This is my first year as a debate coach and judge. I have a degree in Philosophy, and am experienced at considering the merits of arguments outside of the NSDA format.

I would consider myself a traditional judge; enunciation and clearly articulating fewer points is more effective than spreading to cover more ground. More importantly, if I can't follow your argument because you are speaking so quickly, I cannot and will not consider those points in weighing the round. Per NSDA guidelines, style and delivery is less important than substance, but if your substance is not conveyed because of your style, than it becomes relevant by default.

To that point, I prefer a rebuttal that is organized similarly to the opponent's argument rather than jumping around. Your argument is more effective if it is methodical. I don't believe that an argument is won by quantity over quality, so if you tell me that your opponent has dropped a point, tell me why that point matters. If it isn't as significant as the points your opponent successfully argues, than it doesn't matter that they dropped it.

Finally, I am not impressed by slippery-slope arguments that build a long chain of improbable events to conclude that your opponent's case leads inevitably to cataclysmic results. Extreme claims require extreme evidence, and just because, for example, nuclear war is possible does not mean it is guaranteed or even plausible. You must articulate good evidence that it is likely.

About me

I competed in mainly PF for four years for Paradise Valley High School. I dabbled in Impromptu, Congress, and Lincoln Douglas with varying degrees of success (I did DI once, but we don't talk about that). I'm a freshman at the University of Arizona now. If you have any specific questions or want more information about my experience level/background just ask and I'll explain some more.

Public Forum

In general:

I typically like tech over truth, but don’t abuse that. Overall I’m pretty much a standard flow judge. Don’t be a jerk, your speaks won’t thank you. (Rounds get heated sometimes and I get that, but don't let it cross a line). Don't go too fast, and if I tell you you are going too fast and you don't slow down, that's on you.

I saw this on someone else's paradigm and I'm stealing it: please please don't make me think. If you do your job right I won't have to.

More details:

Structure: Frontlining is a must in first summary (y’all have three minutes now, that’s light work) and second rebuttal. First summary should extend turns and key defense even if it isn’t frontlined, other defense can be sticky (but tell me in like five seconds where it’s sticking).

Argumentation: Don’t bring up new arguments after first summary unless they’re extensions of some kind, I won’t flow it. I also won’t flow through ink (if that has to be said). Provide comparative analysis instead of just throwing cards at each other (please) -- this will matter if it comes down to an evidence battle. Please extend warranting throughout the round. Also, WEIGH.

Evidence: If you tell me to call a card I will; otherwise I probably won’t call cards unless something stands out to me. Evidence ethics matter and if you lie about evidence I won’t be a happy camper. You can call to look at evidence off prep but if you’re excessive then I’ll start using your prep. Basically, don’t try to scam it and you’ll be fine.

Progressive: Please no.

Disclosure theory: No.

Organization: I don't care how you organize your speeches (straight down the flow, key voters, whatever), but make sure you are organized, and tell me what you're doing. Messy speech = messy flow = messy verdict. also, signpost please.

If you have any questions about these, or any other questions, please please feel free to ask before the round, I'd rather everyone understand up front. If you do something that’s actually funny — not rude— in round I will appreciate it. You can be as goofy as you want (and I’ll probably enjoy watching), but it’s your problem if that gets in the way of actual content.

Congress

I did mainly PF in high school, but I occasionally competed in other events, including Congress, so I know what's going on. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. The standard considerations for Congress apply: be clear, be organized, don't be too fast, cite good evidence, be unique, make sure the judges are ready/know who you are before you start your speech, and ask questions.

IE

As far as IE goes, I mostly competed in impromptu, but I'm familiar with most of the other formats. (I don't think there's anything else I really need to say, if you have specific questions you can ask).

I started judging my two kids' speech and debate tournaments in high school. I judge IE's, LD, and Policy. And have continued judging these tournaments after my kids moved on to college.

I prefer that you speak loud and clearly. However I do not have a preference on speed. You may flow as fast or slow as you see fit.

Simply, debate is a very fun game that I used to play and enjoy watching. Do what you do best. I will vote for you if I think you win. And please be nice to your opponents.

As far as preconceived notions of debate go, here are a few of mine:

(1) I think the topic should be debated.

(2) I enjoy case debates and plan specific counterplans.

(3) I usually don't have speech docs open during the debate so your clarity is important to me.

potomac intramural - i'm familiar with the unsc topic so run whatever you want

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4 years of pf, 6 years of debate. rmhs & pda

flay judge leaning flow. tech > truth

add me to email chains: graceliactive@gmail.com

i can handle some speed, but over 225 wpm im annoyed

if you want to win, you prob shouldn't run theory or ks bc i hate them

time yourself or we can do timing your opponents

signpost or i will literally stop flowing

judges are lazy, including me. write my ballot for me in your ff, it helps

good luck!