alexvaughn389@gmail.com

Wylie High School (2015-2019)

UT Dallas (2019-2022)

he/him

I am rewriting this because why not.

CX - I rarely judge but if i happen to default to my LD paradigm

LD - I rarely judge but have experience. I consider myself a tab judge so give me a framework to evaluate the round and emphasize that over the course of the debate. I urge you to stray away from progressive debate tactics (like K's, T, etc.), mainly bc most debaters in LD can not run them properly or respond to them properly, and it makes for bad debate. Sorry. That being said, I am competent at evaluating any round of LD and any type of argument as long as you can explain it well.

PF - I judge this the most. Please know that blatant PF "toxic disrespect" is an automatic loss and 25 speaks. Make sure that you are always respectful to your opponents and have healthy discourse. Also, there seems to be a trend where people waste time by asking and begging to flash a certain card that ends up not mattering or teams taking too long to respond when people want to see the evidence. Please know that this will not happen in any of my rounds. I will immediately intervene and decide for myself, and then talk to your coaches because it is ridiculous. It should take no more than 20 seconds to find and flash a card, albeit email it, and any longer or other abuse of time theft will result in my intervention. Aside from that, I can evaluate any arguments, including DAs and T, but be sure that your opponent knows how to respond to them, otherwise its an awkward debate. Be sure to give voters.TLDR: don't be ridiculous, be respectful, give voters, and give good debate.

Congress - Just know that the person that gets my one will likely not have all of their speeches prewritten. Rather, they take what their opponents say and craft a speech mid round to give rebuttal arguments and constructive debate. Also, they actively participate on every bill. For the PO, as long as you know the basics it's fine and you will likely be ranked well, you can ask for help whenever.

Extemp - Make sure you answer the question. I have ranked the best speeches last because they simply don't answer the question word for word as it appears. I don't want that to happen to you :(

IE/whatever else - Give TW's if you discuss sensitive material. That's it just do you.

Debaters:

Please speak up and speak SLOWLY.

Organize your arguments and be sure to explain how your argument is more feasible than your opponent's.

Speak SLOWLY.

Give me a good reason to vote for you by successfully proving that your opponent's argument is not practical.

Please watch your speed. If you're going to read fast, it makes it harder for me to flow, so I just won't do it.

Don't assume I know what a K is, I don't. It's important for you to know this so that you can properly present your K position to me. If you don't understand your K position and explain it well to me, I won't weigh it in my decision.

Please don't yell.

Once again, SPEAK SLOWLY.

Looking for:

-clear speech

-eye contact

-emotions

-delivery

-memorization of piece if necessary

-knowledge of topic

-energy

-character changes/ being able to tell characters apart

-flow of piece

Virtual delivery - I will not count off for things that are out of your control like where you are or how clearly I can see you. However, if there are audio issues where I cannot understand you, it will be very hard for me to judge appropriately.

Interp events - Tell me a story and make me feel something. I need to believe that you are this/these character(s). If I do not believe that, you lost me. Some things to help with that are making sure you match your character physically and incorporate clear blocking so that I know what is going on. However, blocking should always be motivated and adding to the story, not distracting or taking away. Creative blocking using the camera and things like that is always fun to see. Voice inflection is so important. Are you just giving me lines you memorized or are you becoming the character and understanding how your character would say them? Pieces that are too vulgar with language or content may be docked. It needs to add to the story, not take-away. Having a strong intro to tell me why this story is relevant and how it could make a difference will help as well.

Oratory/Info - Organization of the speech needs to be appropriate and try to captivate my attention while including tone and inflection. Be creative! Topics that are not often talked about or having a fresh perspective are ways I will remember you and set you apart. Be careful when using hand gestures. They can become distracting at times, so make sure they feel natural and help communicate effectively. Most importantly, make sure there is sufficient evidence to support your claims. Info- boards have to add to the speech not just use them for the sake of using them. I also have to be able to see/read what is on the board.

Extemp - I prefer there to be structure to your speech as well as evidence to support your claims. Careful not to let your opinion take over. At this level, the cleaner your speech is, the better.

Debate: I do not have a ton of experience with Debate, but I look for those who are strong speakers and also have the best argument. I also do not advocate for rapid-fire delivery and I judge more on quality rather than quantity.

