Forensics is a speaking competition in which the art of rhetoric is utilized - speaking effectively to persuade or influence [the judge].

I take Socrates's remarks in Plato's Apology as the basis of my judging: "...when I do not know, neither do I think I know...I am likely to be wiser than he to this small extent, that I do not think I know when I do not know" (Ap. 21d-e).

My paradigm of any round is derived from: CLARITY!!!

All things said in the round need to be clear! Whatever it is you want me to comprehend, vote on, and so forth, needs to be clearly articulated, while one is speaking. This stipulation should not be interpreted as: I am ignorant about debate - I am simply placing the burden on the debater to debate; it is his or her responsibility to explain all the arguments presented. Furthermore, any argument has the same criteria; therefore, clash, at the substantive level, is a must!

First and foremost, I follow each debate league's constitution, per the tournament.

Secondly, general information, for all debate forms, is as follows:

1) Speed: As long as I can understand you well enough to flow the round, since I vote per the flow!, then you can speak as slow or fast as you deem necessary. I do not yell clear, for we are not in practice round, and that's judge interference. Also, unless there is "clear abuse," I do not call for cards, for then I am debating. One does not have to spread - especially in PF.

2) Case: I am a tab judge; I will vote the way in which you explain to me to do so; thus I do not have a preference, or any predispositions, to the arguments you run. It should be noted that in a PF round, non-traditional/abstract arguments should be expressed in terms of why they are being used, and how it relates to the round.

Set a metric in the round, then tell me why you/y'all have won your metric, while your opponent(s) has lost their metric and/or you/y'all have absorbed their metric.

The job of any debater is to persuade the judge, by way of logical reasoning, to vote in his or her favor, while maintaining one's position, and discrediting his or her opponent's position. So long as the round is such, I say good luck to all!

Ask any other clarification questions before the round!

Parent Judge. I have had experience judging Public Forum, Lincoln Douglas, and Extemporaneous Speaking. When it comes to LD, I value impact and framework over anything else and want to see a debater *reason* rather than argue. No spreading, I will dock points, I believe a structured case can hold up on its own without a bunch of useless cards to throw off the opponent. Good speaks = enunciation, no slurring, engaging points, eye contact. Prefer traditional debate rather than progressive. Explain everything to me, don't assume I know specifics. Good luck!

Thank you for debating! It takes a lot of guts to get up in front of a stranger an argue like this. I was a high school debater in the 90’s in Texas and have judged a fair amount in the years since. Speech and debate are all about communication for me. I don't mind speaking at a moderate rate of speed, but if I cannot understand you, I will not flow you. If I don't flow you, I won't consider the arguments when I'm judging the round. Should you decide to spread in front of me, you will not be happy with the resulting speaker points.

I'm happiest hearing a nice package of how your contentions contribute to your criteria, to your value, and ultimately to the truth and falsehood of the resolution. I prefer more philosophy, but that can be challenging with these more practical resolutions. I am willing to hear almost any argument you want to run, but if you're going to run progressive argumentation, be very sure to clearly explain how it links to the resolution, as in a muddled round, that is where I will first look to decide. Please signpost, clearly show how things link across the flow, and show me how you win the round. In the final speeches, I am more interested in hearing what you think are the biggest issues in the round than to hear you try and sprint through a point-by-point, especially on the affirmative.

BACKGROUND:

Have been involved in debate as a student, high school debater, college debater, high school coach or a college coach since the Nixon administration. Yes I actually cut Watergate cards. So pardon my smile when asked how I feel about speed etc.

PHILOSOPHY

Try to be Tab as much as possible. But like all judges I have some personal preferences listed below:

TOPICALITY

Is a voter, don't usually vote on it unless it is mishandled or extremely squirely. Make sure to have a violation, standard and voter in shell. Haven't previously voted on a RVI on T.

THEORY

Tend to look at in round abuse.

KRITIKS

They are fine, but make sure you understand the literature, spend a lot of quality time on the link and have a clear alternative.

PRESENTATION

Speed is ok as long as you are clear. If you are not clear, I will say "clear". Make a clear distinction between your taglines and and your cards.

OTHER ISSUES:

Will vote you down for being rude or sarcastic. Proper decorum is a must. I will vote against sexist, racist et al. arguments.

