative weighing and clear impacts are the bread and butter of debate. Impacts should be explicit and clearly backed up. I value clear PF debate: good frameworks from the start of the debate, I care very heavily about impact-driven debates, and good weighing.

Other Notes:

• Frontlining in the second rebuttal is crucial.

• Spell out any links, turns and extensions clearly. I don't just want to hear the cards, I need to know what piece of evidence you are using. So don't say "Extend the Johnson card," Say "Extend the Johnson card which says a increase in..."

• Be sure to Signpost. A messy debate makes for a worse decision, so for everyone's sake it's good to know where we are on the flow

• Keep it civil during crossfire and grand crossfire

• I am usually good with speed but if you start spreading, I will stop writing. If you are going too fast i will motion to you to slow down

• I will almost certainly not buy your nuclear war impact unless it is directly related to the resolution

• If you are racist, homophobic, xenophobic, sexist, ableist, etc. I can and will drop you

I am an active coach and former advisor for Forensic Debate and Speech with 10 years experience judging tournaments at the local, state, and national levels. I am familiar with requirements at each level of competition, novice through varsity, for high school students. My original training and education was as an English teacher at the secondary level (NYS Eng/Language Arts, 7-12). In that capacity the importance of developing skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, analysis and research, was the focus of training. When debating, the mastery of clear communication skills, and the ability to present a well supported, convincing argument come alive. A strong argument will demonstrate sharp critical thinking and analysis of an issue; these are key elements in both Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas debate. Presenting with clarity and enthusiasm is vital to delivering both affirmative and negative positions. Be aware of your speed: "electronic speed" that does not enhance articulate delivery is not an advantage. Your thoughts, reasoning, and the development of your position are essential. I identify as a diversity enhancing judge and support inclusion. The art of debate is a challenging, highly original, and thought provoking experience for everyone to share.

Linda Mohlenhoff

Former college policy debater and speech competitor. Been coaching speech and debate for the last 12 years.

A fan of clean, structured, easy to follow debates. I'm big on pre-speech road maps and internal signposting. Staying on track and explaining to me where you're going indicates to me that you are in control of the round and your performance within it. Debates that get muddled aren't fun for anyone, so keep it clear where you are cross applying and clashing.

I won't time anything in round. Keep tabs on each other.

I do prefer you extend thru summary if you have time so I know what you're going for.

Definitions only help us stay on the same page so when they are helpful, they are appreciated. Totally down with an overview.

Also fine with jargon. Competed in policy so speed shouldn't be an issue. I prefer it to be a little slower as this is PF, but if I can't understand you it's almost certainly an issue with articulation, not speed.

Impact weighing should be a primary part of your final focus. If I don't know what you impact out to then what are we even doing here and why does it matter? I do my best to leave my biases at the door, but that also means I will not intervene for you. Don't sprinkle a trail of bread crumbs and lead me down a path without actually ending up somewhere. Don't imply impacts or warrants, state them directly. You shouldn't make me work to follow you, it should be easy.

Speaker points for me are a function of your ability to logically break down and explain your points in a clear and concise manner. In my opinion it's not about how pretty you speak, that's what IE's are for (a stumble here or there means nothing to me in debate). Be clear, articulate, logical, and explain where you are going and you'll get high speaks from me. Be warned though: in 12 years of judging debate I have given out less than 10 perfect 30's. To me, 30 means perfection, as in you could not have done anything better whatsoever.

Framework is cool with me. Makes it easier to weigh the round.

Truth over tech.

Any other questions feel free to ask me before the round starts.

I'm a former PF debater, so take that as you will. NO SPREADING!! Other than that I just want everyone to be respectful. I like evidence, but more importantly I want you to give IMPACTS.

I love judging speech! I have judged over 30 speech and debate tournaments (over 100 rounds) since September, 2019, and have experience judging every single speech event, and a little bit of LD as well.

I have also had the great pleasure of being a judge at TOC, NSDA, NIETOC, NCFL as well!

I'm definitely not a strict judge, and try to make the round atmosphere as comfortable as possible. In addition, I sincerely try my best to rank all of the students in a fair and unbiased way, as well as give them feedback that they can improve from, but I am also always open to questions if you want to learn more about how to improve your speech!

Outside of being a speech and debate judge, I have a PhD in Environmental Engineering. I try my best to protect environment.

Pronouns: she/her

-Oct.  2022

She/Her

I competed for two years at West Orange HS in Florida and now compete at the college level. My competitive experience is in speech, but I have judging experience in debate events.