Jane Boyd

School: Grapevine HS - Interim Director of Debate and Speech

Email: janegboyd79@gmail.com (for case/evidence sharing)

School affiliation/s – Grapevine HS

Years Judging/Coaching - 39

Years of Experience Judging any Speech/Debate Event 39

Order of Paradigms PFD, LD, World Schools, Policy (scroll down)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Public Forum Debate

I am more of a traditionalist on PFD. I don't like fast PFD. The time constraints just don't allow it. No plans or counter plans. Disadvantages can be run but more traditionally and not calling it a disadvantage.

Basic principles of debate - claim, warrant, and IMPACT must be clearly explained. Direct clash and clear signposting are essential. WEIGH or compare impacts. Tell me ;your "story" and why I should vote for your side of the resolution.

I have experience with every type of debate so words like link cross-apply, drop -- are ok with me.

The summary and final focus should be used to start narrowing the debate to the most important issues with a direct comparison of impacts and worldview

I flow - IF you share cases put me on the email chain but I won't look at it until the end and ONLY if evidence or arguments are challenged. Speak with the assumption that I am flowing not reading.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lincoln Douglas Debate

A good debate is a good debate. Keep in mind that trying to be cutting-edge does NOT make for good debate by itself. While I appreciate innovation - I hate tricks for the sake of tricks and theory used as a strategy. I prefer topic-based arguments. Keep that in mind.

Framework/Values/Criteria/Standards/Burdens

Standards, criteria, framework, and/or burdens serve as the same thing - these are mechanisms for how determining who wins the debate. If a value is used it needs to be defended throughout the case and not simply an afterthought. The framework of the debate should not be longer than the rest of the case. Unless it is necessary to make the framework clear, cut to the chase and tell me what is acceptable and not acceptable, but don't spend 2 1/2 minutes on something that should take just a few sentences to make clear. I want to hear substantive debate on the topic, not excessive framework or theory. Note the word excessive. I am not stupid and usually get it much quicker than you think. In the debate resolve the issue of standard and link it to the substantive issues of the round then move on.

Evidence and Basic Argumentation:

The evidence adds credibility to the arguments of the case however I don't want to just hear you cite sources without argumentation and analysis of how it applies to the clash in the debate. I don't like arguments that are meant to confuse and say absolutely nothing of substantive value. I am fine with philosophy but expect that you can explain and understand the philosophies that you are applying to your case or arguments. A Kritik is nothing new in LD. Traditional LD by nature is perfect, but I recognize the change that has occurred. I accept plans, DAs, counter plans, and theory (when there is a violation - not as the standard strategy.) Theory, plans, and counter plans must be run correctly - so make sure you know how to do it before you run it in front of me.

Flow and Voters:

I think that the AR has a very difficult job and can often save time by grouping and cross-applying arguments, please make sure you are clearly showing me the flow where you are applying your arguments. I won't cross-apply an argument to the flow if you don't tell me to. I try not to intervene in the debate and only judge based on what you are telling me and where you are telling me to apply it. Please give voters; however, don't give 5 or 6. You should be able to narrow the debate down to critical areas. If an argument is dropped, then make sure to explain the importance or relevance of that argument don't just give me the "it was dropped so I win the argument." I may not buy that it is an important argument; you have to tell me why it is important in this debate.

Presentation:

I can flow very well. Slow the heck down, especially in the virtual world. The virtual world is echoing and glitchy. Unless words are clear I won't flow the debate. Speed for the sake of speed is not a good idea.

Kritik:

I have been around long enough to have seen the genesis of Kritik's arguments. I have seen them go from bad to worse, and then good in the policy. I think that K's arguments are in a worse state in LD now. Kritik is absolutely acceptable IF it applies to the resolution and specifically the case being run in the round. I have the same expectation here as in policy the "K" MUST have a specific link. "K" arguments MUST link directly to what is happening in THIS round with THIS resolution. I am NOT a fan of a generic Kritik that questions if we exist or not and has nothing to do with the resolution or debate at hand. Kritik must give an alternative other than "think about it." Most LD is asking me to take any action with a plan or an objective - a K needs to do the same thing. That being said, I will listen to the arguments but I have a very high threshold for the bearer to meet before I will vote on a "K" in LD.