CONCLUSION

I was fairly succinct on this paradigm, so feel free to ask me specific questions before the round. Also debate should be fun. A sense of humor is always appreciated.

My judging philosophy is very short. Its your debate, not mine. Stay organized and tell me where and why to vote (signpost plz). Speak clearly. Speed is not an issue for me, but do not sacrifice clarity. Write my ballot for me.

parent judge. will probably default util, no spreading. clear weighing, signposting, enunciation = good speaks

Hello!

For LD Debate, I prefer a traditional round with clear and slow speaking. I'm a lay judge. I look for clear warranted link chains with believable impacts, extended arguments in rebuttals, and good questioning. Make sure to explain everything clearly. Most importantly, have a great round!

Pronouns - she/her/hers

Experience

Did VPF and UIL policy for 4 years in high school and was decent at it. I did a bit of extemp too, but I didn't care for it. I am a sophomore in college now, so it's been a few years since being involved in debate but I can keep up. I am a political science major, so I am up-to-date with most politics.

Demographics/Personal

I am a white woman raised in an economically stable household in Houston, TX. I attended Stratford High School which is evenly split between white student enrollment and minority student enrollment. I am currently attending the private university Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, that is primarily attended by white students. I am apart of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am a political science major, anthropology major, chem minor, and museum studies minor. I am native in English and can speak basic conversational Spanish, French, Latin, and Arabic, but I cannot understand a round in any of these languages. I regularly keep up with politics (international and domestic). If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me before round starts :). 

General (PF specific)

Pre-flow before round - I will not give you time in round to do so. I prefer line-by-line rebuttals, a summary that begins to narrow the line-by-line to a big picture, and a big picture final focus. I don't flow final focus, but I will listen to it and it will contribute to speaker points. Pls first summary, respond to the rebuttal as best as possible - I will flow new evidence if I truly believe you did a good job responding and expanding on it. Second summary, pls do not bring new evidence or arguments. If you don't weigh, I don't up you. Please start weighing in rebuttal, but if the first rebuttal doesn't weigh and the first summary weighing is out-of-this-world amazing, then I'll accept that weighing. Second rebuttal and summary I expect to have weighing in it. If neither team weighs....bruh. I don't flow crossfire or cross-examination. I don't call for cards unless told to, I'm not gonna find stuff sus for ya. I love weird arguments, just make sure you can run them well! :D

Speed

Please don't spread, I have ADHD and can forget things you say very easily and not get everything down. I did do UIL policy, but UIL is very traditional and slower so I'm not used to policy argument dumping. I am comfortable with you speaking fast, but if I cannot understand you, I will say "clear". If I cannot understand you after saying "clear" twice, then I'm just going to stop flowing. 

FW

I'm cool with frameworks but I don't believe there is enough time to develop a framework in PF. So if you do bring in a framework, either plan to develop it or drop it. To drop framework, I hope that you explicitly state you're doing so. P.S. 
I love Michel Foucault and biopolitics/necropolitics, so if there is a Foucault framework, I'll eat it up as long as you can run it well.

Etiquette

Don't be rude! I get getting heated - everyone has their off days, but being outwardly rude/disrespectful to your opponents automatically gets you downed with 25 for speaker points. I do know the difference between dominance and rudeness - if I believe that you being condescending extends to your opponents rather than just their arguments or case, I consider that extremely disrespectful and you will be downed. Don't fight with my decision because it won't change anything, and please refrain from asking condescending questions regarding my decision - they won't be acknowledged or answered and you'll probably only be more upset. Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, anti-semitism, etc. will be an automatic down and I will report you to TAB. Unfortunately, the speech and debate sphere is already inherently problematic enough and I don't want that in any round I'm judging.

Background: Competed in speech/debate for 4 years in high school on the city, state, and national circuit. Previous School Affiliation: Harmony School of Advancement

Lincoln-Douglas

General: Feel free to ask questions prior to the round. I try not to intervene during the debates, so be clear on the objectives to win the round.Sign posting and road maps are much appreciated. Vote on who has the more reasonable framework as well as the claim, warrants, and impacts that follow. Extensive flows, be sure to thoroughly address counterarguments and drops your opponent makes. Clash is important and expected, hopefully it comes out natural but always remain respectful. Do not be petty or passive-aggressive.

