Atascocita High School TFA
2020 — Classrooms.Cloud, TX/US
Congress Paradigm List
All Paradigms: Show HideCX- 1) no excessive speed. 2) K's must apply to aff, have impact, must provide a weighing mechanism. I don't vote for a K that simply reflects a wrong in SQ- Aff needs to have caused it. Ultimately weighing adv , disads is critical
LD- !) Value/ crit can be critical, but often depends on the topic. When topics are policy oriented, I can vote on policy. Regardless, I find standards to be important, especially how debaters respond.
I prefer all debate styles, whether CX, LD or PF to have a structure that makes it easy for me to flow. I like 1's, 2's 3's or A B C.
PF 1. obviously clash is a must. I prefer all debaters take part in grand cross fire, but will judge on case by case. Clear impacts and weighing mechanism.
Extemps
1. Make sure your address the topic.
2. While number of sources cited isn't terribly critical, I do expect facts, etc. to be supported with sources. One two sources is not enough.
3. i liked good, creative intros. Not a fan of the 'extended metaphor' intro.
4. I prefer a natural delivery to a more forced, stilted one.
Oratory
1. Good unique topics appreciated. Substance, significance of topic takes a slight edge over delivery, but only slight. A little humor along the way is always good.
POI
1. I prefer a POI that recognizes a manuscript is being used. At least a little, please. A variety of emotional appeals works best.
HI, DI
1. HI should make me laugh or smile really hard. I look for development of characters, if possible. Not a big fan of R rated selections.
2. DI should build to climax, both in selection and performance.
Prose, Poetry
1. As with POI, I like to see a manuscript being used at least a little. Something unique is always nice to hear, but nothing wrong with the classics. Again, build to the climax.
Congress
1. Be an active member of the session.
2. The least effective position to take is one that has already been given by a previous speaker.
3. Congressional debate requires debate. Rebuttal points, naming specific other speaker, gets the most positive judging response.
4. Don't be afraid to be PO. I appreciate, a good PO, and will take that into account when ranking.
UT Austin Student
Experience: I was on the Northland Christian Debate team in high school serving as a team captain for 2 years & have had experience in PF/Worlds/Extemp/Congress in my four years of doing debate.
Just a few things to keep in mind while debating --
PF:
Please explain and signpost arguments clearly with warrants and extend arguments so I can flow it (I flow line-by-line). For both speakers, the summary and final focus are key to do some weighing and telling me reasons why I should vote for you so it helps me make my decision much easier. No spreading would be appreciated!
Worlds:
I mainly did Worlds my senior year and I expect teams to follow the norm and will be evaluating arguments brought down the bench. Make sure to ask POI's to stay engaged. Most importantly, I expect you guys to actually debate the motion!
Overall:
Remember that while this is a competition, this is a learning experience. Have some fun with it!! Educate me on the resolution / motion -- good luck!