Public Forum paradigm

I now coach speech, but I have also coached Congress and have judged PF and LD for the past 15 years in Ohio, Louisiana, and the national circuit. I never competed, but you know what they say about those who can’t (or don't).

I like to hear a well organized case—I value clarity and consistency. I prefer depth of analysis of one or two contentions rather than superficial treatment of a long list. Supporting evidence is important, but not as important as logical argumentation. Be sure that evidence actually supports or refutes and is not just thrown in to provide a source. I tend to vote on the arguments that involve impact and scope.

Clash is essential—nothing more deadly than listening to dueling evidence with no actual interaction. Do as much damage as you can to your opponent’s case and defend you own—sounds really basic, but that’s what I like to hear.

Crossfire is a time to ask questions—please do not use it to advance or restate your case (unless, of course, it pertains to a question you’ve been asked). I like to see teamwork in grand cross—please do not monopolize and let your partner get a word in edgewise.

I enjoy a nice extemporaneous delivery that demonstrates some real (or feigned) enthusiasm for your argument. Please do not spread—it is not impressive, and if I can’t follow you, the quality of your argument suffers.

And finally I value civility, courtesy, and respect—please don’t disappoint.

Lincoln Douglas paradigm

Similar to my PF standards, I am pretty traditional. I like a case that is well organized, clear, and consistent. Supporting evidence and depth of analysis are important, but logical arguments are essential. I really enjoy a good framework debate, and I appreciate hearing voting issues--tell me why I should vote for you. Why are your impacts more important?

I like an extemporaneous and conversational delivery. I am okay with some speed, but no spreading, please--if I can't follow you, I can't vote for you.

Civility, courtesy, and respect--always important.

Congress paradigm

Congress rankings are based on content (structure, evidence, clarity, analysis, clash) and delivery (articulation, fluency, vocal and physical expression, confidence/poise). Most importantly who advanced the debate and contributed the most through the quality (not necessarily the quantity) of his/her/their speeches and questions?

Civility, courtesy, and respect apply here as well.

I have a B.F.A in Acting from University of Houston. I also studied Montessori education at Houston Montessori Center and am a teaching member of the American Montessori Society. I worked in Montessori education for 25 years. I also provide private coaching in acting and public speaking for students.

I have judged speech and forensics for almost 6 years. What is most important to me is that you have a positive, enriching educational experience through your participation in speech and debate.

In regards to debate, be respectful to one another. If your opponent is overly aggressive and rude, do not respond with attitude. This will cost both of you speaker points. I also think it is important to use all your time in cx if you do not it shows me you are not prepared. I am fine with spreading but remember to articulate.I consider myself to be a policy maker and tab. judge. Have fun and good luck.

Here are some of my preferences for the following events! If you have any other questions, be sure to ask before the round begins.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate:

I will base my decision based off the framework provided. If no framework is provided, I will look at the biggest impacts in the round. If you want me to take an impact into consideration when casting a ballot, make sure you extend it across the flow! In addition, EXPLAIN why your impact matters. Please don't allow the round to become a definition debate. Of course, there will be some exceptions to that rule, but generally, agree on a definition and carry on with the debate. Don't drop your impacts halfway through and bring them up in the final speech. I'm not particularly fond of K's, but if you are running one, please be sure to stay in topic. Make sure you defend your case but don't forget to attack your opponent's case. As per evidence, it MUST come from reliable sources, otherwise, they will not be considered. Speaker points will be heavily influenced by your ability to both argue your points and your ability to communicate them to your opponent and me in an efficient way.

Public Forum Debate:

If you are winning on the flow, then you are winning the round. Extend your arguments and impacts, don't expect me to do so. Be sure to explain why your impacts matter! If you have a framework, I will use that to pick the winner of the round, as long as both teams agree on the framework. Your rebuttals should consist of both defense AND offense. If you drop your opponent's arguments, I will consider them as conceded on your side. Do not make arguments during CX, and do not bring up new evidence/arguments in the final focus - these will NOT be considered. All you will gain from it is lower speaker points for being abusive. Do some impact-weighing in the final focus, and make it clear that you are winning! Please be concise and clear. If I can't understand you, I can't vote for you. Make sure your evidence comes from a reliable source: the more recent the evidence, the better. As per speaker points, they will be based on your performance in all your speeches, AND your performance during CX.