CX: I love CX. My favorite part of the debate. Make sure to address major points of CX if they are pertinent to the round.

Evidence: If an evidence card seems fishy, such as fabricating evidence or clipping cards in a way that changes the warrant of that evidence, I will ask to see it. Intellectual honesty is very important to me.

Speed: I would prefer you not spread, but if you must due to time constraints, be clear, be fluent, and enunciate. Be sure to also emphasize your main points. If the speaking becomes incomprehensible, I will stop flowing and deduct speaker points. If I can't understand you, and especially if your opponent cannot understand you, that's on you.

Theory: I tend to prefer traditional debate because that's how I was coached, but I'm open to progressive arguments (as long as they make sense and aren't abusive). Just be sure to explain it thoroughly throughout the round. Remember that this is still LD debate, not policy. More likely to intervene in theory heavy debates. If you go this route, make sure that your arguments are especially clear and warranted.

Speaker points: Based on my understanding of the round. If you're articulate, you'll get good speaks. The main way to get bad speaks is to spread poorly.

All in all, respect your opponent, give the round all you've got, be clear, composed, and have fun.

Hi there!

My name is Kai, I graduated from PSJA North HS in 2019, but now I am at THE University of Texas at Austin.

I am on the Texas Speech team and I am so excited to continue speech in College. In high school, I was the 2019 TFA State champion in DI, I made out rounds in DI and DUET at NIETOC in 2018 and 2019. I had also competed in UIL in Extemporaneous speaking, and Prose and Poetry with a state final in prose at the 2019 UIL State Meet. I was also a Poetry finalist at the NSDA 2019 National tournament in Dallas, and I also had an outround in DI and PRO as well.

In College however, I was the National Champion in Dramatic interpretation at the 2021 NSC Tournament, Made multiple outrounds at the AFA & NFA National tournaments in DI, POI, PRO, DUO and POE with an AFA final in Poetry in 2021, AFA Final in DUO in 2022, NFA Final in DUO and POI in 2022 and a 11th place finish in the NFA pentathlon in 2021. I enter my 4th year on the team and I'm so excited to share my knowledge and skill sets with you all.

For interpretation events, I obviously love a good dramatic story but lets not get to over dramatic with the script. BLOCKING IS IMPORTANT, you can accomplish so much with such little blocking. I believe in subtle blocking and its impact on the performance. I live by less is more, unless the scrip/program calls for that dramatic blocking then by all means RUN WITH IT!

But I am a sucker for those dramatic moments with just you and your audience, above all this performance should feel like a conversation with your audience; You shouldn't have to compromise the story for overdramatic blocking/acting unless the script calls for it!

I will forgive little stumbles because I know how tough the nerves can get (I see you, I understand) but lets try to be prepared!

In my opinion the introduction will make or break your overall argument! If you can create an argument that will:

1) Draw me in further into your performance,

2) Make me question your argument (or left wanting more)

&/or 3) brings in new insights/ideas/questions

then you have my vote!

sell me your story, and I will buy it!

Hi there!

My name is Luke Lyster and I'm a student at the University of Arkansas. I have several years of speech experience (predominantly HI and DI). I have competed on the local, state and national level, as well as TOC. Most of my experience is in HI as a state finalist.

Things I look for:

Interp -

Good control of your emotions, unnecessary shouting/crying/emotion that is out of place in your piece wont serve you well.

Facial expressions and precise intentional movements are critical to a great piece.

Speech - Expression and strong public speaking ability are critical, as well as passion for what you're speaking about.

Good luck competitors!

LD

I am an old school judge. I want the main focus to be on framework. Most times my ballots go to the debater who links all arguments to values and criteria successfully. I can keep up with some speed, however I tend to favor persuasion and logic over spreading and tons of cards. I want to hear impacts of cards, not just the card itself. Debaters should listen to each other and use that as the basis of clash, not just contradiction. If you plan to use theory and critiques, you better explain it clearly and don't assume my knowledge.

PF

I am not a fan of spreading. I do not want you to overload with cards and theory.

Students should keep their own time during rounds.