Theory:

I have a very high threshold of acceptance of theory in LD. There must be a clear abuse story. Also, coming from a policy background - it is essential to run the argument correctly. For example having a violation, interpretation, standards, and voting issues on a Topicality violation is important. Also, know the difference between topicality and extra-tropical. or knowing what non-unique really means is important. Theory for the sake of a time suck is silly and won't lead me to vote on it at the end. I want to hear substantive debate on the topic, not just a generic framework or theory. RVI's: Not a fan. Congratulations you are topical or met a minimum of your burden I guess? It's not a reason for me to vote though unless you have a compelling reason.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WORLD SCHOOL DEBATE

I have experience and success coaching American Style Debates. Worlds Schools Debate quickly has become my favorite. I have coached teams to elimination rounds at local, state, and NSDA National tournament every year that I coached WSD. I judge WSD regularly and often.

The main thing to know is I follow the norms of WSD (that you all have access). I don't want WSD Americanized.

How would you describe WS Debate to someone else?

WSD is a classic debate. The type when folks think about the debate. Much more based on logic and classic arguments with some evidence but not evidence-heavy. It is NOT an American-style debate.

What process, if any, do you utilize to take notes in the debate?

I flow each speech.

When evaluating the round, assuming both principle and practical arguments are advanced through the 3rd and Reply speeches, do you prefer one over the other? Explain.

I look at both. Does the principle have merit and the practical is the tangible explanation? I don’t think that the practical idea has to solve but is it a good idea?

The WS Debate format requires the judge to consider both Content and Style as 40% of each of the speaker’s overall scores, while Strategy is 20%. How do you evaluate a speaker’s strategy?

Strategy is argument selection in speeches 2, 3, and 4. In 1st speech, it is how the case is set up and does it give a good foundation for other speeches to build.

WS Debate is supposed to be delivered at a conversational pace. What category would you deduct points in if the speaker was going too fast?

The style mostly, but if it is really fast then maybe strategy as well.

WS Debate does not require evidence/cards to be read in the round. How do you evaluate competing claims if there is no evidence to read?

The argument that makes the most sense, is extended throughout the debate, and does it have the basics of claim, warrant, and impact?

How do you resolve model quibbles?

Models are simply an example of how the resolution would work. Which model is best explained, extended, and directly compared? If those are even, which one makes the most intuitive sense to me?

How do you evaluate models vs. countermodels?

Models and countermodels are simply examples of how the resolution would work. Which model is best explained, extended, and directly compared? If those are even, which one makes the most intuitive sense to me?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Policy Debate:

A good Debate is a good debate. I flow from the speech not from the document. I do want to be on the email chain though. I prefer good substantive debate on the issues. While Ks are okay if you are going to read them, make sure they are understandable from the beginning. Theory - the same. If you think you might go for it in the end, make sure they are understandable from the beginning.

Be aware, that on virtual, sometimes hard to understand rapid and unclear speech (it is magnified on virtual). Make necessary adjustments.

Links should be specific and not generic. This is everything from K to DA.

The final speech needs to tell the story and compare worlds. Yes, line by line is important but treat me like a policymaker - tell me why your policy or no policy would be best.

In speaking events, it is extremely important that you always keep the interest of your audience with relatability, organization and good vehicle. Delivery should feel conversational with a good pace and easy to understand. Speeches should have good organizational structure that makes it easy for the audience to follow along and sources that help build credibility. Lastly, speaking events should include motivated gestures, facial expressions and a variety of vocal expression.

In interpretation I appreciate natural acting and blocking with a purpose and feeling the real emotion. The audience should feel the emotions of the characters. I also look for believability of the characters.

In debate, I should be able to follow along with the story created which means you should have clear explanations. I do not appreciate being rude or aggressive towards your opponent and I do not appreciate excessvie spreading. If I cannot understand what you are saying, it makes it hard for me to take in your arguments. It is not how many arguments you can get in, it is who has the strongest case.