GENERAL RULES

- BE RESPECTFUL. After all, it is simply a debate round. Do not let your emotions get the best of you, stay professional.

- DO NOT SPREAD.

- Do NOT go over the time limit. I understand if you're trying to finish up your sentence, but anything more than that is unfair to your opponent.

And lastly, have fun and good luck!

OVERALL info about me as a judge: in high school I competed both LD as well as PF. I am well versed in the rules and games of both worlds. I demand a respectful environment, any type of personal attacks will be noticed. Please be respectful of all debaters, this is a safe space for everyone, I understand getting frustrated and upset but that does not mean you can attack them personally.

SPEED: I can handle most speeds, but with this year being online and of course in theory internet always work, but in all actuality there can be delays if you are speeding through it can be hard to get all the info.

FLOW: I do flow rounds, I also listen to cross, if good questions arise I will write them down. If something is to be extended on the flow please tell me as to why it should and how it goes to your arguments.

ARGUMENTATION: arguments should be well thought out, nothing half put together. Make sure your audience can understand what you are getting at.

PUBLIC FORUM: in final focus don’t bring up any new arguments rather tell me what gives your side the greatest advantage in the round. Weighing clearly as to why I should vote for you is going to be key in the round.

LINCOLN-DOUGLAS: this is the moral/philosophy realm of debate I want to know how each argument you make is morally upholding your value and value criterion.

I prefer no spreading, but I should be able to follow if absolutely necessary.

Overall, I am more traditional and look at Framework debates as well as how well cards are utilized.

My personal policy is I do not provide verbal feedback or announce the winner directly after the round. All notes, comments, and feedback are posted on my written ballots.

I do not prefer K cases.

Hi! My name is Dana (she/her). I'm a parent judge, so please keep the debate rounds traditional as best as you can. Any progressive arguments (k, theory, etc) should be run cautiously, and know that I may not always understand them. If you choose to run something like this, please be sure to fully explain why I should vote for you on it. No spreading, keep it simple. If I can't understand it, it won't be on the flow. If you want anything from cross to be on the flow, be sure to say it in a speech. Signpost please!!! Make sure I know exactly what you're trying to say and where on the flow it will go. Most importantly, have fun!

kplunkett@stmdhs.org for cases/cards

Traditional judge, I prefer no spreading or Ks. I won't take off for them, but I encourage you not to!

• The easiest way to earn speaks is to clarify the voting issues and prove how and why you outweigh. I'll weigh the round based on the criteria you give me, so be sure to give me a metaphorical rubric!
• I'm a tabula rasa, so I'll vote exactly how you tell me. Hit your framework/V/VCs early and often.
• I like to see claim-warrant-impact. I flow what you say, not what I think you mean.
• Spreading will not affect your speaks, but I prefer conversational speed and good delivery. Quality, not quantity, for arguments.
• Cards should be clearly cited and available for review should there be a conflict over source validity or context. Clipping will not be tolerated.
• Signpost - reference the contention # or subpoint in speeches and CX.
• CX is for questions, not rebuttals.

As someone who does research on ld/pf/policy topics before judging, I can tell you that I will be looking to make sure that:

1. arguments are effective

2. debators speak and argue in a formal manner (don't like screaming matches)

For speech:

connect with me :) i want to hear your story!! (or the story you are telling)

Info about me: I was a high school competitor and have done LD for about 2 years. I know the rules and I will not tolerate any harassment or abuse during a round. This is mainly for personal attacks, and if this happens, it will be an automatic loss and taken to the tab room. Keep the debate civilized.

For speed, I do not mind if you are talking fast, be careful do to the tournaments being online. I do not allow spreading in my rounds. If you are speaking to fast for me, I will signal you to slow down

I do flow my rounds, so if I am looking down, I am still paying attention. I also listen to cross and that may be included with my judgment, however please don't only use the cross for clarification, makes the debate lose speed and clash.

For arguments, I am looking for a logical debate from both sides, I do not want a debate over definitions, or only framework, debate the cases as a whole. Evidence is encouraged for attacking and blocking, however do not rely on it entirely, too much information is just as bad as too little. If you are going to use hypothetical, please don't give the most extreme because that is unrealistic and brings down the debate.