I particularly look for a balance between the initial case that the student makes and the rebuttals. At the end of the day, I want the student to completely convince me two particular things

1. Why they are right (Emphasis on own case without bringing up any new cards during rebuttals)

2. Why I should vote against their opponent (Address points made in opponent's case)

email: vandanpatel202@gmail.com

tldr: I will evaluate every argument and attempt to be as impartial as possible. I am fine with speed, theory, Kritiks(although I haven't read much lit other than antiblackness/afropess), and virtually any other argument. I am a firm believer that debate is a game so if an argument brought by your opponent is morally repugnant you will have to prove why this is the case as I will not intervene.

T: I love good T debates, don't go for blip T args please. If your gonna read T explain why the definitions are important to the context of the round and give me reasons to prefer. I also evaluate T before K but can change if you tell me why.

Util: read a lot of this in high school. am cool with util and LARP args, will default to extinction outweighs unless told otherwise.

Theory: went for this a lot in high school. I will vote on pretty much any theory arg as long as it is well warranted. I am a firm believer in disclosure, but will vote against disclosure theory if provided with reason to do so.

RVIs - default to RVIs

Default to CIs, can do reasonability if convinced otherwise.

Ks - am fine with them, although the only Ks I'm really familiar with are cap and antiblackness/afropess. Please explain what the alt means and how it solves the aff if it does, often times debaters through buzzwords and hope that I know what the alt means. I am fine with alts that require a rejection of the aff as long as there is a pedagogical reason to do so.

Parent judge. Keep it lay. Clarity over speed. Give clear voters.

Hi, my name’s Jackson, and I look forward to judging your round. I did LD, extemp, and a little Policy in high school, from which I graduated in 2020. You can run anything*, but for theory arguments especially make sure you actually explain them, as I won’t vote for what I cannot understand, even if it is dropped. Spreading is fine so long as I have the speech doc. Please give voters, and actually weigh impacts. If you don’t weigh and your opponent does, then I’m going to go with their weighing, and you will probably lose. Also, signpost! If I cannot flow it, then you didn’t say it. I don’t disclose, but I do give notes after round.

Good luck!

*except disclosure theory. Which I think is ruining debate

UT Austin

Email: misharafiq2020@gmail.com

I did PF for 4 years at Elkins High School

I am not very familiar with progressive arguments so I will not evaluate any theory, tricks, Ks, etc., unless there is a violation in the round that hurts or excludes someone. Even then, I would prefer you point it out to me in paragraph form with a warrant and explanation rather than forcing me to evaluate progressive argumentation. Honestly if you're planning to run these type of arguments, strike me.

Sending me cases prior to the round would be greatly appreciated. If you're gonna spread SEND ME A SPEECH DOC.

If you run an offensive overview in second rebuttal it will make me really sad

General Stuff

-Tech>truth

- MUST signpost and weigh

- don’t just card dump in rebuttal without any analysis

- Frontlining turns in second rebuttal is a must

- Any turns not frontlined in second rebuttal have a 100% probability

-If you’re not extending with author name and warrant then wyd

- If you want me to vote off case offense, you have to extend uniqueness - link - impact

Evidence

- I won’t call for evidence unless the other team tells me to do so. The only time I’ll do it is if that one piece of evidence will win you the round.

- If I end up calling for evidence that you misrepresent/fabricate, you will get L20

Speaks

-As long as you’re not rude, blatantly cocky, or you start yelling for absolutely no reason - then i got you with speaks don’t trip over it.

Any baby keem reference will get you auto 30 speaks

pronouns: she/her

Hi my name is Saba Rajput! For some history, I have four years of LD experience in high school and was a state qualifier, so I am open to nearly all arguments in traditional and progressive debate.

I prefer traditional because I feel like thats what LD really was always about, value and value criterion debate. I value framework more than anything so make sure you hit hard on that regardless of the type of debate you are doing.

I am open to progressive and I definitely wont down you for it, within it i love hearing K debate. As long as you are attacking all points and defending your own that is all I care about with most priority being given to framework and then impact calculus.

Make your links clear!

Im okay with speed, just add me on the email chain - Saba.Rajput05@gmail.com

If you are reading off of your legal pad excessively in your speech or bring up a computer/phone/ iPad, you will not get ranked high on my ballot. Use vocal variations. Be aware of body language. Act professionally in rounds. Be active in the round! Ask questions!