If you plan on emailing the case to your opponent, please include me in email: cassy_molina@yahoo.com

The art of storytelling is at the core of each IE event. As a Theatre Director, it is inevitable that I am looking through the lens of an actor and wanting to be swept away into the world of your piece. Clear and engaging storytelling should transcend the screen. To achieve optimum transference one should utilize purposeful blocking, supportive transitional devices, optimal camera framing, clear and distinct character physicality, strong articulation, vocal variety (quality force time and pitch) and above all convey character truths. Dynamic pieces are not strictly dramatic or comedic. Dynamic pieces ride the wave of style and tone while allowing for natural highs and lows. life is both intense and funny find those waves in every story.

For Oratory/Info/Extemp I am looking for the same. The performers point of view is equal to a character's point of view in an Interp. Convince me of the point by using solid presentation skills. A performer should speak from a genuine truth, create purposeful movement and paint a picture with their voice. I am looking to be spoken to not at. An audience member is more likely to be persuaded if a connection is made. Lastly, the audience needs to progress in thought as the argument progresses. therefore logical progression of information/argument is vital to a clear piece. Think of yourself as a good professor not an encyclopedia-teach me through engagement.

CONGRATULATIONS! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to judge!

As a judge, I will always look for a professional presentation. This includes, not only your content and delivery, but also your presentation of YOU. I appreciate CONFIDENCE and POISE in a speaker, unafraid of being seen and heard. Please take pride in how you present yourself.

What am I looking for? In all categories, across the board, I find appropriate structure to be of utmost importance. Each event under the IE heading has a structure that is unique to that event. There must be evidence that you as a speaker understands what that structure is.

Naturally, in extemporaneous speaking events, your evidence is needed. Use and site your sources.

Delivery is going to be what I'm looking for most. Speak clearly, speak confidently and speak accurately and you will have done well.

As an interp judge, I am wanting you to make me feel something. I want to be taken on the journey. That is what I will look at first, and then will be the evaluation of the technique, et al. The same mantra as above is used as well...SPEAK CLEARLY, SPEAK CONFIDENTLY AND SPEAK ACCURATELY.

Debate:

No two rounds are the same, so depending on the round, I can vote on framework, clash, structure, analytics, or impacts because those are all crucial to a good debate. Persuade me why I should care and vote for you.

Ensure every argument is sound, but I could easily go for outlandish arguments as long as they’re done right.

I’m good with speed, and progressive arguments are fine, don’t go overboard to where you do so much that you can't keep up with your arguments and structure.

I have a background in both traditional and progressive LD and PF. If I am in a CX round, then something has gone terribly wrong.

If you are rude, condescending, abusive, etc., in the round, you WILL be called out and possibly ranked down because of it. This is supposed to be a healthy, educational environment, and I don't condone people acting like they are better than any other competitor just because of how many rounds they have won.

Congress:

I should put this in all caps, but if you behave unprofessionally in the chamber, I will completely dock you. Nothing is worse than complete disrespect for the round, competitors, and judges.

Also, I don't automatically vote you up just for being PO. Don't run for PO if you don't have your Parli procedures down; I know them.

Content is key to winning in congress and being active in the chamber. Ask questions that make you stand out for the RIGHT reasons, not because you made someone laugh.

IEs:

I have multiple state titles and have competed in numerous national out rounds on the high school and college circuit, so I don't just go by "who has the best story." Characterization and development are important, as well as clean delivery. No topics are off-limits, and follow the parameters of the event.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at ashlyntrokey@gmail.com.

I am a traditional judge. I normally judge speaking events and interpretation.

In interpretation, I appreciate natural acting in most events with the exception of Humorous. I believe you can be fully animated in Humorous Interpretation. ALWAYS have purpose for your blocking. If you have blocking just for the sake of blocking or tech, I will rank you down. It is better to have real emotion than "fake crying" or a "crying voice." Always be true to your character(s).

In speaking, speeches should be delivered at a pace that is easily understandable. Organization is key as well as keeping the audience interested with a great vehicle.

I do not flow spreading. I believe debate is a communication event, not who can get the most arguments in the least amount of time (there is not a difference in "fast speaking" and "spreading").

I will vote you down if you are rude or aggressive towards your opponent. It is one thing to debate and clash against an argument, it's another to attack your opponent.

If you plan on emailing the case to your opponent, please include me in email: lyn_esquivel@yahoo.com

Prepared performance with a well balanced storyline and distinct characters.