Most of my feedback will probably pertain to your speaking style (that doesn't mean I am discounting argumentation, I just may not be as technical as ex-debaters). I prefer if you don't speak quickly, but if you're going to speak quickly make sure you speak clearly. If I can't understand what you are saying and arguing for, I'm not going to be able to judge you fairly.

It's important that you have your cards ready if you're going to use them. If your opponent calls for a card, it shouldn't take you forever to find it. It damages your credibility and may cost you speaker points if you are unable to find a card/take an excessive amount of time to find it. I will only call for cards when asked, I'm very expressive so if it looks like I don't understand a card you should probably ask me to call for it.

Anything that's going to be in final focus should be in the summary. If your opponent drops your argument, make sure you call them on that if you plan on going for that argument.

If you say anything racist/sexist/homophobic, you will automatically lose. I use my crossfire time to write feedback, so I will be only paying a little bit of attention to you at that time. I do know what rudeness sounds like so ensure that you are always treating your opponents with respect.

Hi Everyone!

I am a sophomore at Florida State studying Sociology and English Literature!

I was a competitive debater for all four years of high school. My primary event was Extemporaneous Speaking but I also competed in Oratory, PF, Info, Congress, and Impromptu.

FOR DEBATE:

I evaluate rounds primarily based on which team provides more specific and meaningful impacts. In other words, it is not as much the amount of evidence that you use, but rather the way you connect the significance of that evidence to larger issues and situations. The team who does this the best will naturally have the most convincing arguments.

Please remember to be respectful to everyone in your round. This is a big one for me!

FOR SPEECH:

I am looking for speakers who are well memorized, fluid and have interesting and unique arguments. I want to see your personality through your speech and speaking style. Additionally, I value specific impacts that are well developed and explained. I really enjoy hearing unexpected and unique impacts.

Please remember to be respectful to everyone in your round which includes being a good audience member. You should be attentive and responsive to other's speeches and not make any rude comments or gestures.

Make sure you are speaking at a moderate pace where you can be easily understood and are delivering your speech with passion and genuine interest in your topic.

Good luck everyone!

I'm new to judging Public Forum, having judged Speech for the last four years.

I ask that you speak slowly and clearly. Present arguments/points of view that address your position, supported by an adequate amount of evidentiary citations. Please try to be concise and to the point.

Please avoid a rapid delivery of arguments followed by a lot of citations which will make it difficult for me to follow and understand you. You can be firm and forceful in your positions, but not aggressive in your demeanor.

Hi everybody! My name is Charlie (he/him); I am 19 and a CUNY college student. I judge Speech -- I have the most experience with Interp categories (Duo and OI/P+P in particular), but I have a base knowledge in all of the categories. It's important to me that you speak on a topic that you're passionate about, and that (regardless of category!) I can feel the importance/emotions of your speech. Have fun!

Hi, my name is Victoria and I am an assistant coach at my HS alma mater, where I competed in dec, OI, and OO.

That said, I have experience judging some debate at the local level, but I am more often judging speech. I am a flow judge to the best of my ability, but spreading is not in your best interest. At over 250 words-per-minute, I will not longer be able to flow the round. It is likely better that you don’t run any high level theory in front of me: straightforward, well-warranted arguments with clear impacts, good clash in rebuttals, and ample weighing are your best path to victory, not convoluted theory and technicalities. Tech over truth won’t win me over. In PF, write my ballot for me in summary and final focus, clear voting issues and framing of the round are a must. In LD, clear brightlines in the value criterion are a must, and clear weighing in the rebuttals and delineating the lines of clash will be helpful in writing my ballot. If you go over your allotted time, I will stop writing and raise my pen. If I didn't write it down, it wont be judged.

Lastly, good luck to everyone! You guys are incredible for choosing such a difficult categories and I have nothing but the utmost respect for all of you. I look foreword to hearing some great debates!

IE Performances

Performance material should be literature that is compelling and unique. It should be evident that the story fits the performer. Organization of structure and character arc should be evident. Multiple characters are a plus for me but the most important aspect is that the character/s you create are believable. Strong choices but nothing for mere shock value. (Do not prefer cursing, cuss words...but will overlook if proven appropriate for the piece) Time should be used well. As an audience member you should be respectful and appropriate when watching other competitors- just as important. New material is a plus. Motivated blocking. Clean transitions, variation in tone and pacing. Clear articulation.

Speech Events: IX, DX, INFO, OO

Debate

served as Public forum debate judge for over dozen of times for both middle and high schools. always tried to judge based on how the actual argument was made and avoid personal bias. Value clarity more than speed, Value respect over rudeness during debate