I am a former CX competitor from the late 80s and early 90s from a small 3A district. To that end, my experience and preference falls within the traditional range and not progressive. While I can understand the nuances of it and appreciate its overall intent, it goes well outside of the traditional realm that I prefer. I want clear line by line, clash and impacts that are meaningful and arguments that are well fleshed out. I don't need theoretical situations and kritiks of the resolution. Debate what is given to you as the framers intended it to be debated. I would rather have one or two solid arguments that are carried through a round as opposed to superfluous argumentation that ends up being kicked out of anyway or that operates in a world that is far less meaningful than traditional argumentation.

When it comes to extemp, I am also a traditionalist and expect a speech that is well balanced and that answers the prompt a contestant has been given. (Attention Getter/Hook - Thesis - Points - Conclusion that wraps up). Source variety is as important to me as is the number of sources. Fluidity is the real key. Don't make the speech choppy and don't offer so much content that you are unable to go back and analyze what you've spoken about. This is particularly true when it comes to lots of stats and numbers; don't overload a speech with content on that level that there is no real understanding of how you have synthesized the information you've given. And if you are also a debater, please remember - this is a SPEAKING event, not a debate event.

For topics that err on the side of persuasive and controversial, I DO NOT have an issue with topics that you feel could be flash-points that you think bias will impact the outcome. As long as you can substantiate and articulate what you are talking about with credible information and good analysis, we'll be good and the ballot will be free of bias.

When judging speech events, I expect presenters to know their topic well and to present in a clear manner that conveys their knowledge/interest in the topic.

Questions I ask myself while judging include: Does the speaker enjoy what he/she is doing? Does the speaker truly understand, have a vested interest in, or care about the topic/presentation? Does the speaker move or is he/she a statue - frozen in place? Does the speaker change his/her voice accordingly, based on the type of presentation, or is it monotone? Does the speaker utilize the binder in any way, other than to hold it and read from it? Is the speaker adept at utilizing visual aides when available? What does the speaker do to engage the audience and keep their attention?

I enjoy watching your performances and seeing the thinking, creativity, and time speakers invest.

Debate events: I am a traditional judge and want to hear your case and evidence for support. Speak at a rate where you are understood. When you race through a script, and it is difficult to hear/understand what you say, you lose me.

With that in mind, I thank you for allowing me to judge.

Three main things I evaluate

1) Framework and pre-fiat arguments

2) Evidence Comparison: give me reasons to prefer your evidence especially to set the record straight about something.

3) Impact Calculus

Topicality is something I will vote on

Kritiks must have an alt. it must be clear through Cross X and Speech what the world of the alt looks like.

My daughter has done policy debate for the last few years and has taught me about the art of debate but specifically policy. My older sister also debated in high school so I am used to seeing the hustle and respect it tremendously. I judged my some practice debates for my daughters school last year in varsity and novice policy so I have a little experience. I am not confident on issues regarding theory or kritiks, please no spreading and I am good with stock issues. In the end I will vote based off of a good impact calculus and well thought out arguments...

Hello! I competed for four years at Klein High School (2016-2020) mainly in PF and Extemp, typically on the local circuit with a few national circuit tournaments here and there (#smallschool). I now study International Political Economy at Georgetown University. Paradigm is in order of events that I'm most likely to end up judging.

======================================================================
PF - for less experienced teams:

In your constructives/cases, try to craft arguments that clearly explain how you access your impact; generally, I prefer impacts that can be measured and linked well to what you're saying.

For rebuttal, respond to each argument in the order they're presented (line-by-line). Second speaking team's rebuttal should provide some defense of their case (responding to your opponents' args in first rebuttal). Also, please provide a roadmap (the order of which sides you'll be addressing) at the beginning of your speech, starting after second rebuttal!. Finally, while giving the speech, please tell me which arguments you're addressing/defending (ie: to respond to my opponent's Contention 1....).

For summary, I think collapsing is important in addition to covering both sides. Explain to me the most important arguments in the round (re-mentioning the claims, warrants, and impacts) and why you're winning them. Moreover, you should give reasons why your opponents are not winning their arguments by repeating/extending the responses your partner made in rebuttal (aka defense). I advise against bringing up new arguments in the second summary speech.

For final focus, you should only bring up arguments that were mentioned previously in the debate round (so no new evidence/arguments). Give me reasons to vote for you and help write my ballot for me. A big picture final focus that incorporates elements from your partner's summary will help win you my ballot.