Extemp Speeches: I feel that you should be able to fully support your position and analysis with specific and detailed sources. I think that your delivery should be emphatic and well supported.

Interp Events: Teasers, transitions, and such should be completely motivated and with specific reason. Choices should help round out or build the character and support the story/plot line.

I have been judging speech events for the past 10 years and competed as a high school student as well. As a theater teacher I am looking for engaging storytelling. Using your vocal variety, movement, diction and moments/beats to create an engaging piece. I am looking for students to really become a character in both body and vocal.

For Oratory/Info/Extemp I am looking for the same as above, convince me of your point by using solid presentation skills, and facts.

CX Philosophy

As a judge, I look to you to tell me the rules of the round. I try to be as fluid as possible when it comes two framework and arguments. I only ask that you make sure you explain it and how it impacts the round. In regards to speed, I would say I am more comfortable with mid level speed, however it would be smart to speak slower on tag lines. Remember, if I am part of the email chain/Speechdrop then that makes speed much less of a factor in my decision. I am good with CPs, DAs, Ks, and pretty much any other style of argument as long as it is run properly. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

LD Philosophy

I'm up for about anything when it comes to arguments. Run what you feel comfortable running. I prefer the debaters to tell me what they want the round to look like. If you leave it up to me I will vote almost exclusively on framework and impacts. Not a big fan of speed at all. If you are spreading then you aren't trying to win my ballot. If I can't follow you then I won't flow the arguments. If I don't flow it then I won't vote on it. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

Coach at THE Atascocita High School

PUT ME ON THE EMAIL CHAIN: John.Rogers@humbleisd.net

I debated for New Caney High School for three years and have completed my seventh year as a high school coach. My program competes primarily throughout the Houston TFA circuit and has a heavy focus on Congressional Debate, Original Oratory, and Dramatic Interpretation. I judge as needed at local invitational TFA tournaments and have experience judging all debate events, with the exception of World Schools.

CONGRESS:

Presiding Officer Philosophy- If the PO runs a flawless chamber, it is almost certain that they will advance to the next round, especially if they were the only one volunteering to do so.

I like to see all of the normal things we look for within a speech (arguments, evidence, responses to arguments from previous speakers, etc.). Offense is key.

Pet Peeves- (1) Do not tell the PO you have a speech when gathering splits and then not have a speech for the chamber. This makes for bad debate. (2) Faux outrage in order to gain a ballot is annoying. Refrain from shouting and pretending to be angry about something that you don't have a personal stake/connection in/to. (3) Questioning should not be a competition of who can scream over who. It's not a shouting match. (4) Gotcha questions and questions that you already know the answer to are annoying.

CX Shortcuts (1-YES; 5-STRIKE):

T/Theory: 3
DA: 1
CP:1
Conditionality: 4
K: 4

General CX:

· From the 1AR of one of my favorite former Kingwood HS debaters, “You’re a policymaker. You vote on one of three things: (1) a policy option, (2) a competing policy option, or (3) the Status Quo.” I think that this debater did a great job of describing pathways to win my ballot.

· I don’t like intervening in debate rounds. However, I have to write a ballot. My suggestion for all debaters is to use your rebuttal speeches to write my RFD for me. I’m very fond of “even if” strategies when it comes to ordering arguments of importance (Ex: “You vote NEG because of _____. Even if you don’t buy that, you vote NEG because of ___.”)

· Tech > Truth (Please note that I’m reevaluating this idea each time I hear a terrible argument. I don’t recommend counting on me dismissing an argument on a truth standard. I DO recommend going line-by-line.)

· PREP TIME ends when your flash drive leaves your computer. If we’re on an email chain, which I prefer, you will see me get frustrated if I feel you’re stealing prep.

· Line-by-line is important. This is where clash should happen. When you read a long overview, and even though most of y’all tell me to flow it on a separate sheet of paper, those arguments don’t ever cross over to my flow. This is where arguments are missed and, possibly, rediscovered post RFD.

· I will presume NEG in policy rounds due to unlimited prep for the AC. I will, from time to time, depending on the quality of the argument, go for the “any risk of [impact solvency] you vote AFF” in the absence of any negative offense. I will NOT presume NEG for a counter advocacy other than the status quo.