A few other things: I won't vote off of crossfire arguments, please time yourself and your opponents, and pre-flow before round! If you have questions about my decision and your coach is cool with it, feel free to reach out via email at brandonw2002@gmail.com or message me on Facebook.

======================================================================
PF - for more experienced teams:

TL;DR: Tech > truth, roadmap/signpost, extend offense at the link/impact level in summary & FF (2nd rebuttal encouraged), weighing & collapsing are must-haves, no new args in the second summary and beyond, I default 1st speaking team with no offense, don't be rude or run arguments that are uninclusive, & ask me any questions before/after round.

1) Tech > truth unless it's offensive, homophobic, sexist, ableist, or racist (which will result in an L20). Framing/weighing mechanisms are great – the earlier they're introduced, the better. Roadmaps & signposting are a must.

2) Second rebuttal should frontline at least turns (otherwise up to you strategy wise). For both rebuttals, don't read new contentions as an "overview," disads are fine.

3) Arguments should be extended at the link and impact level - extensions should include card names with a summary of the evidence (Hapner '19 says xyz). This includes turns - so if you extend a turn, explain how it links into an impact! Both teams should extend args in summary & FF, and I encourage extensions in second rebuttal.

4) Speedwise, I'm a 7/10 in-person, 5 for cases & 6 for rebuttal-onward online. Speaks will be evaluated based on word economy, fluency, and strategic choices you make in the round (starting at a 28). Collapsing and strong weighing = high speaks! Incorporating some persuasive rhetoric is great in FF, as opposed to just giving a sped up summary.

5) Both teams should be able to extend defense in summary. Please don't read "new in the two" (second summary onward) - reading new evidence or analysis is a disadvantage to the first speaking team, and your speaker points will be docked.

6) Another important part of weighing is evidence comparison, so please tell me why I should prefer one piece of evidence over another (i.e. postdate, methodology, etc.), so that it won't be left to me to decide 5 minutes before I write my ballot. I will ignore misrepresented evidence from my decision, and it will harm your speaks.

7) Crossfire shouldn't be a shouting match. Use common sense - don't be rude, don't cut people off, etc. I won't explicitly flow crossfire, so make sure anything important you want me to consider is in a speech.

8) I will try to disclose (if allowed) if I think I'm able to make a reasonable decision within ~3 minutes after the end of second final or after I call evidence. I will likely disclose in all elim rounds unless you would like me not to (please let me know before hand).

9) If there's no offense at the end of the round, I'll default to 1st speaking team (given the structural advantage that 2nd speaking team has in terms of extending offense).

10) I may be lost if you try to read progressive arguments in front of me, but if it's explained very at a regular pace & explained well, I will attempt to evaluate it. Don't bank on it as a voter though (so if you plan on running disclosure, tricks, or 30 speaks theory, may want to strike me). If your opponent is clearly unfamiliar with theory/progressive argumentation, don't read it.

Debate is meant to serve as an activity in which you can continually improve. Feel free to message me on Facebook or email me at brandonw2002@gmail.com if you have any questions about my decision or about my paradigm; also, I'd be happy to answer your questions before round starts!

======================================================================
Extemp:

1) Organization of your speech is critical to help me understand your analysis – I like the seven part intro (or at least most of the elements: AGD, link, source, significance statement, question, answer preview) and on-tops (transitioning between points by using facts/jokes). If you have no idea what I'm talking about here, don't worry – all I ask is at least for a roadmap in the introduction.

2) Throughout the speech, make sure you're clearly linking back to the question. If it's a why question, make sure you're telling me why. Going over history/context should be reserved for the intro!

3) I appreciate slower-paced speeches, but if you're clear and understandable at a faster pace, go for it. Try to use hand gestures just to emphasize specific things, otherwise leave at your side. Vocal inflection/tonal variety is always great.

4) ~Two sources per point indicates to me strong grasp of source integration into your analysis, but try not to sound like you're just reading off evidence like in a debate round. Incorporate your own thinking into it! Also, using more credible thinktanks/institutions/research studies will strengthen your analysis.

Similar to what I said in my PF paradigm, the great thing about speech events and tournaments in general is how you can track your improvement. Feel free to message me on Facebook or email me at brandonw2002@gmail.com if you have any questions about my feedback; also, I'd be happy to answer your questions before round begins.

======================================================================
Speech & Interp: Because I was obliged to compete in platform events my freshman and sophomore year, I have some background in speech but not much in interp. For interp events, I'll be evaluating you based on the TFA/published ballot categories. Here are a few things specifically for speech (for future sake too!):

1) Have a roadmap very clearly in the introduction. I appreciate a good device :)

2) Content is what helps you stand out in platform speeches – having good source integration is always a plus in prepared speech events!

3) Organization is crucial for me to understand what you're trying to get at – having a bunch of ideas that don't really seem related will affect your ranking.

4) Make sure you don't overuse hand gestures, just use them for emphasis. Any pace you're comfortable with works as long as you're clear and understandable.

5) Try to be as close to the time limit as possible without stalling/being repetitive – the more content the better!

======================================================================
Congress: I did some Congress, mainly TFA + some NSDA Senate. See Extemp for certain pointers on how I evaluate 'extemporaneous' speech events. I appreciate solid analysis with sources in speeches, and clash is highly encouraged even starting with the First Negation speech. The PO will almost always make my ballot (esp. if they volunteer!), though I will usually rank good speakers in the room higher.

First Affirmation and First Negation speaker should break down the description & effects of a piece of legislation. Generally quality > quantity in terms of number of speeches. Make sure you're active in the chamber for questioning (esp. when no one else wants to question).

======================================================================
World Schools: I have little experience with Worlds, but please signpost so I can keep up with where you are on the flow. Remain engaged in the round through POIs. Weighing/argument comparison is appreciated in the last few speeches, and engaging with your opponent's arguments is critical. Will update this portion of the paradigm if/when I judge more.

======================================================================
Policy/LD: The only experience I've got in these two events are a few rounds of UIL Policy & LD (traditional), but I (hopefully) should be able to flow the round. I prefer traditional over progressive argumentation, and make sure you're weighing/signposting throughout the round. See my PF paradigm on other topics (e.g. speed), and feel free to ask me questions before the round on anything specific!

I prefer mostly on case debate. Speed is fine as long and I can follow the spread but I would prefer it if you did not. I will not flow anything that I cannot understand. Make sure you do extensions by yourself and signpost clearly.

My email is yangsam002@gmail.com

Updated -Nov. 2023 (mostly changes to LD section)

Currently coaching: Memorial HS.
Formerly coached: Spring Woods HS, Stratford HS

Email: mhsdebateyu@gmail.com

I was a LD debater in high school (Spring Woods) and a Policy debater in college (Trinity) who mainly debated Ks. My coaching style is focused on narrative building. I think it's important/educational for debate to be about conveying a clear story of what the aff and the neg world looks like at the end of the round. I have a high threshold on Theory arguments and prefer more traditional impact calculus debates. Either way, please signpost as much as you can, the more organized your speeches are the likelihood of good speaks increases. My average speaker point range is 27 - 29.2. I generally do not give out 30 speaks unless the debater is one of the top 5% of debaters I've judged. I believe debate is an art. You are welcome to add me to any email chains: (mhsdebateyu@gmail.com) More in depth explanations provided below.

Interp. Paradigm:

Perform with passion. I would like you tell me why it is significant or relevant. There should be a message or take-away after I see your performance. I think clean performances > quality of content is true most of the time.

PF Paradigm:

I believe that PF is a great synthesis of the technical and presentation side of debate. The event should be distinct from Policy or LD, so please don't spread in PF. While I am a flow judge, I will not flow crossfire, but will rely on crossfire to determine speaker points. Since my background is mostly in LD and CX, I use a similar lens when weighing arguments in PF. I used to think Framework in PF was unnecessary, but I think it can be interesting to explore in some rounds. I usually default on a Util framework. Deontological frameworks are welcomed, but requires some explanation for why it's preferred. I think running kritik-lite arguments in PF is not particularly strategic, so I will be a little hesitant extending those arguments for you if you're not doing the work to explain the internal links or the alternative. Most of the time, it feels lazy, for example, to run a Settler Col K shell, and then assume I will extend the links just because I am familiar with the argument is probably not the play. I dislike excessive time spent on card checking. I will not read cards after the round. I prefer actually cut card and dislike paraphrasing (but I won't hold that against you). First Summary doesn't need to extend defense, but should since it's 3 minutes.