· NEG STRAT: Not a fan of negative teams that go more than 4-5 off.

Speaks:

· In really good rounds, I don’t have a problem giving more than one speaker a 29.5. I don’t tend to give tenths of points other than halves. My speaks in these rounds usually averages somewhere around 28.5.

· I will tank your speaks if you use arguments to attack debaters personally. You should be responding to the argument itself, not assuming that the argument represents the debater that is making it. Same goes to being rude and/or disrespectful to other debaters.

o With that said, I love aggressive debate. If your level of aggressive toes the line of aggressive and disrespectful, I’ll err on aggressive when it comes to my ballot and just make a comment to you at the end of the round.

o Anything overboard that deserves more than just a warning, I’ll stop the round and give you a loss (this hasn’t happened yet throughout my career).

Speed:

· I’m about a 6/10. I can give you a little room to go faster if I have your doc in front of me on my computer.

· Please slow down on your tag lines so as to help me flow. I don’t tend to flow authors unless they’re addressed in the round, so please let me know what the author said (the tag), let me find it on the appropriate flow, and THEN give me your analysis.

-If you try to read at a 10/10 pace and mumble over half of your evidence, that is grounds for 25 speaks. This is almost the same thing as clipping to me.

Disadvantages:

· Go for it.

· Full, 4-card DAs are best for a 1NC.

· Case-specific links are best. As debates get better, I like to see more unique DAs that are more specific to the AFF. Then again, I’m probably more familiar with the generic DAs, so you do you.

Counterplans:

· Go for it.

· Not a fan of multiple CPs as a neg strat.

Impact Calc:

· Please be sure to evaluate risk of impacts instead of making the round about how a nuclear war is definitely going to happen. Appropriately evaluating impacts improves quality of debates tremendously.

K Debate:

· This is probably not the best way to my ballot, but I’d love for a good K team to help me change this mindset.

· While I understand real-life impacts are present in our society (structural violence, racism, sexism), I’d prefer to have some kind of policy solution to these problems rather than just talk about them. I will roll my eyes if the word "reimagine" is in the text of your ALT.

· I have not read any of your literature. I am not familiar with any of your literature. Please make appropriate adjustments if you choose this strategy.

· Not at all a fan of non-topical affirmatives. 1AC should always have a plan text.

Ethical Challenges/Cheating:

· If there is an accusation of cheating, the round will stop, and the burden of proof is on the accuser to prove that the accused cheated. If cheating is proven, the round will be awarded to the accuser, if cheating is not proven the round will be awarded to the accused. 30 speaks for winning team; 20 speaks for losing team. The purpose of this is to discourage false accusations, but at the same time encourage teams to challenge if they have solid evidence that cheating has occurred.

· Debaters are accountable for the evidence that they read. I will be a little more lenient if the card is from a camp file, but that does not excuse blatant misrepresentation/academic dishonesty.

I am a coach of three decades. I am a bit old school. I prefer a policy or stocks approach. I want to see clash on the topic. I am not a fan of kritiks, neg nor aff, especially kritical affs. I realize I'm taking ground away from those that don't like traditional debate. I will add I've submitted double loss ballot a couple of times in my life. I am a fan of topicality when run properly. Like a disAd (disadvantage), it has critical components that must be present. If not and called out by the opponent then I'm going to side with the call out, 9 times out of 10.

Now that we've moved to virtual fomat, if I have my hands up around my face then I'm not flowing. I'f I'm not flowing it isn't going to help you at all. If you don't know what flowing is, well I don't know what to tell you other than I'm old school and still listening to Bob Seger.

LD - First two sentences above are the same here. I believe in communication over quantity. I believe LD is a value & criterion debate with support from the contention levels. I’m not for CPs and DAs in LD, this isn’t policy debate. I do not like speed in LD. If both debaters take the stance, “forget you, I’m doing what I want to do,””. Then as the judge I may be left to basically a flip of a coin. I’m still running against the wind.

I tend to be a more traditional judge, but that does not mean I oppose different styles of LD Debate. While I am not fully accustomed to CX-style debate in LD, I am comfortable with CX arguments. If you feel more comfortable running policy arguments, go for it. It won’t impact your ballot simply because it is policy.