I have a high threshold for theory arguments in general. There is not enough time in PF for theory arguments to mean much to me. If there is something abusive, make the claim, but there is no need to spend 2 minutes on it. I'm not sure if telling me the rules of debate fits with the idea of PF debate. I have noticed more and more theory arguments showing up in PF rounds and I think it's actually more abusive to run theory arguments than exposing potential abuse due to the time constraints.

LD Paradigm: (*updated for Glenbrooks 2023)

Treat me like a policy judge. While I do enjoy phil debates, I don’t always know how to evaluate them if I am unfamiliar with the literature. It’s far easier for me to understand policy arguments. I don’t think tech vs. truth is a good label, because I go back and forth on how I feel about policy arguments and Kritiks. I want to see creativity in debate rounds, but more importantly I want to learn something from every round I judge.

Speed is ok, but I’m usually annoyed when there are stumbles or lack of articulation. Spreading is a choice, and I assume that if you are going to utilize speed, be good at it. If you are unclear or too fast, I won’t tell you (saying “clear” or “slow” is oftentimes ignored), I will just choose to not flow. While I am relatively progressive, I don't like tricks or nibs even though my team have, in the past, used them without me knowing.

I will vote on the Kritik 7/10 times depending on clarity of link and whether the Alt has solvency. I will vote on Theory 2/10 times because judging for many years, I already have preconceived notions about debate norms, If you run multiple theory shells I am likely to vote against you so increasing the # of theory arguments won't increase your chances (sorry, but condo is bad). I tend to vote neg on presumption if there is nothing else to vote on. I enjoy LD debates that are very organized and clean line by lines. If a lot of time is spent on framework/framing, please extend them throughout the round. I need to be reminded of what the role of the ballot should be, since it tends to change round by round.

CX Paradigm:

I'm much more open to different arguments in Policy than any other forms of debate. While I probably prefer standard Policy rounds, I mostly ran Ks in college. I am slowly warming up to the idea of Affirmative Ks, but I'm still adverse to with topical counterplans. I'm more truth than tech when it comes to policy debate. Unlike LD, I think condo is good in policy, but that doesn't mean you should run 3 different kritiks in the 1NC + a Politics DA. Speaking of, Politics DAs are relatively generic and needs very clear links or else I'll be really confused and will forget to flow the rest of your speech trying to figure out how it functions, this is a result of not keeping up with the news as much as I used to. I don't like to vote on Topicality because it's usually used as a time suck more than anything else. If there is a clear violation, then you don't need to debate further, but if there is no violation, nothing happens. If I have to vote on T, I will be very bored.

Congress Paradigm:

I'm looking for analysis that actually engages the legislation, not just the general concepts. I believe that presentation is very important in how persuasive you are. I will note fluency breaks and distracting gestures. However, I am primarily a flow judge, so I might not be looking at you during your speeches. Being able to clearly articulate and weigh impacts (clash) is paramount. I dislike too much rehash, but I want to see a clear narrative. What is the story of your argument.

I'm used to LD and CX, so I prefer some form of Impact Calculus/framework. At least some sense as to why losing lives is more important than systemic violence. etc.

Some requests:
- Please don't say, "Judge, in your paradigm, you said..." in the round and expose me like that.

- Please don't post-round me while I am still in the room, you are welcome to do so when I am not present.

- Please don't try to shake my hand before/after the round.

- I have the same expression all the time, please don't read into it.

- Please time yourself for everything. I don't want to.

- I don’t have a preference for any presentation norms in debate, such as I don’t care if you sit or stand, I don’t care if you want to use “flex prep”, I don’t care which side of the room you sit or where I should sit. If you end up asking me these questions, it will tell me that you did not read my paradigm, which is probably okay, i’ll just be confused starting the round.

Hi, I'm Alex, I did Congress for 4 years. Here are my expectations in-round.

• Clash is expected in mid to late round speeches. Make sure analysis is clear- the strength of the argument itself is important but you also need to present it in a efficient way.
• I value persuasive memorable presentation/delivery. Polished speakers will score well.
• A forceful demeanor is fine, but don't be mean. As in yelling over the questioner/questionee to force a point across, or ad hominem.