Spreading: I’m pretty comfortable with spreading, but if I can’t understand you, I will put my pen down and stop flowing your arguments.

Impacts/voters: Please weigh your impacts in your final rebuttal! Give voters! If you don’t tell me why I should vote for you based on the arguments in the round, I will default to your opponent's voters.

Overall, keep it classy. I will dock major speaker points if I feel a competitor is deliberately attacking their opponent.

OO/INFO/Extemp:

As long as the speech is organized and easy to follow, how you organize it is up to you. I know there are different standards everywhere. Make sure you back up your points and arguments with sufficient evidence!

INTERP:

I have no preference for how you put together your piece as long as it helps the plot structure overall. I love good character work! While pops and tricks are nice, what really wins me over is getting lost in the character's story when it is genuine.

I have been a volunteer judge for 17 years for East High School. In those 17 years I have judged all levels including TFA state and Nationals. In 2022 I had the pleasure of judging P.O.I finals at Nationals. Over the years I have judge everything from debate to i.e events.

Debate: When it comes to debate (CX,LD,PF), I am not a fan super progressive arguments. Linking evidence is important. If you run a K please do it correctly. When it comes to LD and PF, there is no need to spread . In all debates I like to see clash. When making my decision I take the entire debate into consideration.

Congress: I vote on actively within the chamber. I look at speeches, questions, and how you answer those questions. I also look to see if you have paid attention to what other representatives have said. I like to see engagement within the chamber. Please do not just read your speech! I also like a P.O to run a smooth organized chamber and know the rules. If a P.O is new and is trying I do take that into consideration.

Extemp: I want to hear evidence from good sources. I look for original takes on the topics. I do not like kids reading their speech’s. I want to hear their opinions and take on it. Remember, tell me what you are going to tell me, tell me, and then wrap it up in a conclusion.

Congress:

Congress is a persuasive event. A high score requires you to use your voice as a tool of persuasion. Quality will always trump quantity. I prefer a rate of delivery that is close to conversational and utilizes speed, space, volume, and tone to emphasize important facts.

To receive a perfect score, you must have an AGD, at least 2-3 pieces of cited evidence (including source and date), and overt organization. If you are not the Author/Sponsor, I do expect you to make connections to other speeches. These can be refutations (clash) or extensions on previously made arguments (tell me how what you're saying goes deeper, makes different impacts, or explains a previously stated concept). I should always feel that your speech is connected to the larger debate/discussion of the round.

Presiding Officers: I like efficient POs that I hardly notice and that really know their Parliamentary Procedure. I do not like POs that are overly involved or judgy. Don't frown on one sided debate, but remind the chamber that previous question will be immediately called etc. It is not your job to force students to switch sides or give speeches they may not be comfortable with. I also dislike comments when questioning ends ("I guess we'll never know" will hurt your score). Your job is to be pleasant and efficient. If you maximize the voices of the speakers while minimizing your voice so that the round runs smooth and speeches are maximized, you will receive high scores and be ranked high on my ballot. *PET PEEVE: Orders of the day is not the same thing as the motion to adjourn. Orders of the day requires there to be legislation that was tabled and simply moves the previous question on all tabled legislation.*

Extemp: I want a good AGD and structure throughout the speech. I really like introductions that orient me to your thesis, not only your topic area. Intros don't need to be funny, but I do like creative AGDs that draw from culture, current events, history, etc. I want to hear at least 2 pieces of recent evidence per point and that citation should include source and date. Please use your voice as a tool that keeps me interested and contributes to comprehension. If you seem interested and like you find the subject interesting, that will often come through the speech. The first thing I ask myself is did you fully answer the question. Good unified analysis and delivery are both important to me, but the analysis will usually win out in a tie.

Hello everyone, some things I will be looking for within individual performances will be how well you analyzed and understand your character/ portray your character. For partnered events, I will also look at these things however I will also see how you work with one another and feed off of each others moments. Along with those I will also be looking at stories and structure. I personally like a teaser that somewhat has me guessing what's going to happen, for intros I prefer something short but detailed little speech (also would prefer for it not to expose the storyline)(also don't be afraid to show your true colors in the intro). I understand we are all In different environments with different resources so as per video set up I really just want to hear you and see as much facials as possible.

-Thank you and good-luck.